Adidas Canada Inks Deal Aaliyah Edwards, Pioneering NIL Agreement in Canada

Adidas Canada proudly announces the addition of Aaliyah Edwards to its esteemed roster of athletes, solidifying the brand's dedication to advancing women in sports.

A Kingston, Ontario native, Edwards, currently a senior at the University of Connecticut, brings her prowess to the UConn Huskies women's basketball team.

Recognized for her tenacity, Edwards has garnered accolades such as the 2023 Big East Most Improved Player and Most Outstanding Player awards.

Making her Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020, she emerged as the youngest member of the Canadian women's basketball team.

Edwards achieves a groundbreaking milestone as the first Canadian to secure a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement, underscoring Adidas' commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for women in sports.

Since its 2022 announcement, Adidas has engaged in NIL deals with student-athletes, focusing on an all-female roster to unlock opportunities, provide mentorship, and celebrate achievements.

The brand extends its support across various sports, empowering student-athletes in their collegiate pursuits.

"We are so proud to welcome Aaliyah to the adidas Canada basketball family," said Kelly Graham, Head of Marketing at adidas Canada.

"The athletic achievements Aaliyah has made in her career so far are inspirational, and her passion for basketball and the community surrounding the sport hasn't gone unnoticed.

"She is a natural leader and positive influence for so many young aspiring athletes and we deeply value her dedication to championing other female athletes within the community."

Edwards joins Adidas' basketball roster at a pivotal juncture, coinciding with the brand's expansion of its basketball collection, including the upcoming 2024 CHAPTER 02 collection tailored for the modern baller, a persona perfectly embodied by Edwards.

Thrilled about the partnership, Aaliyah Edwards shared, "I couldn't be more excited to join the Adidas basketball family.

This collaboration, grounded in our shared values of uplifting women in sport and fostering community initiatives, will make a profound impact not just on me but on other aspiring young athletes like me."

In the 2023 off-season, Edwards organized a basketball development camp at a local Kingston high school, offering mentorship to budding athletes.

"I couldn't be more excited to join the adidas basketball family," said Aaliyah Edwards.

"Through our shared values of elevating women in sport and hosting community initiatives to improve access to sport, this partnership will have a profound impact not only on myself, but also other young athletes just like me."

Adidas Canada commits to supporting Edwards in her philanthropic endeavors and advocates for organizations driving positive change in Canadian sports.