New Balance signs Cameron Brink as its first female basketball player on big-money NIL deal… with college superstar joining likes of Jamal Murray and Kawhi Leonard on roster

Stanford basketball superstar Cameron Brink has signed an NIL deal with New Balance, becoming the first ever female player to sign with the sportswear giants.

Brink has enjoyed a stellar college career at Stanford thus far, winning four straight All-American honors and two Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The 21-year-old American sensation, who averaged 15.1 points per game last season, also took victory at the 2023 FIBA ​​3×3 World Cup and became the 2021 NCAA champion.

And ahead of her senior season – which she plans to complete despite being eligible for the 2023 WNBA draft – Brink has now landed a big money NIL contract with New Balance.

As part of the deal, Brink will appear in ad campaigns ranging from lifestyle to high performance for the footwear and apparel company, which already has NBA’s Jamal Murray, Kawhi Leonard, Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray on its roster.

Brink has enjoyed a stellar college career at Stanford thus far, winning four straight All-American honors

She followed the likes of Jamal Murray (left) and Kawhi Leonard (right) to join them

She will also work closely with designers to influence key footwear and clothing decisions.

Her fellow Stanford athlete Roisin Willis, a track and field star, became the brand’s first NIL athlete after signing his own deal in July. MLB player Shohei Ohtani also has a partnership with New Balance.

Brink said, “I am honored and excited to be joining forces with New Balance. Their ability to empower athletes aligns perfectly with my own values, and I look forward to this journey with them.

“I hope we inspire athletes around the world to fearlessly chase their dreams.”

The small attacker has also signed NIL deals with a host of other companies, including Buick, Chegg, Urban Outfitters, Hyperice, and Celsius.

The introduction of NIL deals in recent years has enabled college athletes to capitalize on their potential, and Brink is therefore in no hurry to move to the professional leagues.

To be eligible for the WNBA draft, players must turn 22 in the calendar year in question. Brink, born on December 31, 2000, is eligible for military service with one day this year.

But she doesn’t plan on rushing through college, telling Mercury News last year, “It’s fun, studying is fun. Why not stay?’

Brink, the godsister of NBA star Steph Curry (right), has no plans to rush her college career

The 21-year-old already has more than 300,000 followers before moving to the pro leagues

Brink has over 300,000 followers on Instagram and will likely only rise in popularity as she makes the move to the WNBA.

Naveen Lokesh, Head of Basketball Sports Marketing at New Balance, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Cameron as the first female basketball player to join the New Balance family.

“Cameron’s exceptional on-court skill and desire to give back align perfectly with New Balance’s desire to change the game for the better. We are excited to support Cameron as she reaches new heights in her career and contribute to the growth of women’s basketball for years to come.”