Texas Tech softball pitcher NiJaree Canady has entered into a name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnership with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), earning equity ownership in the organization.
The agreement was announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026. It includes social media content creation and brand campaigns ahead of the 2026 season.
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Canady is joined in the marketing collaboration by Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens and Texas catcher Reese Atwood.
The NIL deal is separate from Canady's player contract at Texas Tech, where she is currently a senior.
According to the Associated Press, she previously signed two deals worth over $1 million with the Red Raiders, making her the highest-paid player in collegiate softball history.
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Last season, Canady posted a 21-4 record with a 1.30 ERA and 194 strikeouts over 135 innings.
Her performance helped Texas Tech reach the national championship game and earned her the 2026 Big 12 co-pitcher of the year award.
The AUSL, founded in 2024, selected Canady as the No. 2 overall pick by the Texas Volts in its draft.
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She is eligible to debut in the league this June after the Women's College World Series concludes.
