Nike Signs Bronny James, D.J. Wagner, Caitlin Clark, Haley Jones, JuJu Watkins To NIL Deals

Nike Basketball has signed five student athletes to Name, Image and Likeness deals, including Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

The other signees to Nike’s student athlete roster include Caitlin Clark, Haley Jones, D.J. Wagner and JuJu Watkins.

“To serve the future of athletes and sport, Nike is teaming up with inspiring young athletes who are leading the way now — both on the court and in their communities,” Nike said in a statement. “Just as we support them in pursuing their goals, they push us to think even bigger about the change we can create together.

Bronny James is a senior at Sierra Canyon High School who is considering various college options, including Ohio State. LeBron has said his plan is to play with Bronny beginning in 2024.

“For as long as I can remember, Nike’s been a part of my family. Getting a chance to team up with them and continue my family’s legacy both on the court and in the community is wild — it really means a lot to me,” Bronny James said in a statement.

Clark, a junior point guard at the University of Iowa, is a consensus first-team All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Naismith Trophy finalist. She is the only Division 1 women’s basketball player to lead the country in both assists per game and points per game in a single season. Clark is the first player in Division 1 history, women’s or men’s, to have back-to-back 30-point triple doubles.

“I grew up watching Nike athletes across all sports play their game. They have inspired me to work hard and make a difference. I’m humbled to be part of this first Nike basketball class and passionate about inspiring the next,” Clark said in a statement.

Jones, a senior guard at Stanford University, was a five-star, top recruit out of high school and has continued to shine throughout her collegiate career. Last year, Haley was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year, WBCA All-America and a Naismith Trophy finalist. She’s also a two-time USBWA All-America and AP All-America recipient.

“Basketball has given me so much over the years. I’m excited about the opportunity this partnership presents — to give back to my community in more ways than I ever imagined possible,” Jones said in a statement.

Wagner is a point guard from Camden, N.J., and the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023. As the son of former NBA player Dajuan Wagner and grandson of Milt Wagner, basketball roots run in the family. He is the subject of a recruiting battle between Kentucky and Louisville.

“I’ve seen the impact this game — and the people who play it — can have on the community, and I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level with Nike in Camden and beyond,” DJ Wagner said in a statement.

Watkins, a senior guard from Watts in Los Angeles, is a leading player in the class of 2023 and has twice been named the Los Angeles Times Player of the Year. She is a two-time USA Basketball U17 Gold Medalist and named two-time Championship MVP.

“My family’s always given back to the community and now it’s my turn. With Nike’s support, I know I can make a difference. I can’t wait to share my love for the game with young athletes in Los Angeles — especially in the Watts community — and around the world,” Watkins said in a statement.