Mikey Williams has become the first American high school basketball player to sign an endorsement deal with a footwear and appeal company. Williams, 17, has held off on signing a name, image, and likeness deal before now wanting to weigh his options before making a decision. The top 15 recruit in the 2023 class has long been a basketball sensation and was sure to have many NIL offers once it became possible. He is currently uncommitted and still weighing his options for college and potential professional routes.
BREAKING: PUMA has announced a multiyear endorsement deal with 17 year-old, five-star prospect Mikey Williams — making him one of the youngest basketball athletes to sign with a global footwear company. pic.twitter.com/4MCmySa8C3
— Boardroom (@boardroom) October 28, 2021
The trailer is here. Welcome to the fam Mikey Williams @619PRESIDENTIAL ? NOT. YET. RATED. pic.twitter.com/JPdr6g0ji4
— PUMA Basketball (@PUMAHoops) October 28, 2021
Mikey Williams, much like Emoni Bates, has been a national basketball star from a young age, and unlike athletes, before him, he can capitalize on it. While he still may go with the professional route after high school this at least gives college basketball a fighting chance for unique talent. Williams is a 2023 recruit and still has plenty of time to make that decision.
Mikey Williams has signed with PUMA. First high school hooper to ink a shoe deal. ? @619PRESIDENTIAL @PUMAHoops pic.twitter.com/UAodTl4npT
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) October 28, 2021
Williams said the following after the multiyear deal was announced: “I am excited to join the Puma family this early in my basketball journey. Puma really understands how to mix hoops and culture, two things I am passionate about.” Deals like this might become more common, but a talent and brand like Mikey Williams doesn’t come around every year. NIL has made it all possible moving forward.
