Texas Tech star softball pitcher NiJaree Canady will make $1.2 million in a name, image and likeness deal to play for the school in 2026 after leading the team to the Women's College World Series.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the ace pitcher had signed a "seven-figure NIL deal" to keep her with the program past the 2025 season. The junior right-hander had transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford ahead of the 2025 season and became the first softball player to secure a NIL deal in excess of $1 million.

Texas Tech is a win away from its first Women's College World Series championship in program history, and it has ace pitcher NiJaree Canady to thank for its rise to title contention. The three-time All-American joined the Red Raiders this season on a historic NIL deal worth more than $1 million,