Nike has signed a 13-year-old soccer prodigy named McKenna “Mak” Whitham to a deal that allows her to use her name, image, and likeness. This groundbreaking agreement makes her the youngest athlete ever to secure an NIL deal with the renowned sports apparel giant.
Whitham, who is homeschooled and will graduate in 2028, showcases her skills as a member of the Southern California club team Slammers FC HB Koge and the U.S. under-15 youth national team. She has already made a name for herself in the soccer world, catching the attention of Nike and several professional teams.
Expressing her excitement, Whitham stated, “Joining the Nike family means the world to me. They have accomplished so much, and it truly motivates me to push harder. It’s an incredible opportunity that not every child gets to experience.”
Whitham shared the news of her partnership with Nike on her Instagram account, expressing her gratitude and excitement for becoming a part of the Nike Football family. For her, this is a dream come true, as she has been a loyal Nike supporter since day one.
Despite her young age, Whitham has already demonstrated her exceptional skills on the field. Nike and various National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams, such as Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, have taken notice of her ability to score from outside the 18-yard box with either foot. Her coordination is something most of us can only hope for.
Josh, Whitham’s father, expressed his pride and humility regarding his daughter’s achievements. He sees her signing with Nike as both a validation of her hard work and a reminder that setting goals and working diligently can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Whitham now joins an illustrious group of Nike NIL athletes, which includes notable names like Bronny James and Juju Watkins from USC basketball, as well as Caitlin Clark, a talented point guard from Iowa.
According to the Source outkick.com