UConn star Azzi Fudd inks NIL deal with iconic shoe brand before March Madness
· Yahoo Sports
Azzi Fudd is a top women’s college basketball star getting ready to head to the WNBA in a few months, but the UConn standout landed a huge NIL deal right before March Madness.
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This season, Fudd continued her standout career under head coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies. However, she’s making women’s college basketball history with a historic NIL contract that features a legendary shoe brand.
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Azzi Fudd joined the Jordan Brand family after inking a deal with NBA legend Michael Jordan’s company. The UConn star becomes the first active women’s college basketball player to sign with Jordan Brand.
BREAKING: UConn standout Azzi Fudd has signed a NIL deal with Jordan Brand @azzi_35@Jumpman23pic.twitter.com/lbZPIj81a0
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) March 6, 2026
Many top athletes in other leagues have been bestowed the honor of working with the six-time NBA champion, including Luka Doncic, Derek Jeter and Duke star Cameron Boozer.
“I grew up watching what the Jumpman meant to basketball and to the culture around the game, so becoming part of the Jordan Brand family represents what I am stepping into and the greatness that I aspire to be,” Fudd said in the Jordan Brand press release.
Azzi Fudd lands historic NIL deal
However, Fudd’s deal indicates another massive shift in women’s college basketball as the sport gains more exposure. This all comes after Caitlin Clark revealed a few months back that she’s getting her own signature shoe with Nike that will take elements from Kobe Bryant’s legendary shoe collection.
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Late last year, Fudd joined NBA star Steph Curry’s SC30 brand in a deal that caused tension between the Golden State Warriors guard and Under Armour. Since then, Curry left Under Armour to pursue other sneaker deals, but he remains a free agent for now.
UConn Huskies players, including Azzi Fudd, holding up their college basketball jerseys during senior night. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Azzi Fudd and the undefeated Huskies are 31-0 this season as they prepare to roll into March Madness. Auriemma’s team remains the clear favorite to hoist the national championship next month as Fudd and Co. aim to continue their historic year.
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