To be a great team, more often than not, you not only need stars, but you need talented role players as well. That has been the case for the UCLA Bruins this season, and their reward is the overall No. 1 seed. And when you think of that, the first name that comes to mind is Janiah Barker.

Barker came up big for the Bruins last month against Michigan State, jumping into the starting lineup when Betts missed a game and filling in with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The transfer has been a savior, to say the least. And while what she does on the court is nothing short of impressive, off it, she has been securing some seriously lucrative deals.

What are Janiah Barker’s NIL deals as of 2025?

Janiah Barker has landed NIL deals with some major brands. As per On3 data, her endorsement roster includes Cash App, Wescom Credit Union, Adidas, Crocs, T-Mobile, and Texas Aggies United. The biggest one has to be Adidas. Barker inked a deal with Adidas Basketball on March 13, 2024, and the brand made sure to let the world know via Instagram. And we know for a fact that very few brands have embraced NIL deals like Adidas. They’ve partnered with top NCAA talent since athletes were given the green light to profit off their names, images, and likenesses. And Barker is one of their prized signees.

“I couldn’t be more blessed to be a part of the Adidas family,” Barker said. “They have taken me in with open arms and shown me love since day one. I’m so excited to be on this journey and inspire the next generation with the three-stripe community.”

But how did she get here? Where did it all start?

Which high school did Janiah Barker attend?

After being born in Marietta, Georgia, her parents later moved to Tampa, Florida, where she grew up honing her craft on the hardwood. Barker’s basketball journey began thanks to her father, Tyrone Barker. When she was in first grade, he put a basketball in her hands and introduced her to dribbling techniques.

From that moment on, it was love at first sight. With the support of her mother, Leshel Barker, and her siblings, Jayden Barker and Jabari Hunt, she dedicated herself to the game. Her high school career kicked off at Tampa Bay Technical High School, where she made an immediate impact. 

As a freshman in 2018-19, she helped lead the team to a 24-3 record and a state championship. For her senior year, she transferred to Montverde Academy and led them to their first-ever GEICO High School National Championship in 2022. Barker posted eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds in the championship game. 

Across her senior campaign, she averaged 17.6 points, and 8.9 rebounds, shot 50% from the field, and hit 35% from deep. She was named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School All-American team and made a mark in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

Her success wasn’t limited to the high school level. Barker also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2019 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Chile. By the time she was ready for college, ESPN ranked her as the No. 3 player in the 2022 class, making her the highest-ranked recruit in Texas A&M history when she committed to the Aggies over Georgia.

Now, three years into her collegiate career and projected one of the top draft picks, how much money is the junior forward making?

What is Janiah Barker’s net worth and salary?

Here’s the thing. College athletes don’t get paid a traditional salary. As per NCAA regulations, schools can’t directly compensate players. But thanks to NIL rights, Barker can make serious cash through endorsements, sponsorships, and partnerships.

However, her exact net worth and NIL valuation remain undisclosed. But she’s got some major brands backing her, and that means she’s making good money. She is smart. And her decision to transfer to UCLA also shows her maturity. She went from being a star at Texas A&M to taking on a smaller role with the Bruins.

But instead of sulking, she embraced it and still shined, earning Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honors. And since it’s UCLA’s first year in the Big Ten, she’s officially the first Bruin to win that award. Her sacrifice and team-first mentality have helped UCLA build a deep roster, where experienced players like her can step up when needed. On the season, she averaged 7.6 points and 5.9 rebounds, adding much-needed size to UCLA’s frontcourt.

So, what’s next for Barker? Well, with her talent and marketability, the sky’s the limit. Whether it’s more NIL deals, a standout senior season, or a future in the WNBA, Janiah Barker is going to make a bigger name for herself.