NCAA 5000m Champion Parker Valby Becomes the First Female Track and Field Athlete to Sign an NIL Deal With Nike

2023 NCAA 5000 meter champion Parker Valby has made history. She becomes the first college female track and field athlete to sign a NIL endorsement deal with sportswear giant Nike. Earlier this month, the SEC champion dominated the NCAA 5000m event in Austin and won the race in 15:30.57.

The Florida sophomore joins an exclusive group of talented athletes who have partnered up with Nike after the change in NIL rule in July 2021. With her exceptional talent and hard work, Valby has established herself as one of the most promising athletes in distance running. The young champion took to her Instagram handle to post about her partnership with Nike.

Parker Valby makes history by joining Nike

Parker Valby announced the NIL endorsement with Nike on her Instagram page on 27th June. The track star posted a couple of pictures in Nike apparel and captioned the post,?“I?m thrilled to announce that Nike is sponsoring me as their first female NCAA T&F athlete. Nike has given me the tools to pursue my passion at the highest level and I?m so excited for what the future holds. @nike @nikerunning#justdoit

Speaking to reporters about her brand deal with Nike, Valby said,??This deal allows athletes like myself to earn an income while pursuing a college degree and competing in the NCAA. I love being part of a college team and representing my university, so for me it?s a real positive.? Parker Valby’s blend of endurance and speed along with Nike’s high-performance athletic gear is a sure-shot recipe for success. Valby and Nike’s association goes beyond the track as Nike also agreed to get involved in initiatives that support and benefit the local communities as well. This endorsement deal also paves the way for college athletes to get help from big corporations in sustaining and supporting their dreams of a future in sports.

Why is this deal important for college athletes?

Since the NCAA changed its rule in 2021, regarding athletes earning from their NIL, a lot more doors have opened up for these budding superstars. Valby’s endorsement deal is also of great value to the domain of track and field. There have been a lot of NIL deals being offered lately to athletes who play sports with higher revenue, like football and basketball. But when it comes to track and field, big offers have been slow to come along.

Read More – Why Do Track and Field Athletes Earn Lesser Than Others During Olympics?

Valby and Nike’s deal is estimated to be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000 annually. Parker Valby has shown signs that she has the potential to become a world champion and an Olympic athlete. With Nike’s support, the Florida sophomore is well-positioned to achieve all her goals.

Watch this story – Jamaican Track and Field Underdog Poses Threat to Sha’Carri Richardson and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Record