Former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes made a $5 million donation to the school’s South End Zone project on Thursday.
On Friday, Kansas City Chiefs Star made history by signing six Texas Tech players to NIL contracts with “Team Mahomes.” Weeks later adidas and the Red Raiders have signed a 10-year partnership, largely due to Mahomes’ work with the sportswear brand. The group has launched a NIL initiative nicknamed “Team Mahomes.”
The announcement came as Mahomes is visiting Lubbock and spending time on campus and in the athletic program. The first athletes to join “Team Mahomes” include:
- Wide receiver in the first year with five stars Michael Hudson
- American Softball College Player of the Year NiJaree Canada
- Jasmine Razorthe best scorer of the women’s basketball team
- Matthew Comegysone of the best amateur golfers in the country
- soccer player Sam Courtwrightthe Big 12 Freshman of the Year 2023
- Baseball player TJ Pompeywho was named Freshman All-American
The exact terms of the endorsement deals were not disclosed, but the six athletes will participate in brand marketing campaigns, including promoting Mahomes’ signature line of shoes and apparel with Adidas.
“The energy around this partnership has been incredible and this announcement shows how important it is to me, adidas and Texas Tech,” Mahomes said in a statement. “Adidas has been a collaborative partner from the beginning and together we have selected athletes who are among the best and embody the drive and dedication we look for in an athlete for Team Mahomes. We have a lot of great things in store for the Red Raiders – stay tuned for more.”
Patrick Mahomes works with the stars of Texas Tech
Hudson is the 11th-best recruit in the country in the class of 2024 and is expected to be an immediate contributor at Texas Tech. He is the highest-ranked recruit in program history.
The Red Raiders secured a commitment from Canady last month. The Stanford transfer pitcher agreed to a NIL deal with the third-round collective. The Matador ClubA source familiar with the situation told On3 that the deal was worth nearly $1.2 million.
As the reigning national softball player of the year, she entered the transfer portal on the last day of the transfer window, June 17. Considered one of the best pitchers in the sport, Canady finished the 2024 season with a 0.73 ERA and 337 strikeouts in 230.2 total innings.
Adidas was the most aggressive sporting goods giant of the NIL era, launching an ambassador network. Over 12,000 student-athletes from a variety of sports across the country have participated in this network and earn a percentage of the sales they generate for key products and campaigns.
“The creation of Team Mahomes further positions Texas Tech Athletics as a national leader in NIL. This would not be possible without a great partner like adidas, who firmly believes in investing in our student-athletes under the Patrick Mahomes brand,” said Texas Tech’s athletic director. Kirby Hocutt said. “In today’s era of sports, there are not many athletes of a generation like Patrick Mahomes who so proudly support their alma mater and give back in such a meaningful way.”
