Darryn Peterson makes history as first high school athlete to sign NIL deal with Adidas

Now sixteen years old, Darryn Peterson has made history by being the first student-athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract with Adidas Basketball.  

According to Sole Retriever, the burgeoning athlete, who is still a student at Huntington Prep in Huntington, West Virginia, is ranked the No. 3 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class and has shown remarkable ability and potential on the court.

Peterson’s athletic achievements drew the attention of several college scouts and major sports sponsors, culminating in this ground-breaking partnership with Adidas.

The 6’5 combo guard stated, “I’m extremely proud to join an elite group of athletes with Adidas.”

“I look forward to working with the team as I embark on this pivotal moment in my career,” he added, highlighting the significance of this deal in his burgeoning athletic journey.

He also told Boardroom, “The deal gives me the opportunity to take my brand to the next level. And spread it around the world.”

The Global General Manager of Adidas Basketball, Eric Wise, shared his excitement about having the rising star join their brand, saying, “Darryn is an all-star athlete and, at such a young age, embodies what Adidas Basketball is all about. We cannot wait to see what the future holds and welcome him into the 3 Stripe family.”

According to Sports Illustrated, while the sports world got its first official look at Peterson in three stripes apparel, the star recruit has yet to decide which NCAA program he will sign with. 

“It means a lot. For Adidas to choose me out of all the high school basketball players in the world? For them to take a chance on me is a big deal. It’s an honor and a blessing,” Peterson said to Boardroom. 

As the sixteen-year-old guard begins his junior season, he will be able to openly endorse shoes that feature athletes from his new brand, including Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young, owing to this agreement, the news outlet reported.

Peterson encouraged other young athletes, saying, “Keep the main thing the main thing. Focus on whatever that dream is, and the business part will come with it. Don’t let that drive you. Stay humble and be self-motivated.” 

According to The Sole Retriever, this agreement ushers in a new era in high school sports, one in which budding players are starting to receive funding and exposure early in their careers. 

In addition to being a significant career achievement, Peterson’s partnership with Adidas is a symbol of the shifting landscape of sports sponsorship.