McKenna Whitham Becomes Youngest Ever to Sign Nike NIL Deal

A huge congratulations to McKenna “Mak” Whitham from our Slammers FC HB Køge ECNL Girls U15 team, who has become the youngest ever Nike Name/Image/Likeness (NIL) signee in any sport. She joins SFC alum Simone Jackson as one of a handful of soccer players signed to Nike NIL deals.

From ESPN.com:

Nike has signed 13-year-old soccer phenom McKenna “Mak” Whitham to a name, image and likeness deal. Whitham becomes the youngest women’s soccer player and youngest athlete in any sport to sign an NIL deal with Nike.

“It means everything to me,” Whitham told ESPN. “I’m just super excited to be part of the Nike family. They’ve done so many great things so far. And it motivates me even harder. I mean, not every kid gets to get signed by Nike.”

The forward, who is home schooled, will graduate with the class of 2028. Whitham plays for the Southern California club team Slammers FC HB Koge and is a member of the U.S. under-15 youth national team.

This past year, she made a name for herself at the club and national level by her ability to score with either foot outside the 18-yard box. And professional teams, in addition to brands like Nike, took notice.

We are so proud of you Mak!! Keep up the amazing work.