Texas Tech softball pitcher Nijaree Canady has signed another groundbreaking NIL deal, reportedly worth over $1 million, making her the highest-paid athlete in college softball history. The agreement, finalized just hours before Game of the Women’s College World Series championship, marks her second seven-figure contract since transferring from Stanford last year.
Canady’s impact on the Red Raiders has been immediate and profound. After joining Texas Tech—a program with little previous softball pedigree—she led the team to a school-record 54 wins, Big regular-season and tournament titles, and their first-ever WCWS finals appearance This season, Canady posted a 34-6 record with a 0.97 ERA and 319 strikeouts, while also contributing home runs at the plate.
Despite her historic NIL earnings, Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco has criticized the media’s focus on Canady’s contract, arguing it overshadows her on-field achievements and the Red Raiders’ dramatic turnaround. Glasco called the attention to her NIL deal “insulting,” emphasizing that Canady’s value to the program far exceeds her compensation.
Canady’s workload in the WCWS was extraordinary—she pitched every inning for Texas Tech through the super regionals and the first two games of the championship series, throwing over 686 pitches in 48 innings Though she struggled in the decisive Game against Texas, her performance throughout the season has cemented her status as one of college softball’s most dominant and marketable players.
