Texas Tech softball star NiJaree Canady has signed a second seven-figure Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the university’s collective, The Matador Club, securing her return for the 2026 season. The new agreement is reportedly worth at least $1.2 million, surpassing her previous $1.05 million deal that marked the first million-dollar NIL contract in college softball history.
Canady’s decision to remain with Texas Tech comes amid speculation that she might enter the transfer portal following another standout season. Her manager, Derrick Shelby of Prestige Management, emphasized her commitment to the program, stating, “The decision to stay at Tech was not difficult. This program has taken care of her. They have showed how much she is appreciated.”
During the 2025 season, Canady led the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, as well as their inaugural appearance in the Women’s College World Series finals. She posted a 34–6 record with a 0.97 ERA and 317 strikeouts over 239 innings, while also contributing offensively with 11 home runs and a .280 batting average.
As OutKick reports:
But before she could take the mound in Oklahoma City for Friday’s national title game, the ink has already dried on another massive contract for NiJaree Canady, thanks to ‘The Matador Club, which is the Texas Tech NIL collective.
ESPN was the first to report her new contract.
It’s being reported that Canady is set to earn $1.2 million for next season, as the Red Raiders took care of the new deal before the House settlement could be approved. Given that these NIL deals will be scrutinized once the new enforcement arm is created, and every NIL deal over $600 has to be submitted to a clearinghouse, it’s smart on the part of Texas Tech to get this contract finalized.
Could the Red Raiders decide to pay her a good chunk of the contract before July 1st? It’s possible, because that date is when schools will start paying players directly, and her salary could also count towards the upcoming revenue-sharing cap.
Although the Red Raiders came up short in a winner-take-all Game 3 against Texas on Friday, Canady can take comfort in knowing she’ll be back with the team next season.