Adidas, Patrick Mahomes announce second class of 'Team Mahomes' NIL deals

Saturday morning, Patrick Mahomes appeared on ESPN College GameDay as the celebrity guest picker ahead of BYU at Texas Tech. But he was also in town to announce adidas’ second “Team Mahomes‘ class of NIL deals.

Five Texas Tech athletes are part of the initiative, which debuted last year as the Red Raiders began a 10-year partnership with adidas. Softball star NiJaree Canady and soccer standout Sam Courtwright are both returning from last year. Quarterback Behren Morton, men’s basketball guard Christian Anderson and track’s Malachi Snow are the newcomers for this season.

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Mahomes met with the five athletes ahead of Saturday’s game, and they will be recognized. The Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback has a longstanding relationship with adidas, which is how the initiative came together.

“Texas Tech will always be home for me, so I’m proud to give back to the school and community who helped shape me on and off the field,” Mahomes said in a statement. “As the partnership with adidas continues to evolve and expand, we’re redefining not just the future of Red Raider sports, but college athletics more widely.”

Saturday’s announcement came as Texas Tech debuted the all-white, “Too Cold” uniforms. Designed by Mahomes and adidas, they feature his signature Gladiator logo. The jerseys are also available for fans to purchase.

Texas Tech’s biggest names join Team Mahomes

In Canady and Morton, Team Mahomes landed two of Texas Tech’s biggest names. Back for her second season with the Red Raiders, Canady helped lead the program to a Women’s College World Series berth last year. She also has a $963,000 On3 NIL Valuation, and On3’s Pete Nakos reported she signed a new deal with the Texas Tech-focused NIL collective, The Matador Club, worth seven figures.

Morton, meanwhile, is in the midst of an impressive senior season at Texas Tech. He leads the Big 12 with a 67.9% completion percentage while throwing for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns, to just four interceptions, through seven games. Morton has a $931,000 On3 NIL Valuation.

“Team Mahomes is the result of a unique partnership between adidas and Patrick Mahomes that’s elevating Texas Tech athletics, shaping the future of college sports and building on a lasting legacy for Mahomes in Lubbock and beyond,” said Chris McGuire, adidas’ vice president of sports marketing for North America, in a statement. “NiJaree, Behren, Malachi, Christian, and Sam are some of the nation’s most impressive student-athletes, making them perfect additions to Team Mahomes and the adidas family.”

Even while starring for the Chiefs, Mahomes has maintained a presence around Texas Tech. In addition to attending Saturday’s game during Kansas City’s bye week, he is also a fixture at basketball games and was cheering on the softball team during last year’s WCWS. He also gifted each player custom gear ahead of the championship series.

“Patrick Mahomes’ impact on Texas Tech has been immeasurable. His ongoing investment in our athletes, notably through Team Mahomes, showcases his and adidas’ belief in and commitment to the future of Texas Tech athletics,” said Texas Tech athletics director Kirby Hocutt. “It’s always great to have Patrick on campus, and we look forward to continuing to work together in what’s a really unique and special relationship with adidas.”