Nike has made headlines by signing 13-year-old soccer sensation McKenna “Mak” Whitham to an exclusive name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal, making her the youngest female soccer player and athlete overall to secure such a partnership with the brand. Whitham expressed her excitement about joining the Nike family, citing it as a significant milestone in her budding career. Talks between Nike and Whitham began earlier in 2024, culminating in this groundbreaking agreement. She joins a prestigious roster of Nike NIL athletes, including prominent figures like Simone Jackson and Bronny James. Despite being homeschooled and set to graduate in 2028, Whitham has already made waves in the soccer world with her impressive skills, catching the attention of both professional teams and major brands like Nike. Additionally, she has been actively involved in preseason activities with various National Women’s Soccer League teams, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.