New Balance signs Cameron Brink as its first female basketball player on big-money NIL deal... with college superstar joining likes of Jamal Murray and Kawhi Leonard on roster

Stanford basketball superstar Cameron Brink has put pen to paper on an NIL deal with New Balance, becoming the first ever female player to sign with the sportswear giants.

Brink has enjoyed a stellar college career so far with Stanford, winning four consecutive All-American honors and two Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The 21-year-old American sensation, who averaged 15.1 points per game last season, also claimed victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and was a 2021 NCAA Champion.

And ahead of her senior season - which she plans to complete despite being eligible for the 2023 WNBA draft - Brink has now landed a big-money NIL contract with New Balance.

As part of the deal, Brink will appear in ad campaigns ranging from lifestyle to high performance for the shoe and apparel company, which already has the NBA’s Jamal Murray, Kawhi Leonard, Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray on its roster.

Stanford basketball superstar Cameron Brink has become the first ever female player to sign an NIL deal with New Balance

Brink has enjoyed a stellar college career so far with Stanford, winning four consecutive All-American honors

She has followed the likes of Jamal Murray (left) and Kawhi Leonard (right) in joining them

She will also work closely with designers to influence key footwear and apparel decisions.

Her fellow Stanford athlete Roisin Willis, a track and field star, became the brand's first NIL athlete after penning his own deal in July. MLB player Shohei Ohtani also has a partnership with New Balance.

Brink said: 'I am honored and excited to join forces with New Balance. Their ability to empower athletes perfectly aligns with my own values, and I look forward to this journey with them.

'I hope we inspire athletes around the world to fearlessly pursue their dreams.'

The small forward has also penned NIL deals with a host of other companies, including Buick, Chegg, Urban Outfitters, Hyperice and Celsius.

The introduction of NIL deals in recent years has allowed college athletes to cash in on their potential, and Brink is in no rush to move to the professional leagues as a result.

To qualify for the WNBA draft, players must turn 22 years old in the relevant calendar year. Brink, who was born on December 31, 2000, is eligible for this year's draft by a single day.

But she has no plans to rush her college days, telling Mercury News last year: 'It’s fun, college is fun. Why not stay?'

Brink, the godsister of NBA star Steph Curry (right), has no plans to rush her college career

The 21-year-old already boasts over 300,000 followers before her move to the pro leagues

Brink boasts over 300,000 followers on Instagram and is only likely to soar in popularity even further when she does make the step up to the WNBA.

Naveen Lokesh, Head of Basketball Sports Marketing at New Balance, said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Cameron as the first female basketball player to join the New Balance family. 

'Cameron's exceptional skill on the court and her desire to give back align perfectly with New Balance's desire to change the game for the better. We are excited to support Cameron in reaching new heights in her career and contributing to the growth of women's basketball for years to come.'