Puma is on a hot streak of scouting talented young athletes.
The Athletic reports that the company has inked a historic deal with Scoot Henderson — who previously made history when he became one of the youngest ever professional basketball players in the U.S. after signing to the NBA G League Ignite.
The Historic Deal
After going pro at the time of being a high schooler, Henderson has made his way onto cashing in on his likeness as a young star. The 18-year-old is signing an annual seven-figure, multi-year endorsement contract with Puma — reportedly making it the highest-paid deal ever for a non-draft-eligible basketball player — per The Athletic. It appears that the deal could reach eight figures depending on various factors, league sources told the outlet. History is being made all around as Henderson’s signing is also the first time a shoe company has signed a contract with an Ignite player who is under contract.
In addition, Henderson’s deal with Puma comes ahead of him being expected to possibly be a top-three pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Puma x Mikey Williams
Puma closed in on another first-of-its-kind deal in November 2021. As previously reported by AfroTech, Mikey Williams signed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal — making him the first American high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal with a global footwear company.
“His talent on the court and his ability to connect with young athletes and fans alike will help drive hoops culture forward and inspire the next generation of athletes,” Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing at Puma, said in a statement.
Williams joined the brand’s athlete roster of NBA players LaMelo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Deandre Ayton, as well as Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Breanna Stewart and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Williams is currently eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft.
