On Wednesday, Stanford star pitcher and USA Softball Player of the Year NiJaree Canady announced via X that she has committed to Texas Tech University.

Canady, who led the Cardinal to the Women’s College World Series for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, reportedly signed a one-year, $1,050,024 name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Texas Tech’s collective, the Matador Club. The deal is thought to be the largest NIL contract for a softball player in history. 

“It’s a game-changer for softball, and even beyond that,” said John Sellers, co-founder of the Matador Club. “She could have gone anywhere, but she’s coming to Tech.”

Through two seasons at Stanford, Canady held a 0.67 earned run average with 555 strikeouts through 365 innings.

Texas Tech’s Red Raiders have never made it to the Women’s College World Series, but with Canady as their new ace, Texas Tech may reach the postseason for the first time in school history.  

Canady’s transfer marks another major exit for the Cardinal. As NIL contracts continue to grow, Stanford’s collective, Lifetime Cardinal, must work to stay competitive to retain top talent.