**ESPN REPORT: Gamecocks Star Chloe Kitts Seals $15 Million Endorsement Deal, Donates $4 Million to South Carolina Program**
**March 13, 2025 – Columbia, SC** — In a groundbreaking move that has reverberated throughout the sports world, South Carolina Gamecocks star Chloe Kitts has secured a $15 million endorsement deal with a leading sports apparel brand, marking one of the largest endorsement contracts ever given to a female college athlete. What makes this deal even more extraordinary is that Kitts has announced she will donate a remarkable $4 million of her earnings directly to the South Carolina women’s basketball program, a gesture that underscores her commitment to her team and alma mater.
Kitts, a standout forward for the Gamecocks and one of the most dominant players in NCAA women’s basketball, has been at the center of a rapidly growing brand and marketability, with this endorsement deal propelling her into the upper echelons of college athlete recognition. The deal, which is the largest endorsement of its kind in the history of women’s collegiate basketball, highlights the growing influence of female athletes and the increasing visibility of women’s sports.
### A Historic Endorsement Deal
Chloe Kitts’ new deal with the sportswear giant, which sources confirm is one of the top brands in the world, will see her appear in major advertising campaigns and receive a wide range of brand support, including exclusive merchandise, media appearances, and social media promotion. The endorsement deal not only establishes Kitts as a marketing powerhouse but also speaks to her immense popularity and influence in the growing women’s sports market.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank my supporters, my coaches, my teammates, and the entire Gamecock nation for being with me every step of the way,” Kitts said during an emotional press conference announcing the deal. “This isn’t just about me — it’s about empowering the next generation of female athletes. It’s about proving that women’s sports can and should be valued at the same level as men’s. I hope this is just the beginning of even greater things to come for women in sports.”
Kitts’ deal is part of a larger trend in the world of collegiate athletics, especially since the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, which have allowed athletes to profit off their personal brands. The deal is seen as a watershed moment for women’s sports, showing that the market for female athletes is not only growing but can be just as lucrative as that of their male counterparts.
### A Generous Donation to South Carolina’s Program
In a show of exceptional generosity, Kitts has pledged to donate $4 million of her $15 million endorsement earnings back to the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program. The donation will be used to enhance the program’s facilities, provide scholarships, and support new initiatives designed to give current and future athletes the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
The donation is one of the largest ever made by a student-athlete to their respective collegiate program and is a testament to Kitts’ deep connection with South Carolina.
“Giving back to the program that helped shape me into the player and person I am today means everything to me,” Kitts said. “The Gamecock family has been incredibly supportive, and I want to ensure that the next generation of Gamecocks has the same, if not better, opportunities that I did. This is my way of making a lasting impact on the future of South Carolina women’s basketball.”
The donation will help fund several key improvements, including a state-of-the-art training facility, expanded nutrition programs, and enhanced support for student-athletes’ academic and professional development. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who has led the Gamecocks to national prominence in recent years, praised Kitts for her selflessness and commitment to elevating the program.
“We are incredibly proud of Chloe and all that she has accomplished, both on and off the court,” Coach Staley said. “Her impact on South Carolina basketball is immeasurable, and this generous donation will go a long way in ensuring that the program continues to thrive. Chloe is not just an incredible player, but she’s a leader, and she’s showing the world the power of giving back.”
### Chloe Kitts: A Star on the Court
Kitts’ remarkable rise to stardom comes as no surprise to those who have followed her career. A dynamic player with a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Kitts has been a dominant force in women’s college basketball since she stepped on the court for the Gamecocks. She led South Carolina to a national championship in 2024 and has been consistently ranked among the best players in the country.
Kitts’ style of play has captivated fans across the nation. Known for her versatile scoring ability, athleticism, and leadership, Kitts has become the face of South Carolina basketball and a trailblazer for women’s sports. Her unique blend of power and finesse allows her to dominate both inside and on the perimeter, and her leadership on the court is evident every time she takes the floor.
During her time at South Carolina, Kitts has been named an All-American multiple times, earned SEC Player of the Year honors, and has set numerous records, both individually and as part of the Gamecocks’ championship-winning team. As a student-athlete, Kitts has also excelled academically, consistently maintaining a high GPA while balancing the demands of elite-level basketball.
Kitts’ on-court success, coupled with her off-court persona and commitment to giving back, has made her one of the most marketable athletes in college sports. Her influence has transcended basketball, making her a role model for aspiring athletes of all genders and backgrounds.
### NIL Revolution: Impact on Female Athletes
Kitts’ endorsement deal and donation are emblematic of the growing opportunities for female athletes in the NIL era. Since the NCAA’s NIL policy change, athletes in women’s sports have increasingly been able to secure endorsement deals, with stars like Kitts leading the charge. The shift has been revolutionary for female athletes, many of whom had previously struggled to gain the same financial opportunities as their male counterparts.
Kitts’ deal is being hailed as a game-changer, not only for women’s basketball but for women’s sports in general. It serves as further proof that the market for female athletes is not just a niche but a rapidly growing industry, one with immense commercial value. Kitts has used her platform to advocate for gender equity in sports, pushing for more visibility and recognition of women’s athletics.
“I think we’re just getting started,” Kitts said when asked about the future of NIL deals for female athletes. “There’s so much untapped potential in women’s sports. We’re seeing more and more brands, fans, and companies understand that women’s sports deserve the same recognition and opportunities. I hope that my deal can inspire other young athletes to dream big and know that anything is possible.”
### A New Era for South Carolina Basketball
Kitts’ contribution to South Carolina is also a game-changer for the program, ensuring that the Gamecocks remain at the forefront of women’s basketball. The $4 million donation is a pivotal moment for the team, which has enjoyed a period of unparalleled success under Coach Staley. The funds will be used to strengthen South Carolina’s competitive edge, both in recruiting and in its infrastructure, helping the program stay ahead of its competitors in an increasingly competitive women’s basketball landscape.
“I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead for South Carolina basketball,” Kitts said. “This donation isn’t just about improving our facilities — it’s about helping the program continue to grow and evolve, creating opportunities for future generations of Gamecocks to excel.”
With Kitts’ donation, South Carolina is positioning itself as not only a national powerhouse but as a leader in empowering female athletes. It’s a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence in women’s sports, and it reflects the continued momentum for women’s basketball at the collegiate level.
### Conclusion: Chloe Kitts’ Legacy
Chloe Kitts’ $15 million endorsement deal and her $4 million donation to South Carolina women’s basketball are landmark moments in both the NIL era and women’s sports. Kitts has proven that hard work, talent, and dedication can lead to unprecedented success, both on and off the court. Her generosity and leadership will leave a lasting impact on the Gamecock program and the future of women’s athletics as a whole.
With her on-court talent and off-court business acumen, Kitts is set to be one of the biggest stars in sports for years to come, and her efforts to give back to South Carolina ensure that her legacy will be felt long after her playing days are over.
