UCLA guard Kiki Rice paying NIL deal forward

Classy gesture from Kiki Rice.

Kiki Rice had a season to remember in 2023-2024 for UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball. Rice was a member of the All-Pac-12 Coaches team and the All-Pac-12 Media team. She was also an honorable mention All-American.

But, the news she made off the court was likely her biggest success story of the season. Rice, back in February made a high splash with NIL. First, in 2022, Rice became the first Jordan NIL athlete.

“It means so much to me to be the first Jordan NIL brand athlete. Growing up, I looked forward to wearing the shoes that my favorite athlete designed, and I think for me this is just a really big moment and I’m excited to rep these shoes.”

But, then after her awesome season in 2023-2024 that saw her score more than 12 points per game, she received even more attention and struck a deal with Beats by Dre.

Now, she is sharing some of that money. Rice has gifted all her teammates with UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball with a pair of Jordan sneakers. Her teammate Gabriela Jaquez could not be more excited for her:

“Honestly, to have her own PE, I am so proud. That is so cool. I just can’t.”

When the UCLA Bruins Women’s team starts their 2024-2025 season, they will be near the top of the favorites to win the national title. Rice will be one of their main leaders.