The future of women’s basketball just got even brighter for Oklahoma. Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, has made waves in the basketball world—not only for her commitment to the Sooners over powerhouse programs like Texas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, and UCLA but also for her latest move off the court.
Chavez has officially signed a lucrative contract with Adidas, becoming one of the youngest basketball stars to secure a major endorsement deal. This signing further solidifies her as a generational talent with massive influence before she even steps foot on a college court.
With a commitment to Oklahoma and a high-profile Adidas deal, Chavez is poised to make an immediate impact in both the collegiate and business world.
Aaliyah Chavez: A Game-Changing Talent
At just 17 years old, Aaliyah Chavez has already been hailed as the next big star in women’s basketball. The 5-star prospect out of Lubbock, Texas has dominated high school basketball and AAU circuits, consistently proving why she’s ranked No. 1 in the 2026 class.
Chavez’s Skill Set: What Makes Her Special?
Chavez is widely recognized for her scoring ability, playmaking, and elite basketball IQ. She has drawn comparisons to some of the best guards in the game today, thanks to her well-rounded offensive arsenal and leadership on the court.
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Scoring Machine: Chavez has averaged over 30 points per game in high school, showcasing her ability to score at all three levels.
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Elite Ball Handling: Her handles allow her to create separation from defenders and break down defenses.
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Court Vision & Passing: Chavez isn’t just a scorer—her ability to distribute the ball and make plays for teammates makes her a complete point guard.
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Defensive Versatility: She takes pride in locking down opponents and disrupting passing lanes, making her a two-way threat.
Her dominance has made her a top priority for major college programs, and after months of speculation, she ultimately chose Oklahoma over other elite schools.
Why Chavez Chose Oklahoma Over Texas, South Carolina, Texas Tech, and UCLA
Chavez had no shortage of options when it came to choosing her future home. Programs like South Carolina (led by Dawn Staley), Texas (Vic Schaefer), UCLA (Cori Close), and Texas Tech (her hometown school) all made strong pushes for her commitment.
However, Oklahoma’s pitch stood out. Under head coach Jennie Baranczyk, the Sooners have been building a powerhouse program that emphasizes player development, high-paced offense, and national championship aspirations.
In an interview following her decision, Chavez shared why she ultimately chose OU:
“Oklahoma felt like home. The way they play fits my game perfectly, and I trust Coach Baranczyk to help take my game to the next level. The fans, the energy, and the opportunity to be a part of something special made this an easy choice.”
Chavez’s commitment is arguably the biggest in Oklahoma women’s basketball history, setting up the program for a massive boost in the coming years.
Signing with Adidas: The Business Side of Aaliyah Chavez
Alongside her college commitment, Chavez made another game-changing move—signing a major shoe deal with Adidas.
With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, elite high school athletes now have the opportunity to secure endorsements before even stepping onto a college campus. Adidas, one of the biggest brands in basketball, saw the superstar potential in Chavez and wasted no time in securing her as a brand ambassador.
Why Adidas Signed Chavez
Adidas has long been searching for the next face of women’s basketball, and Chavez fits the mold perfectly. She represents the new generation of hoopers—skillful, confident, and marketable.
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Her Game is Flashy and Marketable: Chavez’s highlight reels go viral regularly, making her one of the most exciting young players to watch.
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Texas Roots & National Appeal: Adidas aims to expand its reach in women’s basketball, and signing Chavez helps them tap into both the Texas market and national fanbase.
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Influence on Young Athletes: Chavez is a role model for young female hoopers, and Adidas is banking on her ability to inspire the next wave of talent.
Though specific details of the contract have not been disclosed, it is expected to be a multi-year, six-figure endorsement deal, making Chavez one of the highest-paid high school athletes in the country.
What’s Next for Aaliyah Chavez?
With a commitment to Oklahoma and a major Adidas endorsement, Chavez’s career trajectory is on an unprecedented path.
Short-Term Goals:
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Continue Dominating High School Basketball – Chavez still has another high school season to further solidify her status as the nation’s best.
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Build Her Brand with Adidas – Expect Adidas to feature Chavez in major marketing campaigns, commercials, and social media promotions.
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Prepare for College Basketball – With her sights set on making an instant impact at Oklahoma, Chavez will continue training and refining her game.
Long-Term Outlook:
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WNBA Future: Many experts already predict Chavez will be a future No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
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International Stardom: With Adidas backing her, Chavez has the potential to become a global basketball icon, much like Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart.
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Changing the Landscape of Women’s Basketball – Her signing is another sign that female athletes are getting the recognition, opportunities, and financial backing they deserve.
Final Thoughts: A Star is Born
Aaliyah Chavez’s commitment to Oklahoma and Adidas deal marks the beginning of what promises to be a legendary career.
She isn’t just another highly rated recruit—she’s a trailblazer, a game-changer, and one of the most exciting young stars in all of basketball.
With her talent, confidence, and now the backing of a major brand, Chavez is set to take the basketball world by storm.
Oklahoma fans, Adidas, and women’s basketball as a whole just secured a future superstar.