Mar 29, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; USC Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen (44) shoots against Kansas State Wildcats guard Serena Sundell (4) during the first half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images James Snook-Imagn Images

USC Trojans' Kiki Iriafen Makes NIL History With New Skechers Deal Before WNBA Draft

Originally posted on USC Trojans on SI
By Gabriel Duarte | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 8:36 AM ET

When Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) became legalized, almost instantly the USC Trojans emerged as one of the top destinations to be for NIL deals and sponsorships. USC women's basketball star Kiki Iriafen has taken advantage of the all the NIL benefits the university has to offer.

On Tuesday, Iriafen became the first ever collegiate athlete to be sponsored by the shoe company Skechers.

In a press release, Iriafen said that she chose to sign with the Los Angeles based shoe company because of the similar values they shared.

“This partnership is about more than just basketball. I love that the brand is based in L.A. and has the global reach to help me inspire and impact more female athletes worldwide to pursue their dreams. Skechers does comfort better than any other brand I’ve experienced, which gives me confidence to have them as my teammate as I enter into this next chapter of my life," Iriafen said.

Skechers president Michael Greenberg lauded Iriafen's talent on the court and emphasized how big of a signing she is to the company.

“After two years on the court in the NBA and WNBA, it’s a big moment for Skechers Basketball to sign Kiki, our first college player, and embark on the journey with her as she begins her professional career. Kiki is a rising star with a bright future in the league. We look forward to supporting her from the draft through her first season and beyond," Greenberg said.

It's a well-deserved deal for Iriafen after she helped lead the Trojans to another Elite Eight appearance following JuJu Watkins' injury in their second-round win vs. Mississippi State. Iriafen stepped up and lead the Trojans to two wins before falling to the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight.

Iriafen was extremely productive in her lone season at USC. She finshed as the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 18 points a night. Iriafen tied with fellow forward Rayah Marshall as USC's leading rebounder. Both players averaged 8.4 rebounds per game.

For her efforts, she earned a spot on the All-Big Ten first team and All-American honors from the AP and USBWA.

Iriafen is also one of the WNBA Draft's top prospects. In ESPN's latest mock draft prediction, they have the Trojans forward landing to the Washington Mystics with the No. 3 pick.

"WNBA scouts had to notice how Iriafen took over in Monday's NCAA tournament second-round game when the Trojans faced a worst-case scenario and lost star JuJu Watkins to a knee injury. Iriafen kept her composure and led USC to victory with a season-high 36 points on 16-of-22 shooting," Michael Voepel of ESPN wrote.

Although she only spent one season at USC, Iriafen will go down as one of the most impactful transfers in program history, both on and off the court.

This article first appeared on USC Trojans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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