Texas Tech's $1 million NIL deal leads to historic championship season

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have completed an incredible turnaround for the softball program, resulting in the program's first Big 12 regular season title and first Big 12 tournament championship.
The turnaround was capped off when Texas Tech knocked off Arizona 4-0 on Saturday in the conference tournament championship game.

Although it was a total team effort, it was star pitcher NiJaree Canady who received the most praise following the championship win. Canady surrendered just two hits and struck out eight batters in a shutout.

Following the win, social media was buzzing about the impact that Canady had on what is now the greatest single season for the Red Raiders in program history.

Ahead of this season, Texas Tech reportedly made NiJaree Canady the first softball pitcher to be paid $1 million through NIL.

It was money well spent 👏 @CanadyNijaree

- Big 12 Pitcher of the Year
- Big 12 Championship
- Big 12 Championship Most Outstanding Player
- Unanimous… pic.twitter.com/hoSdoOk0ri
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 10, 2025

This offseason, Texas Tech landed college softball’s POTY NiJaree Canady with a $1M+ NIL deal.

Canady just led the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 regular season and tournament titles in program history.

She pitched in every game—and didn’t allow a run the entire tournament. pic.twitter.com/bHnHOh9sqp
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 10, 2025

This girl's gonna need a bigger trophy case 😳

Nijaree Canady has been named the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship Most Outstanding Player.#Big12SB | @Phillips66Gas pic.twitter.com/fUPBT6hL67
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) May 10, 2025

16.1 IP, 0 ER, 0 R, 4 hits and 26 K’s

🐐 pic.twitter.com/VN1rLgbSYI
— Texas Tech Softball (@TexasTechSB) May 11, 2025

Big 12 Tournament Champions! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b1v01qAg6Y
— Texas Tech Softball (@TexasTechSB) May 10, 2025

The Red Raiders are now gearing up for the NCAA softball tournament. The selection show is slated to take place on Sunday and all matchups will be unveiled for the 64-team bracket.

Here's how to watch:

Date: Sunday, May 11
Time: 7 pm ET
Channel: ESPN2

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