It’s a great time to be Azzi Fudd. The UConn women’s basketball star has signed a unique name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Steph Curry through his SC30, Inc. brand. The Golden State Warriors baller is the first NBA player to enter into a deal with a college player in the NIL structure.
Fudd, an Arlington, VA native who attended St. John’s High School in Washington, D.C., has known Steph Curry since he invited her to his Curry Camp in 2018. She was only one of two women that participated in the camp.
“Azzi Fudd is the best choice to start a brand relationship like this because she is the next face of women’s basketball and has been a part of SC30 Inc. and the Curry Brand family since she was an invitee to the All-American Camp,” Curry said.
“Since I first met Steph at his camp a few years ago, I’ve stayed connected to him and have always admired his incredible talent and accomplishments, but also his humility and the impact he has on people,” Fudd said.
“As I continue to focus on becoming the best player and student I can be while in college, I also look forward to broadening my understanding of business and life beyond basketball,” she continued. “This partnership with Steph and his SC30 team will help me do that. I’m really excited about everything we’ll do together in the future.”
Through the partnership, the NBA scoring champion and two-time MVP will personally mentor Fudd as she navigates school, basketball and the demands of the business aspect that comes with NIL deals.
SC30 will also give Fudd a platform to “share her story, personality, talents, passions and values to the world while surrounding her with like-minded individuals. It will include content development opportunities, events, new brand partnerships and a focus on social impact.
“Our values are aligned when it comes to family, and in terms of hard work and for the appreciation of blessings in your life,” Curry said. “For me, this is the right time because I have identified the platforms that I have, aligning purpose over profit, and the ability to collaborate with the right partners for the right opportunities.
“I want to be able to unlock that for Azzi, and for other talented athletes and influencers that see the world the same way I do,” Curry continued. “It is my hope that we can inspire the next generation of athletes and non-athletes who want to do amazing things.”
This won’t be Fudd’s first NIL deal, she is adding to her portfolio that also consists of Chipotle and the sports drink BioSteel. However landing with Steph Curry is by far the most impactful.