Mikey Williams, 17-year-old high school phenom, signs endorsement deal with Puma

Mikey Williams, one of the top prospects in the class of 2023, on Thursday signed a multiyear endorsement contract with Puma. According to ESPN, Williams is the first American high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal with a global footwear company. Williams is ranked No. 14 by 247Sports and No. 11 by ESPN.

Williams, 17, signed with Excel Sports Management in July to pursue name, image and likeness endorsement and sponsorship opportunities. The combo guard was the first high school player to sign with an agency and is expected to make millions of dollars in sponsorship opportunities. Williams is a 6-foot-2 junior at the Vertical Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is eligible to be drafted in 2024.

"I am excited to join the Puma family this early in my basketball journey," Williams said. "Puma really understands how to mix hoops and culture, two things I am passionate about."

The five-star prospect boasts 3.3 million followers on Instagram. He has emerged as one of the prominent figures in prep basketball and appears to be cashing in.

“His talent on the court and his ability to connect with young athletes and fans alike, will help drive hoops culture forward and inspire the next generation of athletes," Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing at Puma, said in a statement. 

Williams will wear various Puma styles including the Court Rider line and will be featured in an upcoming “Not Yet Rated” marketing promotion. He will also help create social content to help inspire youth athletes.

He joins a brand attempting to strengthen its place within the basketball market. Puma has a growing roster of talented athletes, including LaMelo Ball, Breanna Stewart, Deandre Ayton, Katie Lou Samuelson, RJ Barrett and more.