Joyce and Kitts gets NIL deal with Nike

South Carolina has officially switched to Nike as its uniform supplier. Women's basketball stars Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards both signed NIL deals as part of Nike's new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.

Edwards, a 6-foot-3 forward, has led coach Dawn Staley's team in scoring for the last two seasons. She averaged 19.2 points in her sophomore year last year. Kitts, a 6-2 forward, tore her ACL in October 2025 after averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in 2024-25. She started during her sophomore and junior seasons.

There is no doubt that both players are significant pieces to the Gamecocks and are very marketable players. With their talent and determination, both Kitts and Edwards have the potential to lead South Carolina to multiple championships in the coming years. Edwards' scoring prowess and leadership on the court make her a key contender for national player of the year honors. Meanwhile, Kitts' resilience and skill set could see her make a remarkable comeback and become a pivotal force in the team’s success.

When the Nike contract was approved by the university's board of trustees in August 2025, it included a section about former Gamecocks women's basketball star A'ja Wilson. Wilson released her own Nike signature shoe and clothing line in May 2025.

Nike will provide Staley's team with Wilson's A'Two basketball shoes and other team gear.

As a Gamecocks legend, A'ja Wilson continues to inspire current players such as Kitts and Edwards. Her success on and off the court demonstrated the possibilities of dedicated work and dedication, motivating them to strive for greatness. Additionally, Wilson's Nike partnership highlights the potential for these players to build their own brand and make a significant impact in sports.