Caymanian sprinter Jaiden Reid views his name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement with Adidas as a milestone that aligns with his long-term professional and athletic objectives.
The deal for the 20-year-old sprinter and Louisiana State University junior became official on 3 June 2025.
In an interview reflecting on his journey, Reid said, “This definitely meets one of the goals I’ve had for my athletic career. Since I started sprinting at a high level, I’ve always wanted the opportunity to partner with a major athletic brand. Achieving this motivates me to continue growing as an athlete and as a person.”
He called being able to partner with a brand like Adidas “an honour”, and said it shows that his effort, discipline and dedication are paying off.
“And it gives me a chance to put the Cayman Islands on the map,” he added.
During this partnership, Reid has received financial compensation and has represented the brand through gained “access to quality gear and resources” that he said has helped him train and compete “comfortably and confidently”.
Furthermore, Reid shared, “When I compete internationally, I would have access to the Adidas camps where they may have different physiotherapists and other resources that could help me compete.”
He said, “Having [this support] has definitely elevated the way I approach my training and competition. Knowing that a global brand believes in you, creates a different level of accountability. It pushes me to stay disciplined, focus on the small details, and make sure I’m consistently performing at my highest level.”
Thinking like a brand and a business
An NIL, as stated in an ESPN article, “Refers to a person’s legal right to control how their image is used, including commercially. In college, student-athletes have long been prohibited from making deals to profit from their fame, so they forfeited their NIL rights by signing on with college sports teams.”
Changes in National Collegiate Athletic Association rules and state laws in 2021 gave NIL rights to college athletes, allowing Jaiden Reid and thousands of others – including fellow countryman Davontè Howell – to benefit from deals of this nature.
The transition to a sponsored student-athlete has shifted Reid’s perspective on his career path.
“This experience has helped me realize that being a student-athlete today also means thinking like a brand and a business. It’s not just about what happens on the track right now, it’s about managing opportunities wisely and thinking about the future.
“It has encouraged me to be more intentional about financial literacy, understanding contracts, and making smart decisions that can help me build something sustainable beyond my athletic career,” he said.
The partnership has created new opportunities for him.
“Being associated with a brand like Adidas increases your visibility and credibility, which can lead to other partnerships, networking opportunities, and collaborations,” he highlighted.
Reflecting further, Reid said, “the importance of professionalism and consistency” has been a big lesson since the partnership’s establishment.
“When you partner with a global brand, you’re representing more than just yourself, you’re representing their image as well. That means showing up the right way, staying focused, and maintaining a positive presence both on and off the field,” he said.
For other Caymanian athletes looking to attract similar global interest, Reid’s advice is to focus on excellence in your sport first, while also building a strong personal brand.
“Be consistent, stay authentic, and represent yourself and your country with pride. Brands look for athletes who perform well but also carry themselves professionally and positively,” he said.
“Once you earn those opportunities, the key is maintaining discipline, staying humble, and continuing to work just as hard as you did before the deal. But most importantly keeping God first.”
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