UConn's Aaliyah Edwards Signs Landmark NIL Deal in Canada

The deal marks a significant moment for international student-athletes, highlighting the challenges they face in the U.S. due to visa restrictions.

UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards has signed a significant name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with adidas Canada, but cannot actively promote it in the U.S. to avoid jeopardizing her student visa.
Under U.S. law, international students like Edwards can only earn from passive NIL deals, limiting their ability to engage in endorsements.
The situation underscores the financial disparities between international and domestic student-athletes, with teammate Paige Bueckers estimated to be worth over half a million dollars in the NIL world.
Connecticut's U.S. senators and legislation aim to address these visa restrictions, proposing a sub-category within the F-1 visa for international student-athletes pursuing NIL opportunities.
The issue has sparked a broader discussion on the need for reform in how international student-athletes are compensated and treated in comparison to their U.S. counterparts.