South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley Becomes the First NCAA Athlete Ever Signed by Red Bull in 2025 — The Electrifying Columbia Native Shatters Barriers, Redefines NIL Stardom, and Ignites a New Era of Energy, Endorsement, and Empowerment in Women’s College Sports

🌟🏀 HISTORY IN MOTION: South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley Becomes the First NCAA Athlete Ever Signed by Red Bull in 2025 — The Electrifying Columbia Native Shatters Barriers, Redefines NIL Stardom, and Ignites a New Era of Energy, Endorsement, and Empowerment in Women’s College Sports 🏀🌟

 

 

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In a groundbreaking moment that is sending shockwaves across the college athletics world, MiLaysia Fulwiley, the electrifying sophomore guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has signed a historic endorsement deal with Red Bull, becoming the first NCAA athlete ever signed by the globally recognized energy drink brand.

 

The news, confirmed by Red Bull and the University of South Carolina’s athletics department early Monday morning, represents a massive turning point in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era — particularly for women’s sports, where visibility and sponsorships have historically lagged behind their male counterparts.

 

> “This is more than a deal — it’s a movement,” said Fulwiley, 19, in a statement released alongside the official announcement. “Red Bull has always represented boldness, elevation, and limitless energy. That’s exactly how I play, and it’s exactly how I want to inspire the next generation.”

 

 

 

Columbia’s Crown Jewel Rises to the Global Stage

 

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Fulwiley’s rise to national fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for her jaw-dropping crossovers, fearless drives to the basket, and dazzling court vision, she captured the attention of fans nationwide during her freshman season, where she was a key contributor to a South Carolina team that reached the Final Four.

 

But beyond her highlight reels and stat lines, it was Fulwiley’s electric personality, deep community roots, and fierce individuality that caught Red Bull’s eye.

 

> “MiLaysia Fulwiley is exactly the kind of athlete Red Bull was waiting for,” said Sophia Krüger, Director of Global Talent Partnerships for Red Bull. “She’s fearless. She’s authentic. She plays with the kind of energy that turns heads, breaks norms, and demands attention. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Red Bull family.”

 

 

 

As part of the partnership, Fulwiley will be featured in Red Bull’s global marketing campaigns, appear in original branded content and documentaries, and participate in Red Bull-hosted events, including urban streetball showcases and women’s empowerment sports summits.

 

NIL Trailblazer for Women’s Basketball

 

The significance of this deal can’t be overstated. While top male athletes in football and men’s basketball have landed lucrative NIL partnerships since 2021, women — despite surging popularity and viewership — have had fewer marquee brand opportunities. Fulwiley’s signing with Red Bull shatters that glass ceiling.

 

Her agent, Veronica Miles of Empowered Sports Group, said the deal is valued in the seven-figure range, making Fulwiley one of the highest-earning college athletes in the country, regardless of gender.

 

> “This is validation that women’s college basketball has entered a new economic era,” said Miles. “And MiLaysia is leading the way with grace, grit, and game.”

 

 

 

Dawn Staley’s Pride and South Carolina’s Legacy

 

Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley, who has mentored Fulwiley since her high school days at Keenan High School, spoke glowingly of the partnership.

 

> “MiLaysia is built different. She’s got that ‘it’ factor that you can’t teach,” Staley said. “What’s so beautiful about this deal is that it’s not just about the lights and the logo — it’s about who she is, what she stands for, and how she’s opening doors for every girl coming up behind her.”

 

 

 

Staley herself has been a passionate advocate for women’s equity in NIL opportunities and was among the first coaches to publicly push for brand investments in female athletes during the early NIL wave.

 

A New Chapter for College Sports Branding

 

Fulwiley’s partnership with Red Bull also signals a broader shift in the landscape of college sports branding. The energy drink giant has long been known for sponsoring extreme athletes, global soccer stars, and Olympians — not NCAA athletes. That changed in 2025, as Red Bull announced a new strategic initiative to invest in emerging talent in women’s sports.

 

MiLaysia will serve as the flagship face of that initiative, and sources suggest that other top college women’s athletes across basketball, track and field, and gymnastics may soon follow.

 

In addition to on-court branding, Red Bull plans to launch a “MiLaysia Mentorship Tour”, a multi-city initiative in which Fulwiley will host basketball clinics and empowerment talks for girls ages 10–17, starting this fall in Columbia.

 

> “It’s not just about the spotlight — it’s about sharing the light,” Fulwiley said. “If my story can help another little girl believe in her dream, then I’m doing something right.”

 

 

 

 

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Deal Highlights:

 

🔺 Athlete: MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina Gamecocks

 

🔺 Brand: Red Bull

 

🔺 Milestone: First NCAA athlete signed by Red Bull

 

🔺 Estimated Value: Seven figures

 

🔺 Campaign Features: Global ads, Red Bull TV content, mentorship clinics

 

🔺 Impact Focus: NIL equity, youth development, women’s sports visibility

 

 

 

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In a time when college athletes are increasingly becoming global brands, MiLaysia Fulwiley’s partnership with Red Bull isn’t just a win for her — it’s a win for every young athlete dreaming of turning talent into transformation.

 

With wings on her back and a basketball in her hands, Fulwiley isn’t just soaring — she’s leading a revolution.