Reebok’s Return

Reebok Signs Darius Acuff to Shoe Deal

Photo by Angie J on Unsplash

Every year in college basketball, a few select players are able to land shoe deals because of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals. Most of these athletes sign with big name brands such as Nike and Adidas, and even some stars such as Cooper Flagg sign with companies like New Balance. However, no player has ever signed with Reebok in college, until now.

Darius Acuff, a 19-year-old true freshman guard for Arkansas, signed with Reebok on March 26. This deal is historic because Acuff is a projected top-10 draft pick in the 2026 NBA draft and is the first college athlete to ever sign with Reebok. Acuff is also the first college athlete to get an announced signature shoe while still in college. Lastly, Acuff is the first basketball player to sign with Reebok since John Wall did in 2010, meaning this is Reebok’s return to basketball.