In what continues to be a historic surge for women’s college basketball, Notre Dame superstar Hannah Hidalgo has taken another major step off the court, solidifying her marketability and influence with a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) partnership with Unrivaled. The partnership marks a significant moment not only in Hidalgo’s career but also in the ever-evolving world of women’s sports branding, where young athletes are now seizing opportunities once reserved for only the most seasoned professionals. As one of the brightest rising stars in college hoops, Hidalgo’s decision to align with Unrivaled is both strategic and symbolic—a marriage of athletic excellence and branding brilliance that mirrors the direction the sport is heading in.
Hidalgo’s announcement sent a ripple through the college basketball world. Her meteoric rise over the past season, highlighted by jaw-dropping performances, electric energy, and relentless defense, made her one of the most talked-about players in the NCAA. Her ability to impact games on both ends of the floor drew comparisons to legends well beyond her years, and her charisma made her a natural favorite among fans, media, and corporate brands. Now, her new deal with Unrivaled—a company designed to elevate the profiles of elite women athletes—cements her status as a brand unto herself, one whose influence stretches far beyond the hardwood.
The deal with Unrivaled is particularly notable given the organization’s unique mission. Unlike traditional agencies or brand collectives, Unrivaled is a player-empowerment platform focused exclusively on women athletes, with the aim of building a system that rewards, promotes, and sustains their careers in ways that the traditional sports machine has long overlooked. Hidalgo, known for her tenacity, leadership, and sense of purpose, fits perfectly into that model. Her deal isn’t just about money—it’s about making a statement. It’s about laying the foundation for a new generation of athletes who can dominate on the court while owning their narratives, brands, and futures.
For Notre Dame and head coach Niele Ivey, the news is yet another badge of honor for a program that has consistently pushed women’s basketball forward. Ivey herself has been a vocal supporter of NIL opportunities for her players, recognizing the immense value they bring to the table—not just as athletes but as cultural icons, role models, and entrepreneurs. Under Ivey’s leadership, Notre Dame has embraced the NIL era not with caution but with confidence, giving players like Hidalgo the resources, support, and freedom to explore their brand potential while still thriving within one of the sport’s most respected programs.
Hidalgo’s signing with Unrivaled also underscores the increasingly visible power shift in women’s basketball. With stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and now Hannah Hidalgo garnering massive media attention and sponsorship deals, the sport is enjoying a cultural and commercial renaissance. Hidalgo’s role in that movement is especially significant because of the way she plays the game—fast, fierce, and fundamentally sound. She’s a defensive menace with elite vision and quickness, yet she also possesses the flair and showmanship that turns highlights into viral content and regular season games into prime-time attractions.
In that light, the NIL deal becomes more than a financial transaction; it’s a reflection of her larger value. Hidalgo isn’t just a player; she’s a symbol of where the sport is going. Her ability to transcend the traditional limitations placed on women athletes—both in terms of marketability and respect—puts her on the cutting edge of the NIL movement. Her partnership with Unrivaled suggests she’s not only aware of that dynamic but ready to shape it. And if history is any guide, she won’t just shape it—she’ll dominate it.
The timing of the deal is also crucial. As Hidalgo prepares for her sophomore season at Notre Dame, expectations are sky-high. She’s fresh off a freshman campaign that saw her average over 20 points per game, lead the ACC in steals, and make multiple All-American teams. She captivated the nation in March Madness, nearly willing her team to the Final Four with a string of unforgettable performances. Now, with a year of experience under her belt and a loaded roster returning to South Bend, Hidalgo is poised to take her game—and her profile—even higher. Signing with Unrivaled now gives her the infrastructure to scale her brand alongside her game.
From a business standpoint, Unrivaled’s choice to sign Hidalgo is a no-brainer. She’s a dream client—young, talented, articulate, and with a magnetic personality that draws people in. But from Hidalgo’s side, the decision reflects wisdom and foresight. She didn’t jump at just any offer. She aligned herself with a company that shares her values and understands the importance of narrative, control, and empowerment. In that way, the deal is an extension of her identity—a guard who plays with a chip on her shoulder, a leader who doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, and a woman who knows exactly what she brings to the table.
And what she brings to the table is changing the game.
The impact of Hidalgo’s deal will likely be felt far beyond Notre Dame. High school players with similar aspirations are watching. College programs hoping to recruit the next great phenom are watching. Brands, media companies, and fans who’ve long underestimated the reach and resonance of women’s basketball are watching. And what they’re seeing is clear: Hannah Hidalgo isn’t just a star player—she’s a movement.
The NIL revolution in women’s sports is only just beginning, but deals like this provide a glimpse into the future. No longer are female athletes being told to wait their turn or be grateful for scraps. Now, they are building empires before they even graduate college. Hidalgo’s Unrivaled deal is proof of concept. It shows that when the infrastructure supports women athletes, they can soar. It shows that if you invest in them early, the return will be extraordinary. And it shows that excellence—when met with opportunity—becomes unstoppable.
At Notre Dame, that truth is playing out in real time. Hidalgo will return to a fanbase that already adores her and a program that has long celebrated strong, empowered women. With this new partnership, she’s not only raising the bar for what’s possible on the court—she’s also helping redefine what’s possible off it. Her NIL deal won’t change how hard she plays, but it will change the way the world sees her. And perhaps more importantly, it will change how young girls who dream of being the next Hannah Hidalgo see themselves.
As college sports continue to adapt to this new era of player empowerment and brand-building, Hidalgo’s story will likely become a blueprint. She’s found a way to balance the demands of being a student-athlete with the opportunities of being a rising icon. She’s shown that you can lead your team in steals and lead your peers in brand equity. And she’s done it all with humility, confidence, and the kind of excellence that makes people believe in the power of sport to inspire change.
Hannah Hidalgo didn’t just sign a NIL deal. She sent a message. A message that says women’s basketball is here to stay. That stars like her aren’t just here to play—they’re here to lead. And that if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to miss something special.
Unrivaled, meet Hannah Hidalgo. Together, they’re about to make history.
