Until allowing five Texas softball runs on five hits in the first inning of a 10-4 trampling, Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady didn’t know limits.

Canady transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech after NIL discussions with the Cardinal reportedly broke down. The star pitcher and her family sought a more lucrative contract after she led a second consecutive trip to the WCWS in 2024, and Texas Tech offered 10 times Stanford's starting price.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the ace pitcher had signed a "seven-figure NIL deal" to keep her with the program past the 2025 season. The junior right-hander had transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford ahead of the 2025 season and became the first softball player to secure a NIL deal in excess of $1 million.