Alissa Pili, a rookie with the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, has signed a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike’s N7 brand, as reported by Tribal Business News on June 9. The N7 initiative, which was launched in 2000, is Nike’s long-standing commitment to empowering Native American and Indigenous communities through sports. With Pili’s heritage rooted in Iñupiat and Samoan backgrounds, she perfectly embodies the core values of the program.
“I’m so honored to join the Nike Family as an N7 athlete,” Pili shared in a statement. “Representation is important to me, and I look forward to making an impact in the league and demonstrating to all the Indigenous and Polynesian girls who love the game that they can reach their dreams.”
Pili’s journey to the WNBA has been nothing short of impressive. She was drafted eighth overall by the Lynx in 2024, following a standout athletic career in both high school and college. During her time at the University of Utah, she earned multiple accolades, including being named the three-time Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year and the Pac-12 Player of the Year. Her talent on the court has already garnered attention, but her commitment to her cultural roots has also set her apart.
Beyond basketball, Pili has been vocal about her heritage, using her platform to uplift Indigenous and Polynesian communities. Her dedication was evident when over 100 Samoan supporters gathered to cheer for her at the Lynx’s home opener. Additionally, during the 2024 WNBA Draft, Pili made a powerful statement by wearing a tribal-print dress designed by AAPI designer Jason Vu, showcasing her Polynesian roots with pride.
Nike’s N7 brand is not just about promoting sports but also about creating tangible change. Proceeds from the N7 Collection directly benefit the N7 Fund, which supports sports programs for Indigenous youth. Over the past 15 years, Nike has donated nearly $11 million to over 300 organizations through the fund, helping to provide access to sports for underserved Indigenous communities.
Pili’s involvement with Nike’s N7 brand is not just a personal achievement but a step toward more inclusive representation in professional sports. Following a game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 7, she had the opportunity to connect with Indigenous leaders, including Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, further solidifying her role as a mentor and role model.
Pili joins a distinguished group of Indigenous athletes already associated with the N7 brand, such as Olympic hammer thrower Janee Kassanavoid and NBA star Kyrie Irving, whose mother is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. For Pili, being part of this initiative is a source of immense pride and a chance to inspire the next generation of athletes from Indigenous communities.
