Shaedon Sharpe signs NIL deal with SoleSavy

This sure is interesting timing…

On Tuesday morning, Kentucky Men’s Basketball freshman guard Shaedon Sharpe announced a name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnership with the sneaker service SoleSavy. Sharpe joined UK during the middle of the 2021-22 season, enrolling in January while slowly ramping up his activity in practice as of late.

“I’ve always loved sneakers and they play such a big role in my life on-and-off the court. Working with SoleSavy was a natural fit. We’ve got some stuff up our sleeve for sure,” Sharpe said in SoleSavy’s press release. 

I've been a sneakerhead all my life and being a part of the culture means, I can't miss a drop. Blessed to announce my partnership with @SoleSavy. Their tools and community will help me cop the sneakers I want for retail. Big s/o to my SoleSavy family. 🔥 #sspartner pic.twitter.com/NY3nVgK760

— Shaedon Sharpe (@ShaedonSharpe) January 25, 2022

SoleSavy is a new shoe distribution platform that focuses on community involvement. It is a membership-based program that helps sneakerheads find the rare shoes they’re looking for without the high reseller costs. As of June 2021, the startup company raised $12.5 million, according to TechCrunch.

“We’re a community full of some of the most passionate people in sneakers. We help people get sneakers they want, through exclusive information and technology, and avoid paying resell. Tap into our community, make connections, grow your collection, and join SoleSavy today,” reads the company website.

Sharpe came to Kentucky as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2022 before reclassifying and joining the Wildcats early. He previously announced a partnership with Blue Grass Motorsport back in December, the same company partnered with TyTy Washington. Even before Sharpe closed his latest NIL deal, the calls for him to play this season have constantly grown.

Kentucky will take on Mississippi State later on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. EST on ESPN. Considering the ‘Cats will be without starting guard TyTy Washington–along with the comments made by head coach John Calipari on Monday night–it’s feeling more and more likely that Sharpe will take the court sooner rather than later.

Does signing his first NIL deal as a UK enrollee mean he’s finally ready to suit up on the hardwood? We’ll find out soon enough…