Klutch Athletics by New Balance Signs High School Basketball Player Jalil Bethea to a NIL Deal

Klutch Athletics by New Balance has added a promising high school basketball player from Philadelphia to its athlete roster.

Jalil Bethea, a 6-foot-4 guard who played basketball at Archbishop Wood High School, has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Klutch Athletics, the sportswear brand founded by Rich Paul and co-authored with New Balance.

In a statement, the brand confirmed Bethea has committed to play college basketball next season at the University of Miami.

“Jalil is another great fit for our basketball roster which continues to grow quickly with standout student-athletes from across the country who all represent the idea of being Klutch,” Paul said in a statement. “He’s a major contributor on the court but also cares about his community, which is a pillar of our brand.”

Bethea averaged 23.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during his senior season at Archbishop Wood High School, and earned both Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year in Pennsylvania and McDonald’s All-American honors.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be joining the Klutch Athletics roster,” Bethea said. “I share the brand’s passion for performance and style, and I truly believe we are a perfect fit to work together on and off the court.”

The Klutch Athletics by New Balance roster includes stars across multiple sports, such as Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans and Chase Young of the New Orleans Saints from the NFL, as well as women’s high school basketball star Aaliyah Crump and men’s high school basketball players Caleb Wilson and Isiah Harwell.

New Balance and Paul — founder of the talent and sports management agency Klutch Sports Group — revealed Klutch Athletics in February 2023, which was described at the time as a Black-owned sportswear brand “co-authored” with New Balance, with an athlete-first approach.

Klutch Athletics apparel can be shopped now via Newbalance.com.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.