
Chatter about the first openly gay male athlete snagging an endorsement deal has been making headlines for some time. In fact, Nike was reportedly among the companies eager to endorse an out gay player.
Though a male athlete has yet to come forward, women's college basketball star Brittney Griner nonetheless openly discussed her sexuality in a Sports Illustrated interview last week.
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft pick and new Phoenix Mercury player has just signed an endorsement deal with Nike. Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner's sports agent confirmed the exciting news with USA Today.
As noted by SheWired, Griner described the deal as "big time."
Last June, Nike hosted its first-ever lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sports summit in Portland, Oregon.
Hopefully, out and proud professional athletes such as Griner and supportive companies such as Nike will inspire LGBT youth and adults to live their lives freely.