MIAMI, FL – Kai Trump, a rising star in junior golf and daughter of Donald Trump Jr., has signed a major Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Accelerator Active Energy, marking a significant step forward in her burgeoning athletic and personal brand.
At just 18 years old, Trump is set to begin her collegiate golf career at the University of Miami this fall. The new endorsement deal positions her alongside high-profile athletes like NFL star Travis Kelce and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, both of whom are also part of the Accelerator brand roster.
The partnership not only includes a traditional endorsement component but also reportedly grants Trump an equity stake in the company – a noteworthy move in the growing NIL space where athletes are increasingly seeking longer-term business opportunities beyond one-off sponsorships.
Trump, who boasts a combined following of over five million across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), brings a powerful digital presence to the Accelerator brand. With a current NIL valuation estimated at $1.2 million, she holds one of the highest valuations for a female high school athlete and ranks among the top emerging names in the broader college sports marketing arena.
The deal was publicly announced at a special event held at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the golfer introduced the partnership while wearing a presidential-themed ensemble – drawing attention not only to the brand but to her family legacy as well.
Accelerator, a fast-growing energy drink brand focused on health-conscious performance, features products infused with natural caffeine, no sugar, and added cognitive boosters like L-theanine and electrolytes. The company has made inroads into the NIL market by aligning with athletes whose brands extend beyond the playing field into lifestyle and influence.
This is not Trump’s first venture into the NIL space. Earlier this year, she signed with Leaf Trading Cards, and she also maintains a relationship with TaylorMade Golf and Greyson Women’s, a boutique athletic apparel brand. She has competed in several high-level junior tournaments, including the Nicklaus Junior Championship and Dustin Johnson World Junior, and despite some inconsistent placements, her visibility and media reach have only grown.
With this latest deal, Kai Trump positions herself at the intersection of sports, business, and digital influence – a space few athletes navigate as fluidly at such a young age. As she enters collegiate competition this fall, her growing list of brand partnerships is likely just the beginning of a larger media and marketing presence.
An NIL valuation is an estimate of how much a student-athlete could potentially earn from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights through endorsements, sponsorships, social media promotions, merchandise, appearances, and other commercial opportunities.
What NIL Stands For:
- Name – The athlete’s personal name and brand identity.
- Image – Their visual likeness (photos, videos, etc.).
- Likeness – Traits like voice, signature, or persona used commercially.
What “Valuation” Means:
- It is not a guaranteed income – it’s a market-based projection of what an athlete could earn based on several factors.
- It’s similar to how a business or property is valued before it sells—it’s an estimate, not a final number.
Factors That Affect NIL Valuation:
- Social media following and engagement (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X)
- Athletic performance and potential (especially for future pro athletes)
- School and conference visibility (e.g., major programs attract bigger deals)
- Media exposure and public interest
- Personal branding and marketability
- Previous or ongoing endorsements
Example:
Kai Trump’s NIL valuation is around $1.2 million, primarily because of:
- Her massive social media reach (5–6 million followers),
- Strong family name recognition,
- Lifestyle appeal beyond golf,
- And recent deals with brands like Accelerator and Leaf Trading Cards.
So, while it’s not a paycheck, the NIL valuation is a powerful tool for brands, agents, and athletes to gauge potential worth in the endorsement marketplace.
