Abby Steiner Breaks Silence on Puma Deal Rumors: ‘Not True’
University of Kentucky sprint phenom Abby Steiner isn’t mincing words: recent rumors claiming she signed a $2 million contract with Puma are entirely speculative. In a pointed statement via Twitter, Steiner criticized widespread reporting of the deal, stressing the importance of fact‑checking in sports media
“I have been subjected to a few different social media narratives this year. … People trying to leak my deal and contract have been some of the most bothersome narratives I have seen,” she wrote. “This information is between my sponsor and me. Any source outside of that is simply speculation”
She went on to remind journalists and fans alike of their responsibility to verify sources.
“A simple DM to me could have prevented false narratives in our track community”
The rumors originated in July 2022, when Sacramento State coach Kenny McDaniel tweeted that Steiner had inked a $2 million deal with Puma—the purportedly largest rookie deal ever for a female track athlete
That claim quickly went viral. Some outlets treated it as fact, while skeptics questioned its validity due to the lack of confirmation from Steiner or Puma
Following Steiner’s official denial, many commentators and fans rallied around her, criticizing the rush to publish unverified contractual details. Coach‑turned sports‑business blogger Larry Eder emphasized that contract speculation is common in track & field, where financial transparency is limited—but warned that jumping to conclusions “without doing any research” does more harm than good
Steiner’s message is clear: until she or Puma confirm anything publicly, any reported figures are just that—rumors. She’s asking for respect, accuracy, and consideration for her mental well‑being in an environment flooded with unofficial “leaks.” Her comments underscore a larger issue in athlete coverage, particularly in sports where contracts aren’t public record. It’s a reminder that responsible reporting starts with a simple fact check.
