Chess Prodigy Cashes In

Brentwood, TN – When Anika Ramanathan sits down at a chessboard, the stakes extend well beyond the clock in front of her.

At just 9 years old, the chess prodigy has signed away the rights to her name, image and likeness, securing a slate of endorsement deals more commonly associated with elite teenage athletes than elementary school students and, in the process, igniting a broader debate about how far such agreements should extend.

Ramanathan, a fourth grader, finalized a series of sponsorship agreements this month valued in the low six figures, according to people familiar with the contracts. The deals include performance bonuses that could increase that total if she continues her rapid rise through national youth rankings.

Her sponsors include The House of Staunton, a premium chess equipment company known for its weighted tournament boards and hand carved wooden pieces, a popular online chess training platform and a boutique hair accessories company that markets scrunchies as competition secure and focus tested.

One promotional image shows Ramanathan leaning over a chessboard in mid game, brow furrowed, her hair pulled back by a teal scrunchie stamped with a small rook. The tagline reads: “Think Eight Moves Ahead.”

“She still argues about bedtime and forgets where she put her backpack,” her father said. “The chess part got very serious very fast, and we had to learn a lot very quickly. Our job has been making sure this stays an opportunity, not a burden.”

Ramanathan attends school in the Valley Ridge Unified School District, a suburban system well known in scholastic chess circles for its competitive teams and regular appearances at state and national tournaments. That reputation has now placed the district at the center of an unusual debate over whether a student with paid endorsement deals can continue to compete in school sponsored chess matches as an amateur.

District policy prohibits student athletes from receiving compensation related to school competition, language originally written with varsity sports in mind. Chess, offered as an extracurricular activity, has never before tested those rules.

District officials said they are reviewing the matter and consulting with state activities associations. “We want to support student success while maintaining fair competition,” a district spokesperson said.

Beyond the local question of eligibility, youth sports experts say Ramanathan’s case could set a precedent for other elementary age students across a range of activities, from chess and golf to gymnastics and esports.

Supporters argue that name, image and likeness deals can provide tangible benefits when handled carefully. Money earned can be set aside for college tuition, specialized tutoring, travel costs or training resources that might otherwise be out of reach. Advocates also say early financial opportunities could reduce long term pressure on families who already invest heavily in youth competition.

Critics warn of potential downsides. They cite the risk of undue pressure on children to perform, brand expectations shaping personal development and the possibility that financial incentives could distort the educational and recreational purpose of school activities.

“There is a real concern about kids feeling like they cannot fail,” said one youth sports policy analyst. “When money enters the picture that early, mistakes can start to feel much bigger than they should.”

Some parents in the district have questioned whether a sponsored player creates an uneven playing field, even if the deals are unrelated to match results. Others dismiss that concern.

“She would be winning regardless,” said one parent whose child has faced Ramanathan across the board. “A nicer board does not teach you tactics.”

Her coach, Daniel Weissman, a former national master who has worked with elite youth players for more than two decades, said the attention has not altered her approach to the game.

“She still gets frustrated when she blunders,” Weissman said. “She still shakes hands and says ‘good game.’ That tells me she is handling this the right way.”

The marketing agreements include limits on public appearances during the school year and restrict endorsements to age appropriate products. Any chess related content must be educational or promotional in nature, according to people familiar with the contracts.

As school officials debate policies written for a different era and experts weigh the broader implications for youth athletics, Ramanathan continues preparing for her next tournament by studying openings and analyzing endgames. Asked what she enjoys most about the new partnerships, she did not hesitate. “The best part is the free scrunchies,” she said. “They don’t fall out of my hair when I am thinking,”