JuJu Watkins: USC’s Trailblazing Star Embraces Investment and Opportunity

USC Trojans’ Rising Star

JuJu Watkins, a sophomore guard for the USC Trojans, is making headlines in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) following her standout career as the top recruit from Sierra Canyon High School in the 2023 cycle. She has already secured high-profile endorsement deals, including making history as the first female athlete to join Klutch Sports Agency. At just 19 years old, Watkins is further diversifying her portfolio by venturing into investments.

Support for Women’s Basketball Through Investment

Watkins is channeling her business acumen into the new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, which is set to launch on January 17 in Miami. Besides Watkins, two other prominent female college basketball players are joining forces with the league: UConn guard Paige Bueckers and LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson. While Bueckers and Johnson have entered into NIL agreements with Unrivaled, Watkins is making a strategic investment.

Following in the Footsteps of Other Athletes

This investment decision parallels that of former USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who backed the women’s sports venture firm Monarch Collective along with a grooming brand, Faculty. The growing recognition of women’s sports is proving to be a lucrative opportunity for smart investments.

Major Funding for Unrivaled

Unrivaled recently announced an impressive $28 million in Series A funding from a notable roster of supporter athletes, including Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps and his wife, Nicole, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and renowned South Carolina women’s basketball coach, Dawn Staley.

Building a Promising Career

Watkins has quickly established herself as one of the most marketable figures in college athletics, especially after her remarkable freshman season. She led the Trojans to their first NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed since 1986 and their first Elite Eight appearance since 1994. In recent months, she secured a lucrative multiyear contract extension with Nike, one of the most significant shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history, a follow-up to her initial deal during her senior year in high school.

Additionally, she became the third female college basketball player to sign with Gatorade, joining elite peers Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. Recently, she also partnered with State Farm, featuring in a commercial that plays into the promotional efforts around the NBC docuseries "On the Rise: JuJu Watkins," providing an intimate glimpse into her life both on and off the court.

Exceptional Performance This Season

Watkins is having a spectacular sophomore season, propelling the No. 7 Trojans to a stellar 10-1 record for the 2024-25 season. She earned the title of Associated Press national player of the week after breaking a school record by sinking nine 3-pointers against California Baptist, amassing a season-high of 40 points in that game—marking her third career 40-point game. Currently, Watkins is averaging an impressive 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Injury Woes

However, concerns arose when Watkins suffered an ankle injury during the fourth quarter of a dominant 88-30 win over Elon, leaving her future playing status uncertain.

Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, USC will embark on a cross-country journey to face No. 4 UConn in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Elite Eight clash, where the Trojans narrowly lost 80-73. This pivotal game is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, with a 5:00 p.m. PT tip-off, presenting yet another opportunity for Watkins to shine on a national stage.

Watkins continues to break barriers and set new standards for women athletes in college sports, paving the way for future generations. Her blend of athletic excellence and business savvy is an inspiring model for young women everywhere.