JuJu Watkins is a rising star in women’s college basketball, currently playing guard for the USC Trojans, known not just for her on-court brilliance but also for her growing financial impact.
As of now, her net worth is estimated to fall between $750,000 and $1 million. This figure includes earnings derived from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, endorsements, and early business ventures.
However, her financial details for 2024 and 2025 are not publicly confirmed, so any figure should be seen as an estimate rather than a fact.
Watkins was born on July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, California. She attended both Windward School and Sierra Canyon High School, where she was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in her class.
Upon graduating from high school, she committed to USC. Her freshman season (2023-24) was spectacular: she averaged over 27 points per game, grabbed rebounds, dished assists, and earned multiple national honors.
In her sophomore season, she continued to impress, although her season was cut short by a knee injury.
JuJu Watkins Outearns WNBA Rookies Even Before Going Pro
Before even declaring for the WNBA Draft, Watkins has secured a financial foothold that most professional athletes only dream of.
On3 once valued her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) portfolio at an impressive $765,000, though her current figure is still evolving as her brand power grows.
Her estimated net worth, ranging from $750,000 to $1 million, underscores just how far she has leveraged her talent and popularity at such a young age.
To put this into perspective, the WNBA’s rookie salary for a top-four draft pick sits at $78,800 for the 2025 season. Watkins has already surpassed that mark several times over—without yet playing a single minute of professional basketball.
Watkins Attracts More Top Brand Deals
Watkins has become one of the most marketable young stars in sports, and the deals keep pouring in.
In October 2024, she broke barriers by becoming the first female college basketball player to land a partnership with a major makeup brand, NYX Professional Makeup. She also joined forces with household names Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark in a high-profile Gatorade campaign.
Her relationship with Nike began back in 2022 while she was still in high school, and by October 2024, she inked a multi-year extension reportedly valued among the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Watkins’ brand collaborations extend far beyond sports apparel. She teamed up with Fletcher Jones Mercedes for the 2024–2025 season, brought her unique identity into a United Airlines campaign in February 2025 (cleverly incorporating her middle name, “Skies”), and became a brand ambassador for AT&T in March 2024.
She also showcased her personality outside basketball by curating playlists for Spotify’s #DiscoveryMonday initiative.
Each of these partnerships, though not all publicly valued, has played a critical role in elevating her financial portfolio.
Beyond Endorsements: Watkins the Investor and Pioneer
Watkins’ ambitions extend into the business world as well. She made headlines as the youngest investor in Unrivaled, a sports league backed by giants such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, and Dawn Staley.
This move reflects her long-term vision of building wealth and influence beyond her athletic prime.
Her meteoric rise has also caught the attention of LeBron James, whose production company created the docu-series On the Rise: JuJu Watkins.
The series not only spotlighted her journey but also positioned her as a role model for the next generation of athletes chasing excellence on and off the court.
Watkins isn’t just rewriting what it means to be a college basketball star—she’s building a blueprint for financial empowerment, brand influence, and cultural impact that will shape women’s sports for years to come.
FAQs.
What Is An NIL Deal?
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness.” It allows college athletes to earn money through endorsements, sponsorships, social media, and other brand partnerships while still in school.
How Much Is Her NIL Valuation?
Recently, her NIL value has been reported around US$576,000, which reflects her endorsement deals, social media following, and market influence.
What Brands Is She Associated With?
She has deals with major brands, including Nike, Gatorade, AT&T, State Farm, and NYX Professional Makeup. She has also become an investor in a basketball league (Unrivaled).
Is Her Net Worth Likely To Grow?
Yes. Given her performance, college accolades, endorsements, and investment activity, her net worth is expected to rise—especially once she goes professional.