The USC Trojans are eighth in the Big 10 conference without their superstar JuJu Watkins on the floor. The player might miss the entire season, allowing her to play one more season with the Trojans.
Although he is out of action, her popularity remains intact, earning her massive sponsorship and NIL deals. Recently, Watkins signed an NIL deal with Unrivaled League and is one of 14 NCAA Stars to join the 3-on-3 league. The player reflects on her NIL Deals and female athletes in general in her recent interview.
JuJu Watkins Opens Up On High-Value NIL Deals For Female Athletes
The explosive scorer is one of the most followed female athletes from the NCAA division and already has multiple NIL deals, making her the richest collegiate player. Watkins even invested in the NWSL expansion franchise Boston Legacy FC, starting her business venture early in her career.
While most of her income comes from NIL deals, the youngster believes that female athletes are better and hence get more deals. In an interview with SELF, Watkin said, “I think when it comes to NIL, it’s like women have the upper hand. There are so many different ways to do NIL, and I think naturally, women just are better.”
She also addressed the claim about the role of social media in such deals, as Watkins mentioned that she doesn’t know the exact logistics behind NIL deals, but feels that a high social media following attracts NIL deals.
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Her stellar on-court performances not only got her high praise but also lucrative NIL deals; she found herself earning a call to the national team training camp ahead of the forthcoming event.
JuJu Watkins to Attend Team USA Training Camp
New head coach Kara Lawson showed trust in the young players, adding 10 new faces to the training camp that starts on December 12. With names such as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese headlining the group, only two stars – Watkins and Lauren Betts – made the cut.
BREAKING: Team USA has announced the roster for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team December Training Camp ⤵️
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) November 24, 2025
Aliyah Boston
Angel Reese
Brionna Jones
Brittney Griner
Caitlin Clark
Cameron Brink
Chelsea Gray
Dearica Hamby
Jackie Young
JuJu Watkins
Kahleah Copper
Kelsey Plum… pic.twitter.com/aorE0b5Xj9
Playing alongside the established stars and even veteran players will certainly impact her game and allow her to test herself against the elites of the game early in her career.
The USC guard averaged nearly 24 points, four assists, and seven rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season, before an injury cut short her sophomore season. She is already a top prospect and will be eligible for the WNBA in the 2028 season.