USC Star JuJu Watkins Extends Nike Deal, Secures Partnership With Gatorade
By Darian Kelly
Last Updated on October 11, 2024
USC sophomore women’s basketball superstar JuJu Watkins has entered a multi-year partnership with Nike, per reports by ESPN reporter Shams Charania. While at Sierra Canyon School in California, Watkins was a part of Nike’s first name, image, and likeness class in 2022. The deal is reportedly “one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball,” according to ESPN. Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, negotiated the extension with Watkins’ agent Jade-Li English.
The news didn’t end there for Watkins, who signed a NIL deal with Gatorade. She joins a roster that includes UConn’s Paige Bueckers and the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. As part of the agreement, Watkins will be featured in Gatorade’s marketing campaigns to help promote the sports drink’s brand.
“Gatorade has been a part of my life for years, especially after being named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 2023, so I’m excited to officially be a member of the family,” Watkins said.
Watkins set the women’s college basketball world on fire last season. With 920 points, she broke the all-time freshman scoring record in NCAA Division I history. Watkins averaged 27.1 points per game, trailing only Clark nationally. Further, she led the Lady Trojans to a Pac-12 tournament title and an Elite 8 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
It is fair to say that Watkins will be one of the most talked-about players heading into the upcoming women’s college basketball season. Already voted by the Associated Press as the Preseason Player of the Year, Watkins’ scoring and playmaking ability will be fully displayed for the country, as USC is now part of the new-look Big Ten.
