Report: Nike agrees to historic extension with JuJu Watkins 

ESPN insider Shams Charania reports Tuesday that USC women’s basketball player JuJu Watkins has agreed to a multiyear contract with Nike. A deal that will represent one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball for the sophomore phenom.

Watkins originally signed a deal with Nike as a high school senior in October of 2022. Which is now being followed up with a lucrative extension following her breakout freshman season with the Trojans. A deal that was finalized Tuesday following negotiations led by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Watkins’ team at Klutch comprised of agent Jade-Li English, head of marketing Eric Eways, and vice president of basketball marketing Brittany McCallum.

Watkins was a five-star prospect coming out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. Where she was named the Naismith High School Player of the Year, the Gatorade National Player of the Year, and the MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game in her senior season. Seamlessly transitioning her game to the college level last year.

Division I women’s basketball saw a new all-time leading scorer among freshmen last season when Watkins stepped onto the scene. Ending her freshman season at USC with a record-breaking 920 points to go with her long list of accolades. Stuffing the stat sheet with 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game as a true freshman.

Along with being named the Freshman of the Year by several publications and winning the Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award, Watkins has also been a superstar in the NIL space. Boasting 1.2 million followers across her social media platforms with an On3 NIL Valuation of $576,000, ranking No. 6 in On3’s College Women’s Basketball NIL Rank. Striking up deals with Cactus Jack, Spotify, AT&T and various other companies throughout her young college career.

Watkins was voted the Associated Press Preseason Player of the Year heading into the upcoming season after leading USC to the Elite Eight last season and only trailing Caitlin Clark in points per game. As she looks to continue being one of the best on and off the court ahead of her sophomore season in Los Angeles.