Juju Watkins Net Worth 2024 and Salary: Juju Watkins is a rising star in women’s college basketball who plays for USC Trojans, with a current NIL valuation of $555,000 through major endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, and AT&T, while her exact salary and earnings remain private due to NCAA regulations, though she maintains significant income through multiple brand partnerships and marketing deals.
Key Facts About Juju Watkins— A Rising Star in Women’s Basketball
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Judea “Juju” Skies Watkins |
| Born | July 15, 2005 (Los Angeles, CA) |
| Position | Point Guard/Shooting Guard |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Current Team | USC Trojans |
| NIL Valuation | $555,000 |
| Major Sponsors | Nike, Gatorade, AT&T, Wells Fargo |
| Career PPG | 27.1 |
| Notable Record | 51 points vs Stanford (USC record) |
What Makes Juju Watkins Stand Out in College Basketball?
Juju Watkins has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball. The 6’2″ guard combines exceptional scoring ability with remarkable court vision, making her a transformative talent for the USC Trojans. Her freshman season performances, including a 51-point game against Stanford, demonstrated her potential to reshape the landscape of women’s basketball.
How Much is Juju Watkins Worth in 2024?
While her exact net worth remains private, Watkins has secured significant financial success through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Her NIL valuation stands at approximately $555,000 according to On3, making her one of the highest-valued women’s college basketball players. Her portfolio includes partnerships with Nike, Gatorade, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Celsius, Dove, NerdWallet, and Ritz.
What Drives Juju Watkins’s Income?
Watkins’s primary income sources stem from her groundbreaking NIL deals. In 2024, she signed a multiyear contract extension with Nike, reported by ESPN as one of the largest shoe deals in women’s basketball history. Her partnership with Gatorade further solidified her commercial appeal. Additionally, she became the first female athlete to sign with Klutch Sports Group for NIL representation.
How Did Juju Watkins’s Basketball Journey Begin?
Starting her basketball journey at age seven in park leagues, Watkins developed her skills through dedicated training, including sessions with Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. Her high school career at Windward School and Sierra Canyon School showcased her exceptional talent, averaging over 27 points per game and earning multiple player of the year honors.
What Are Juju Watkins’s Notable Achievements?
Her trophy cabinet includes prestigious awards such as:
- Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023)
- Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2023)
- McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2023)
- Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (2024)
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2024)
- Unanimous First-team All-American (2024)
Who Influences Juju Watkins’s Personal Life?
Born to Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins, Juju comes from a family with deep roots in community service. Her great-grandfather, Ted Watkins, founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, influencing her commitment to social causes. She actively participates in various charitable activities, including youth basketball camps and food bank initiatives.
What Records Has Juju Watkins Broken?
In her freshman season, Watkins shattered multiple records. She broke USC’s single-game scoring record with 51 points against Stanford, surpassing Cherie Nelson’s 35-year-old mark. Her debut performance of 32 points set a new USC freshman debut record, exceeding Lisa Leslie’s previous mark. Most notably, she surpassed Tina Hutchinson’s 40-year-old NCAA Division I freshman scoring record during the 2024 Elite Eight game against UConn.
How Does Juju Watkins Manage Her Financial Portfolio?
Following her partnership with NerdWallet, Watkins implements a structured financial management approach. She follows the 50/30/20 budgeting rule: allocating 50% for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and investments. This disciplined approach to financial management sets her apart from many young athletes managing sudden wealth.
What Role Does International Basketball Play in Watkins’s Career?
Watkins’s international experience includes significant success with USA Basketball. She earned MVP honors at both the 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup. During the U-16 Americas Championship, she averaged an impressive 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 steals per game, showcasing her ability to perform at high levels internationally.
How Does Watkins Balance Athletics and Education?
At USC, Watkins maintains a demanding schedule balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments. Her transition from high school, where she maintained academic excellence while leading Sierra Canyon to multiple championships, to college-level studies demonstrates her commitment to both educational and athletic development.
What Makes Watkins’s Playing Style Unique?
Watkins’s game combines size, skill, and basketball IQ. At 6’2″, she possesses the height to play multiple positions while maintaining guard-like agility. Her ability to create shots off the dribble, coupled with strong defensive instincts (averaging 2.3 steals per game), makes her a two-way threat. Her court vision and passing ability (3.3 assists per game) show she’s more than just a scorer.
How Does Watkins Impact Women’s Basketball Marketing?
As one of the most marketable athletes in college sports, Watkins has helped elevate the profile of women’s basketball. Her social media following of over 555,000 followers demonstrates her influence beyond the court. Her success in securing major brand partnerships has created new precedents for female athletes in college sports, particularly in the NIL era.
What Are The Latest Updates About Juju Watkins?
In a dramatic 72-70 victory over fourth-ranked UConn on December 21, 2024, Watkins showcased her clutch performance with 25 points. The game featured a remarkable comeback from an 18-point deficit, highlighted by Watkins’s crucial layup with 1:21 remaining that secured the lead.
The victory was particularly significant as it avenged USC’s previous Elite Eight loss to UConn. Watkins outdueled fellow star Paige Bueckers, who finished with 22 points, in their highly anticipated matchup. Her performance included several key defensive plays, notably a crucial block on Bueckers followed by an impressive offensive move.
What Community Initiatives Does Watkins Support?
Watkins actively participates in community service through organizations like Hands for Hope and Shoes for Souls. She has organized toy donation drives and established youth basketball camps in the Watts community. Her involvement with the Watts Labor Community Action Committee continues her family’s legacy of community service.
How Has Watkins’s Success Influenced Future Athletes?
Her groundbreaking achievements and business acumen have created a blueprint for future student-athletes. Young players, particularly in women’s basketball, now have a contemporary model for balancing athletic excellence with business success while maintaining strong community ties. Her impact extends beyond basketball statistics to include business innovation, community leadership, and cultural influence, marking her as a pioneering figure in modern college athletics.
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