In an exciting turn of events for women’s college basketball, USC star JuJu Watkins has secured a groundbreaking, multi-year deal with Fanatics, making her the first female college athlete to land such a significant agreement. This milestone highlights not only her exceptional talent on the court but also the growing recognition of women’s sports in the world of collegiate athletics.
Breaking New Ground
Signed on March 14, 2025, this fantastic deal will showcase Watkins on trading cards and memorabilia, featuring her in her USC Trojans uniform. It will include signed items and autographed cards, allowing her fans to support her as she continues her journey. The deal is a big win for women athletes, emphasizing how important they are in sports today.
- Watkins’s deal is the first of its kind for a women’s college athlete.
- The memorabilia includes signed cards in the upcoming Bowman University Chrome Basketball release, hitting stores on April 3, 2025.
- Fanatics will continue supporting Watkins through her professional career, showing their commitment to her growth.
A Heartfelt Message to Caitlin Clark
A notable figure who has been following JuJu’s journey is WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Recently, Clark reached out to offer support and advice to Watkins, knowing well the challenges that come with success. JuJu, who has already surpassed Clark’s scoring record during their sophomore years, expressed her appreciation for Clark’s gesture but mentioned that she hasn’t reached out yet. She acknowledged that it means a lot coming from such a respected player.
Watkins stated, “It really is special that someone like Caitlin would offer her support. I have a lot of respect for her and all that she has accomplished.” This shows how athletes can inspire and encourage each other, building a sense of community.
Team First: Balancing Success with Personal Life
With the pressure of being a standout player on her shoulders, JuJu Watkins prepares for her second March Madness tournament. Despite her individual achievements, she remains focused on her team’s success, recently emphasizing that she is not just about records. “Winning as a team is my priority,” she said, illustrating the strong bond she shares with her teammates and their coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, who plays a pivotal role in her college experience.
Watkins juggles her busy life, balancing school, basketball, and her sponsorship deals, which include partnerships with brands like Degree deodorant. When she finds free time, she enjoys attending concerts and catching up on her favorite TV shows. This mix of hard work and leisure shows her commitment to both sports and her personal life, proving that athletes can have a well-rounded experience.
Looking Ahead
As the NCAA women’s basketball season heats up, all eyes will be on JuJu Watkins. With her impressive stats and a historic deal with Fanatics, she is already a name to watch. Fans are excited to see how she will perform and lead her team through March Madness and beyond. The upcoming tournament presents a great opportunity for her to shine even brighter on the national stage.
This growing recognition of women’s sports, highlighted by Watkins’s achievements and the support from icons like Caitlin Clark, indicates that women’s basketball is on the rise. With more young girls inspired to take up the sport, the future looks promising.
