USC phenom JuJu Watkins is making history before even stepping on the court for her sophomore year.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Watkins and Nike have reached an agreement on a multiyear contract extension. The lucrative deal is reportedly “one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”

Contract negotiations between Nike officials, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Watkins’ agent Jade-Li English, vice president of basketball marketing Brittany McCallum, and head of marketing Eric Eways came to a harmonious conclusion on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old first signed with the footwear company back in October of 2022 when she was still a high school senior at Sierra Canyon High, joining the likes of Nike’s student-athlete roster that at the time featured Caitlin Clark, Haley Jones, D.J. Wagner, and Bronny James.

Taking to social media, droves of fans congratulated Watkins on her record-setting deal with Nike. “Incredible achievement for juju,” one X user wrote with another adding: “Deserved. She up next.”

A third declared: “And YES, she’s THAT good!”

Follow us on Xfor the best and latest in sports news

JuJu Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists with the Trojans

JuJu Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists with the Trojans ( 

Image:

Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Over 34 games last season – all of which she started – Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game en route to propelling the Trojans to their best win percentage in three decades. She became the first USC athlete – male or female – to amass 13 30-point games in a single season, additionally earning All-American, All-Pac-12, and NCAA All-Region honors.

Before taking her talents to USC, Watkins cemented herself as one of the biggest stars coming out of the 2023 class. While dominating at the high school level, the Watts native was twice named the Los Angeles Times Player of the Year and secured two gold medals with the USA Basketball U17 team.

Announcing her decision to partner with Nike, Watkins said in an official statement: “My family’s always given back to the community and now it’s my turn. With Nike’s support, I know I can make a difference. I can’t wait to share my love for the game with young athletes in Los Angeles – especially in the Watts community – and around the world.”

Following Clark’s departure from Iowa and ensuing record-breaking rookie season in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, many expect Watkins to become the face of women’s college basketball. Asked if she felt any pressure to take on the role, the star guard told reporters at Big Ten media day: “I wouldn’t really say pressure.

“So many great teams in this league, and I think my main focus is just winning with my team. And wherever that takes us, we’re grateful. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb believes Watkins is more than ready for the challenge. “I don’t know that there’s been a young African-American superstar in women’s basketball at this age be able to have this platform, and I think that’s gonna do a ton for communities both in L.A. and across the country,” she said.

“I wouldn’t bet against her to be able to handle anything. At the same, it’s our job to prep her for what might be coming and make sure she’s able to have joy and be a kid.”