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Tag: Juju Watkins

  • Nike Drops JuJu Watkins’ First Signature Sneaker

    Get ready, hoop fans! University of Southern California’s basketball sensation, JuJu Watkins, is set to make a major splash this summer with the release of her very first signature Nike sneaker. This isn’t just any shoe; it’s a collaboration born from a unique partnership with NBA legend LeBron James himself.

    Co-Created with a Legend

    Nike announced that Watkins co-created the sneaker with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. What makes this even more special is that she’s the first athlete to co-create a basketball shoe within LeBron’s NXXT Gen platform. This collaboration signifies a significant moment for young athletes and the future of sneaker design.

    The upcoming sneaker, dubbed the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu, will debut in the ‘Silver Lining’ colorway. Watkins herself shared the exciting news with her over one million Instagram followers, expressing her gratitude and excitement. She called it a chance to “shape something for the next generation of hoopers.”

    A Shoe Built for Her Game

    Watkins described the experience of working with LeBron as “wild,” emphasizing that the shoe is “built for my game, my story.” This personal touch highlights the deep connection between the athlete and the design process. LeBron James himself praised Watkins, calling her a “great ambassador of today’s game” and noting that the shoe will help her “chart her own path on and off the court.”

    This partnership comes after a spectacular debut season for Watkins at USC in 2024. She shattered records, becoming the first freshman in Division I history to score over 900 points in a single season, with a total of 920 points. This impressive feat surpassed the previous freshman record held by Tina Hutchinson since the 1983-84 season.

    Resilience and Future Prospects

    Tragically, Watkins’ sophomore season was cut short a year ago, on March 24, 2025, when she suffered a torn ACL during a game against Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament. She has been focusing on her recovery and has remained a supportive presence for her team from the sidelines, even helping with small tasks like holding lip balm or providing water.

    Despite the setback, Watkins is preparing to return to the court next season, aiming to continue her remarkable collegiate career. Her resilience, combined with this groundbreaking sneaker collaboration, signals a bright future both on and off the court. The “Silver Lining” sneaker is more than just footwear; it’s a symbol of her journey and inspiration for the next generation.

    What do you think of JuJu Watkins’ first signature sneaker? Are you excited to see her back on the court? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Juju Watkins Invests in NWSL’s Boston Legacy FC

    Get ready to be inspired! USC’s basketball phenom, Juju Watkins, isn’t just dominating on the court; she’s making history off it too. In a move that’s setting a new precedent for college athletes, Juju has officially secured a minority stake in the NWSL’s Boston Legacy FC. This isn’t just about endorsements; it’s about ownership, and it’s a game-changer!

    A Historic Investment

    Announced on November 6th, this groundbreaking deal makes Juju one of the very first college athletes to own a piece of a professional sports team. While the exact financial details are being kept under wraps, Juju herself highlighted how this opportunity stood out. She mentioned that when it comes to equity and ownership, those chances are far rarer than endorsement deals, which immediately caught her attention.

    This investment goes beyond the typical Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals that have allowed college athletes to build wealth. It signifies a deeper dive into the business side of sports, offering a pathway to long-term financial growth and influence.

    Joining an Elite Group

    Juju is now part of an impressive roster of investors in Boston Legacy FC. She’s sharing the ownership suite with notable figures like Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams, Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, and acclaimed actress Elizabeth Banks. This diverse group brings a wealth of expertise from various fields.

    Jennifer van Dijk, the Team President, emphasized that this varied investor profile is a strategic move. The goal is to leverage the unique skills and insights of each investor to enhance the club’s operations across the board. It’s a smart approach to building a well-rounded and successful franchise.

    Capitalizing on NIL Opportunities

    Since college athletes gained the ability to profit from their NIL, top players have seen incredible financial success. Juju has been a prime example, reportedly earning between $750,000 and $1 million from endorsements with major brands like Gatorade, AT&T, State Farm, Unrivaled, and a significant multi-year deal with Nike. This ownership stake, however, represents a different level of financial engagement.

    The Business Behind Boston Legacy FC

    The holding company for Boston Legacy FC, Boston Unity Soccer Partners, is spearheaded by controlling owner Jennifer Epstein. She’s the daughter of former Celtics co-owner Robert Epstein, bringing a strong legacy in sports ownership. Additionally, Monarch Sports Collective, a private equity fund dedicated to women’s sports, is also a key investor.

    This venture is a significant financial undertaking, with the ownership group reportedly paying a $53 million expansion fee and securing over $100 million in financing for stadium construction. It underscores the growing investment and belief in women’s professional soccer.

    Investing in the Future of Sports Media

    Juju’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop at team ownership. She’s also invested in OffBall, a sports media brand launched in 2024 by industry veterans Michaela Hammond, Adam Mendelsohn, and Chris Stone. She joins other high-profile investors like LeBron James and Naomi Osaka in this venture.

    Working with JuJu and what that presents is being relentless in our mission and continuing to try to create engaging content across the spectrum, whether that be vertical video, IP-driven, through partnerships, activations, nothing is off the table. — Michaela Hammond, Co-founder of OffBall

    This investment in OffBall shows Juju’s commitment to shaping the future of sports content and media, further solidifying her role as a forward-thinking athlete and businesswoman.

    What do you think about Juju Watkins’ historic investment in the NWSL? Share your thoughts in the comments below!