March Madness is in full swing, and basketball fans everywhere are glued to their screens. The NCAA tournament always brings drama, but this year, there’s something different happening off the court.
NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals have completely changed the game for women’s college basketball. Now, athletes can actually earn money from their talent and build real wealth while they’re still in school.
Black women athletes, in particular, are leading the way here. They’re using their skills, personalities, and platforms to land impressive endorsements and partnerships. It’s a new era, and honestly, it’s about time.
Let’s get into the stories of the top five Black women who are absolutely crushing it in college basketball’s NIL world. Their achievements—on and off the hardwood—are worth a closer look.
The Impact of NIL on Women’s College Basketball
NIL has flipped the script for college sports. Athletes aren’t stuck in the old “amateur only” model anymore.
Now, they can cash in on endorsements, social media, and appearances. Opendorse estimates around $932.5 million will be spent on NIL products and services for college basketball players by the 2025-26 season—yeah, that’s a huge number.
With so much money in play, top athletes have a real reason to stay in college instead of jumping to the pros early. It’s a whole new set of incentives.
Empowering Black Women Athletes
For Black women athletes, NIL has been a game-changer. They’re building wealth and brands like never before.
While some male players leave for pro leagues, these women are staying in school, capitalizing on NIL, and setting themselves up for the future. It’s honestly inspiring to watch.
Top Black Women NIL Earners in College Basketball
JuJu Watkins: The Face of Women’s College Basketball
Even though JuJu Watkins from USC is out this season with a torn ACL, she’s still a huge presence in the sport. She’s got an NIL valuation somewhere between $750,000 and $1 million.
Watkins is signed with Klutch Sports—yep, the same agency as LeBron James. She landed a “nine-figure” multi-year extension with Nike, which is massive for women’s basketball.
Her partnerships include Gatorade, State Farm, Lululemon, and AT&T. Oh, and she’s invested in the NWSL’s Boston Legacy FC, too.
Flau’jae Johnson: The Multi-Talented Star
LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson is a force. Her NIL valuation is over $1.5 million, which is wild.
She’s not just a basketball standout—she’s also a rap artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Her brand deals? Puma, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Amazon, JBL, Tampax, Apple Cash, and probably more by the time you read this.
Johnson’s business sense and talent make her a standout in this new NIL world. She’s setting the standard for what’s possible.
Audi Crooks: Dominating the Paint
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks is easily one of the most recognizable names in women’s college hoops right now. She’s putting up 25.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, which is no joke.
Her NIL valuation? $1.5 million. She’s got over 13 deals, including Unrivaled, ClaimDOC, the Iowa Pork Producers, and US Cellular.
She’s also leading the 2025-26 Allstate NACTA Good Works team. Not bad for someone still in college.
Hannah Hidalgo: Breaking Records and Building Wealth
Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo is having a season for the ages. She’s averaging 25 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals per game, and breaking records along the way.
Her NIL value sits at $1 million. Hidalgo is signed with CAA and has deals with Unrivaled, Red Bull, Nike, Gatorade, and COACH.
She’s also partnered with Icy Hot, VKTRY, Topps, and New Era. No wonder she’s in the running for National Player of the Year.
Madison Booker: The Lone Star Sensation
Madison Booker is making quite the name for herself at the University of Texas. She’s averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds per game, and her NIL valuation is at $1 million.
Booker’s the first athlete signed to a new NIL program from Kevin Durant and Nike called “Team KD.” She’s also partnered with JuiceLand, CAVA, C4 Energy, Texas One Fund, DoorDash, Raising Cane’s, and CVS.
The Future of NIL in Women’s College Basketball
NIL has opened up new doors for women’s college basketball. Athletes now have more ways than ever to monetize their talent and plan for their futures.
As more brands and players realize the potential here, the investment in women’s sports is only going to grow. It feels like we’re just getting started.
For more information on the top Black women dominating college basketball’s NIL earnings, check out The Root. It’s worth a look if you’re curious about who’s making waves and changing the game both on and off the court.
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