The 2025-26 NCAA women’s basketball season has been wild, honestly. But there’s a big cloud hanging over it—the absence of USC Trojans superstar guard JuJu Watkins.
Watkins, sidelined by an ACL injury, is still a huge name in women’s college basketball. Even though she can’t play, her presence in the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) world hasn’t faded a bit.
This blog takes a look at how Watkins is shaping the NIL era. And, in her own words, why she thinks women athletes actually have the upper hand when it comes to these new opportunities.
JuJu Watkins’ Injury and Its Impact
JuJu Watkins tore her ACL in the first quarter of USC’s March 24 NCAA Tournament game. Just a slip, and suddenly her season—and the next one—were over.
It’s rough. She won’t be on the court for 2025-26, but she’s still a big part of the Trojans, even if it’s just from the bench.
USC Trojans Without Their Star
Without Watkins, the Trojans have a mountain to climb if they want to stay in the national championship hunt. Her leadership and skills are tough, maybe impossible, to replace.
The team isn’t giving up, though. They’re pushing on, showing a lot of grit and heart.
JuJu Watkins and the NIL Era
Even off the court, Watkins is making waves in the NIL world. The NCAA’s rules let athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness, which opens all kinds of new doors.
Watkins has jumped on these opportunities, keeping her star power alive even while rehabbing her injury.
Debunking NIL Myths
In a recent chat with SELF, Watkins took on some common NIL myths. They asked if having a big social media following automatically means NIL deals.
She just laughed, saying, This might be true, unfortunately. Her honesty cuts through a lot of the hype—there’s more to NIL than follower counts.
Women Athletes and NIL Opportunities
One of the most interesting moments in Watkins’ interview? She was asked if women athletes can’t earn as much as men through NIL.
She didn’t hesitate: This is false. When it comes to NIL, women have the upper hand. Watkins genuinely believes women athletes are better at making the most of these chances.
Why Women Hold the Upper Hand
Look at LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, the top NIL earner in women’s college sports. She’s No. 47 overall in the country, which is kind of wild.
And then there’s Kai Trump, Donald Trump’s granddaughter, who also cracks the top 100. It’s proof that women are absolutely making their mark in NIL.
Creative and Unique Brand Partnerships
Watkins points out that women athletes are getting creative with their brands. They’re not just relying on what they do on the court.
They’re building personal brands, landing deals that go beyond sports. That creativity gives them a real edge in the NIL world.
Potential and Future Prospects
If Watkins had been healthy, it’s hard not to imagine her among the top 100 NIL earners. She’s got the charisma, the skills, and a certain marketability that brands love.
Once she’s back, it’s a safe bet she’ll keep making waves in the NIL space. She’s just that kind of athlete.
Conclusion
JuJu Watkins’ injury has kept her off the court for now. Still, her presence in women’s college basketball feels as strong as ever.
She’s shared some sharp thoughts on the NIL era. It’s interesting—she points out how women athletes have some real advantages here.
By building their brands and finding creative ways to connect, female athletes are showing they can thrive in the NIL world. Sometimes, they’re even outpacing their male counterparts, which is honestly pretty exciting to watch.
If you’re curious for more, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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