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JuJu Watkins Makes Major Career Move on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 7:00 AM ET

USC Trojans star women's basketball player JuJu Watkins made a brand new power move Saturday evening. This time adding another name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.

Watkins is joining the team at Unrivaled, ESPN college women's basketball reporter Kendra Andrews shared on X (formerly Twitter). The Trojans standout is among multiple athletes signing with the brand.

"Unrivaled has signed 14 collegiate players to NIL deals: JuJu Watkins, Lauren & Sienna Betts, Hannah Hidalgo, Azzi Fudd, Madison Booker, Audi Crooks, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Flau’jae Johnson, Olivia Miles, Kiki Rice, Sarah Strong Ta'Niya Latson and Syla Swords," Andrews revealed.

Watkins is part of a star-studded cast Unrivaled is luring in. She's also the lone USC representative. Rival UCLA landed three Unrivaled athletes.

Watkins rises as the headlining signing, however. She's earned a collection of awards following her breakout sophomore season. That includes taking home the honor of best female college athlete at the 2025 ESPYs held on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

The guard will add that trophy next to a long list of multiple awards she's earned. Including the Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year honor from 2024-25. Watkins also got named Associated Press National Player of the Year.

The L.A. native is already the fastest player in USC history to surpass 1,000 career points, regardless of female or male athlete.

Unrivaled is the three-on-three women's basketball league that's co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Nepheesa Collier. The league features six teams in the Laces, Lunar Owls, Mist, Phantom Basketball Club, Rose BC and Vinyl BC. Each team operates out of Miami.

Watkins already holds NIL deals with Nike and State Farm. Now she'll join a growing basketball league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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