USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) hugs head coach Lindsay Gottlieb during a NCAA Women’s Tournament. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

JuJu Watkins signs historic Nike contract

Originally posted on The Athlete Lifestyle on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Oct 8, 2024 3:24 PM ET

USC women's basketball star JuJu Watkins continues to make her mark.

According to a report from new ESPN basketball insider Shams Charania, Watkins has signed a historic deal with Nike.

"USC sophomore phenom JuJu Watkins has agreed on a multiyear contract extension with Nike that will give her one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball," Shams wrote.

"Nike officials finished discussions Tuesday on the deal, with negotiations led by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Watkins’ team, including agent Jade-Li English, head of marketing Eric Eways and vice president of basketball marketing Brittany McCallum."

She originally agreed to a deal with Nike in 2022 along with Caitlin Clark, Bronny James, Haley Jones, and DJ Wagner.

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Last season, Watkins and the Trojans finished the season with a 29-6 record and were the Pac-12 tournament championships. USC reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA women's basketball tournament before being eliminated by Paige Bueckers and UConn.

USC finished the season as the No. 5 team in the AP Top 25 poll.

JuJu and the Trojans tip off the 2024-25 season on Monday, November 4, against the Ole Miss Rebels at home.

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This article first appeared on The Athlete Lifestyle on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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