LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson was one of the nation’s top college players this season, and plenty of WNBA teams would have been interested in securing her services. However, Johnson, a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025, announced that she plans to forgo the WNBA Draft to remain in college for her senior year.
In the past, college players were eager to jump to the pros, but that no longer seems to be the case. NIL (name, image, and likeness) rules implemented in 2021, along with the transfer portal, allow players much more flexibility. With earnings at the college level sometimes exceeding salaries in the WNBA, numerous players have opted to return to school.
Johnson’s case, however, is a little different. The 21-year-old Georgia native has already secured several endorsement deals with major brands such as Powerade, Puma, Amazon, Experian, and Intuit TurboTax. Her NIL valuation is $1.5 million, and Johnson reportedly has a $7 million net worth, according to several sources.
Flau’jae Johnson Mentions CBA as Key Reason for Her Return to College
WNBA players are currently negotiating a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) that has yet to be agreed upon. The goal is for the players to receive better pay and improved benefits.
Speaking on a recent episode of her podcast “Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae,” Johnson broke down her thought process and provided some insight into her decision not to declare for the draft.
“As far as the draft, I thought about it. I’m not trying to go out on an L. Second of all, you got to think about the CBA and all of that. Third, I want to try to win,” Johnson said. “No WNBA for me. I don’t think it’s time yet.”
Currently, college players can earn far more than WNBA players. From a financial standpoint, players like Johnson may be wise to avoid the WNBA until a new agreement is in place.
To put things in perspective, Jackie Young is reportedly the highest-paid player in the WNBA in 2025 with an annual salary of $252,450.A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP and a two-time WNBA champion, is set to earn $200,000. Caitlin Clark, who was the league’s Rookie of the Year, is set to earn $78,000 this season.
Aside from the financial aspect, Johnson also mentioned that she aims to continue developing her game under Kim Mulkey and ideally go out with a national championship.
“I want to go out on a win,” Johnson added.
Last season, Johnson averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 25 assists on a talented LSU roster that included Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams. The Tigers, however, fell short of their second national championship, losing to UCLA in the Elite Eight stage of the tournament.
I thought all (Black’s) were poor.