JuJu Watkins Net Worth and NIL Valuation: How Much Does the WNBA Prospect Make?

JuJu Watkins is proving that her impact goes far beyond the basketball court. Even before making the leap to the WNBA, she’s built an impressive financial portfolio through partnerships with major brands. How did she achieve this level of success, and where is her career headed next?

JuJu Watkins Earns More Than a WNBA Rookie Before Turning Pro

On3 had previously listed Watkins’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation at $765,000, though she does not have a projected number at the moment. Watkins is already a force in the collegiate sports marketplace, and her high-profile brand deals have helped her reach this impressive NIL figure.

Her net worth is estimated to be between $750,000 and $1 million, which is proof of her success and popularity.

For comparison, the WNBA’s rookie salary structure offers a base salary of $78,800 for players selected within the top four picks of the 2025 WNBA Draft, showing just how much Watkins is earning before even going pro.

Watkins Continues To Attract Top Brands With Expanding Partnerships

According to On3, Watkins has secured several major NIL and endorsement deals.

In October 2024, she became the first female college basketball player to work with a large makeup brand when she signed with NYX Professional Makeup. She is also partnering with women’s basketball superstars Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark with Gatorade.

Her endorsement with Nike dates back to October 2022, when she was a high school senior, and she earned a multi-year contract extension in October 2024. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Watkins is receiving “one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”

She expanded her endorsement portfolio further by partnering with Fletcher Jones Mercedes for the 2024-2025 season.

In February 2025, she partnered with United Airlines, using her middle name “Skies” in the campaign.

She became a brand ambassador for AT&T in March 2024, promoting its products and services across various platforms. She also worked with Spotify for their #DiscoveryMonday initiative, which included posting her music recommendations and playlists in February 2024.

While exact figures for some of these deals remain undisclosed, they have undoubtedly helped boost Watkins’ financial standing.

Beyond endorsements, Watkins is also making waves in the business world. She recently became the youngest investor in Unrivaled, joining a star-studded group that includes NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, and South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley.

Her rise has even caught the attention of LeBron James, whose production company created a docu-series, “On the Rise: JuJu Watkins.” The series not only highlighted her journey but also served as inspiration for the next generation of athletes striving for success both on and off the court.