Congratulations to Juju Watkins! She has done something truly incredible: signing one of the biggest shoe deals in the history of women’s basketball. As reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, the USC sophomore phenom has agreed to a multi-year contract with Nike, marking one of the richest endorsement deals for a player in women’s sports. And let’s be real—she absolutely deserves it!

But here’s the kicker: where’s all the fake outrage? I want to hear A’ja Wilson go berserk about this! Unless there’s some hypocrisy involved, which would make A’ja a hypocrite, I’m curious to see the reactions.

Let’s take a moment to applaud Juju. This is a significant milestone not just for her, but for women’s basketball as a whole. We’re also seeing Paige Bueckers getting a signature shoe deal, highlighting how women’s college basketball is now overshadowing the men’s game. With players sticking around for four years, the growth of women’s college basketball has been phenomenal.

Despite being only a sophomore, Juju has been in the limelight for years. Unlike many of her peers, she didn’t choose the traditional powerhouses like Notre Dame, UConn, or South Carolina; instead, she carved her own path at USC. Next year, she’ll welcome another top recruit, Kiki Rice, to the Trojans.

Now, do I think Juju will break Caitlin Clark’s records? I’m not so sure. While I acknowledge her immense talent, Caitlin has set an incredibly high bar. However, Juju is undeniably part of a new breed of players who will likely surpass those who came before them. At 6’2″, she possesses a smooth game, and if she improves her three-point shooting, the sky’s the limit.

Then there’s Paige Bueckers, who has no apparent flaws in her game. She can score in various ways and defend multiple positions. But in terms of pure scoring and shot creation, Juju edges her out.

Looking ahead, the 2025 draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest ever, featuring talents like F Wy, Hannah Htalo, and Jang Xu, the standout Chinese player. Although Juju might be touted as the next Michael Jordan, she may not even be the first overall pick in her draft class. The competition is fierce!

And speaking of the future, the landscape of women’s basketball looks incredibly bright. Juju has likely signed a three-year deal with Nike that, in my opinion, is still underwhelming compared to what she could command. Caitlin Clark’s shoe deal was widely regarded as one of the worst in history, and I fear Juju’s deal might fall into the same category.

However, the impact of college basketball is undeniable, especially with upcoming matchups like the highly anticipated game between Juju and Paige in December. This game will likely draw more viewers than many WNBA games, even with stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark on the court. Juju and Paige are drawing massive attention that far surpasses that of other WNBA stars.

It’s essential to recognize that the WNBA’s future hinges on nurturing talents like Juju and Caitlin. With more players becoming household names, it’s clear that the women’s game is on the rise.

As fans, we want a sustainable product that draws in viewers long-term. While it’s fantastic that players are earning more, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of the game. The future of women’s basketball relies on these new stars, and if I were a savvy investor, I would be looking to build a league centered around talents like Juju, Caitlin, and Paige.

Juju Watkins is a force to be reckoned with, and her new deal signifies a bright future not only for her but for women’s basketball as a whole. The landscape is changing, and it’s exciting to see where this journey takes her and the sport. Thank you for reading, and please like, comment, and subscribe for more insights!