JuJu Watkins keeps moving up on and off the hardwood, this time signing a historic multi-year deal with Fanatics. If you’re a fan of trading cards, this is a unique, one-of-a-kind partnership! 
Photo Credit: Jineen Williams/ Ballislife
USC sophomore JuJu Watkins is a generational sensation that’s captivated the basketball world. Taking her LA roots to the University of Southern California, Watkins has already cemented her legacy at the collegiate level. Named Unanimous First Team All America her freshman season, Watkins set the all-time scoring record in her first season with 920 points.
Awarded 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year, Watkins recently broke Caitlin Clark’s scoring record through two seasons. Poised to shatter historic records for years to come, it’s safe to say JuJu Watkins is a big deal.
The LA native, already partnered with brands such as Nike, Celsius, and State Farm, added another sponsorship as March Madness nears. This next brand deal is a historic one of a kind for the USC star.
This Is A Historic Deal For JuJu Watkins and Fanatics
Announced on Friday, Watkins becomes the latest partner of Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles (Topps). With this, Watkins emerges as the first female collegiate athlete to have this unique type multi-year deal with Fanatics. In addition, Watkins was the first female collegiate athlete to become partnered with NYX Professional Makeup. Where else will we see Watkins next?
In the sponsorship includes memorabilia and and trading cards. A fast growing hobby among sports fans, the trading cards will include authentic autographs and game worn memorabilia. What’s not to love about this partnership? The value and sentiment of these products will only increase Watkins continues throughout her illustrious career.
Available will be autographed photos, basketballs, and other memorabilia. Previously featured in Bowman products, Fanatics will feature Watkins in a USC uniform on a trading card. Set to debut in 2025 is a University Chrome Basketball standard card.
Already featured on the Fanatics website are JuJu Watkins signed jerseys, basketballs, and autographed portraits.
What The Sponsorships Means For Women Athletes
As a young kid, how awesome would it be to obtain a signed JuJu Watkins anything? Sign me up! Several young boys and girls are bound to look up and model their game after JuJu. Along with her defensive process, she’s has the innate ability to attack on both sides of the ball. At 19 years old, Watkins has established herself as a bonafied star and role model
As women obtain more sponsorships, brand deals such as this are crucial. Why is this? Visibility is everything when it comes to women’s sports. As a 90’s baby, I always collected trading cards, but never had the opportunity to gather some of my favorite female athletes. This historic deal will continue to help change to focus and landscape of women’s sports.
While Juju Watkins earned this financial opportunity, the hope is to carry on the possibility for female athletes in the future. Closing the gender gap, partnerships like this will only increase equitable pay for women. There’s hope that more reputable brands will invest in women.
I can’t stay it enough, hats off to Fanatics for formulating this incredible piece of history. Contributors to building the women’s game on and off the court, the time to invest in women is NOW.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.
