Juju Watkins Signs One of the Richest Shoe Deals Ever

Nike appear poised to expand their endorsement deal with University of Southern California basketball sensation Juju Watkins. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the new agreement is reportedly ‘one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball’. This comes after Caitlin Clark signed a $28 million dollar deal over 8 years with the Swoosh – making it the richest contract for a women's hooper ever.

Watkins originally signed with Nike in November 2022, before even stepping onto the court for USC, solidifying her place as one of the youngest athletes to partner with the sportswear giant. The extension underscores Watkins's key role in Nike’s future strategy, as they continue to build their roster of emerging stars with her as a central figure.

Born in 2005, Watkins emerged as a standout talent while playing for Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles. She was named the Naismith High School Player of the Year and earned Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year honours, further cementing her status as one of the top players in the country.

Juju will join a deep roster of Nike women’s signature basketball athletes, including Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark. For more on hoops, make sure to check out our entire history of women’s signature basketball sneakers.