The 2024-25 women’s college basketball season has given fans a thrilling glimpse into the remarkable talent of USC’s JuJu Watkins, who has firmly established herself as one of the sport’s leading figures. Now, she’s about to take her influence to a whole new level with a groundbreaking multi-year deal that pairs her with one of the biggest names in sports branding.
According to ESPN’s Dan Hajducky, Watkins has officially signed a multi-year agreement with Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles, making history as the first women’s college athlete to partner with this prominent apparel and trading card company. This exciting partnership ensures that Watkins will grace the packaging of Fanatics’ renowned Topps trading cards, which is a prestigious platform that will spotlight her talent and game.
The agreement encompasses a range of signed memorabilia, including photos, basketballs, and autographed cards, as well as game-worn items that will be integrated into trading cards. While Watkins has previously been included in Bowman products, fans can look forward to seeing her in a USC Trojans uniform on the 2025 Bowman University Chrome Basketball cards, set to release on April 3, 2025.
Topps has also confirmed their exclusive trading card and memorabilia deal with Watkins, expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration. This move not only elevates Watkins’ profile but also reflects the broader growth and visibility of women’s college sports, which continues to gain momentum.
As for her performance on the court, Watkins has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. With an impressive average of 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, she has dominated the competition from start to finish in her sophomore year. Her contributions have been pivotal in leading the Trojans to a Big Ten regular season title and a commendable runner-up finish in the Big Ten Tournament.
Now, as the team gears up for the NCAA Tournament, the stakes are higher than ever. Watkins’ goal is clear: to guide USC to an even more impressive finish than their Elite Eight run from last season. While the Trojans recently faced a setback against UCLA, which has left fans feeling a bit cautious about March Madness, there’s no denying that Watkins is a player to watch. Her potential for future greatness is undeniable.
However, her journey in college basketball will extend through at least 2027, as NCAA rules prevent her from making the leap to the WNBA until she either graduates or reaches the age of 22. Despite this temporary wait, the anticipation surrounding her future—both on the court and in the sports branding realm—remains electric. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this standout athlete will shape the future of women’s basketball and sports marketing.
