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USC Trojans Star Juju Watkins Signs "Smartest NIL Deal Ever"

Originally posted on FanNation Kicks | By Pat Benson | Last updated 3/14/24

On behalf of NerdWallet, and just in time for March Madness, The Shoe Surgeon is flexing his cut and sew skills to create bespoke, limited edition wallets for the NCAA women's basketball star JuJu Watkins.

The partnership is to celebrate what the brand is calling the "Smartest NIL Deal Ever." The USC Trojans star has teased the wallet on social media to give the appearance of a shoe drop, and lucky consumers will be surprised by getting them for free.

The deal contractually obligates Watkins to commit to a NerdWallet smart money decision, helping to secure their financial future. As part of the deal reveal, she will announce her own bespoke, limited-edition wallet curated specially for them by sneaker designer Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon" Ciambrone.

The wall will be available for purchase on NerdWallet’s Merch Store (nerdymerch.com). Wallets will be listed for $50, but when consumers go to purchase, they will be surprised with a pre-applied coupon that makes the wallet free and provides financial guidance on what to do with the money saved.

Watkins is a freshman at the University of Southern California and a rising basketball phenom and record-breaker. Already having been named Freshman of the Week for the 13th time this season, she has shattered the long-standing Pac-12 record. Additionally, earlier this season, Watkins passed WNBA Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie for the most 30-point games by a USC freshman in program history.

In 2023, Watkins was named a McDonald's All-American, a prestigious honor given to the country's top high school basketball players. This recognition is just one of many that Wakins has received over the years. She is a two-time FIBA gold medalist named the 2022 Gatorade California Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Watkins' skill and success on the court have made her a role model for young athletes everywhere.

Off the court, Watkins is equally impressive. She is passionate about carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, Ted Watkins Sr., who founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee after the 1965 Watts Riots.

Watkins recently hosted a GoodJuJu holiday giveback at the Watts Labor Community and Action Committee Center – the center her grandfather founded to tell the story of racial injustice and empower individuals with tools to create change.

Partnering with Nike to donate apparel with two Los Angeles High Schools and the Finish First Academy Transitional Housing Shelter – a women's shelter owned and run by her family.

Watkins also has a passion for fashion and uses her Instagram platform to share her sense of style with her 208k followers. Follow FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.

This article first appeared on FanNation Kicks and was syndicated with permission.

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