JuJu Watkins breaks another barrier: Is her Fanatics deal the start of an NCAA revolution?

USC star JuJu Watkins continues to make an impact both on and off the court. Recently, she signed a groundbreaking multi-year deal with Fanatics and its trading card division, Fanatics Collectibles, setting a new precedent in college sports.

This marks the first exclusive contract of its kind for a female college athlete, further solidifying her influence in basketball and the world of collectibles.

A historic deal in college sports

Through this agreement, Fanatics will release autographed memorabilia from JuJu Watkins, including signed photographs, basketballs, and game-used items.

Additionally, her image in the USC uniform will be featured on the brand’s trading cards, something fans have eagerly anticipated.

The first standard edition to showcase JuJu Watkins in her official uniform will be Bowman University Chrome Basketball 2025, a highly awaited product that will also include the debut card of Cooper Flagg, Duke rising star.

This move by Fanatics strengthens its dominance in the industry, competing directly with Panini, which holds exclusive deals with other basketball icons like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Topps (@topps)

JuJu Watkins breaks barriers with Fanatics, a game-changer for the NCAA?

JuJu Watkins influence in the collectibles market is nothing new. In 2022, her first Bowman card, despite lacking official logos, became a coveted item, fetching thousands of dollars in the market.

Now, with this exclusive agreement, her value in the memorabilia world is skyrocketing

Beyond trading cards, JuJu Watkins impact extends into pop culture. In November, she became the first active NCAA athlete to inspire the design of a Funko Pop figure, further cementing her commercial power and growing status as a basketball icon.

With this deal, Fanatics signals its belief in Watkins continued success beyond the NCAA, hinting that her exclusivity could extend into her professional career in the WNBA. This could very well be the beginning of a new era in college sports marketing.