JuJu Watkins’ groundbreaking Fanatics partnership a game changer for women’s basketball

The USC Trojans sensation, JuJu Watkins, has just signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles. This groundbreaking partnership only adds more magic to Watkins’ already stellar career.

By signing this deal, JuJu Watkins becomes the first NCAA female athlete to secure an agreement of this magnitude with the renowned company.

JuJu Watkins is rewriting the rules

No one can deny JuJu Watkins‘ immense talent. Brands see her value, the Trojans know what a gem they have, and even WNBA franchises are watching her incredible potential closely. Let’s not forget, she was named the “Big Ten Player of the Year” this season. This new partnership with Fanatics is another feather in her already decorated cap.

Details reveal that the agreement includes several exciting features for Watkins and her fans. Think signed memorabilia, autographed cards, and even game-worn relics embedded into trading cards.

𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: We’re excited to announce that we’ve signed an exclusive trading card & memorabilia deal with JuJu Watkins. pic.twitter.com/3pj4VTAvoG

— Topps (@Topps) March 14, 2025

Previously, JuJu Watkins had already been part of a campaign featuring Bowman products. However, this new deal will debut her sporting her alma mater’s colors—the USC Trojans’ uniform—on the 2025 Bowman University Chrome basketball cards. These are set to hit the market on April 3rd—just days away!

A new chapter in her career

On the other hand, Fanatics describes this partnership as a launchpad to the next phase of JuJu Watkins’ career. What’s more, the deal will carry over once she joins the WNBA. However, her autographed cards will remain unlicensed—since Panini currently holds the exclusive rights to WNBA trading cards.

That said, the landscape may soon shift. Panini’s licensing agreement with the NBA is set to expire in 2025. In an interview, Mike Mahan of Fanatics Collectibles hinted that Fanatics would take full control of NBA card production by October. Yet, for now, JuJu Watkins’ cards pertain to the WNBA, where licensing conflicts between Panini and Fanatics remain unresolved.