$1.5 Million NIL valued Flau’jae Johnson flaunts groundbreaking Unrivaled deal with deeper motive: "This isn't just about basketball"

At just 21, Flau’jae Johnson has made a name for herself as a basketball star and rapper. On Thursday, she became the newest athlete to partner with Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league set to debut in January 2025.

Flau’jae Johnson’s partnership with Unrivaled is structured through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. The agreement grants the LSU standout a share of equity in the league. It also includes her participation in the league’s future content initiatives.

In her announcement, Johnson expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about pushing the game forward and creating real opportunities for women in sports.”

She also explained, “Unrivaled is changing the game, and I’m proud to be part of something that’s making history. I can’t wait to see how this league inspires the next generation while showing the world just how amazing women’s basketball really is.”

Set to tip off in January, Unrivaled was founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier to provide an off-season option for female athletes in the United States. Many of the WNBA’s biggest stars have already signed on, including Johnson’s former LSU teammate, Angel Reese.

Although Flau’jae Johnson cannot formally commit to playing in the league until she turns professional, NCAA rules allow her to partner with the league in other capacities. For now, she’ll represent Unrivaled while continuing her junior season at LSU. In addition to earning equity, she’ll collaborate on content throughout the season and receive support for her music career.

Flau’jae Johnson is the rising star on and off the court

Flau'jae Halftime Performance During The Overtime Select Championship - Source: Getty

Flau’jae Johnson’s partnership with Unrivaled is just another chapter in her career. She played a pivotal role in LSU’s national championship run in 2023. That season, Johnson’s performance helped elevate her team. It also made her one of the most marketable athletes in collegiate sports.

Beyond basketball, Johnson has pursued her passion for music, releasing her debut EP in June, which included a collaboration with rap legend Lil Wayne. She even performed one of her songs at the ESPYS.

In her junior season, Johnson is averaging 22.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and has shot 54.7% from the field. Her outstanding play has contributed to LSU’s perfect 10-0 record.

Off the court, her NIL valuation is $1.5 million, placing her at the top of the rankings for college women’s basketball athletes. This partnership with Unrivaled adds to an endorsement portfolio that already includes major brands like JBL Audio, Apple Cash and Powerade.

Flau’jae Johnson was one of the featured athletes in the Amazon Prime documentary The Money Game. This followed her journey alongside teammate Angel Reese, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, and gymnast Livvy Dunne.

Johnson isn’t the first college athlete to partner with Unrivaled. Paige Bueckers, a star guard from the University of Connecticut, signed a similar deal in August.