Move over, Caitlin Clark! There’s a new hoops hero making waves—and she’s only 17. Meet JuJu Watkins, the USC Trojans phenom who’s lighting up the NCAA scoreboard and signing endorsement deals like she’s collecting trading cards. Her latest slam dunk? A lucrative partnership with State Farm, thanks to the path paved by Clark, the Indiana Fever’s sharp-shooting WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Let’s get one thing straight: JuJu didn’t just waltz into the State Farm office with a basketball and a smile. Nope. She walked in following the 22-year-old Clark, who opened the door—and practically held it wide open—with her mega-successful commercials that skyrocketed consumer engagement by a jaw-dropping 46%. Clark didn’t just toss the ball; she passed it right to Watkins, who’s now dribbling it all the way to the bank.
JuJu Watkins: The Chosen One (of Insurance Ads?)
Watkins’ game is undeniably on fire. Averaging 25.4 points per game this season, she’s been scoring like it’s her day job—and now, it sort of is. When she’s not torching defenders on the court, she’s front and center in glossy ad campaigns for State Farm, Nike, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre. Yes, the girl’s got more sponsors than some pro players. You’d think she’s been playing in the WNBA for years, but nope, she’s just getting started.
It’s almost poetic. State Farm, with its wholesome “Like a good neighbor” slogan, has found a new neighbor in Watkins, and they’re shouting it from the rooftops (or at least from NBC). The insurance giant isn’t just playing it safe with Watkins—they’re all in. And it makes sense, considering Clark’s commercials turned out to be a half-court miracle for their brand.
Clark to Watkins: A Legacy of Layups and Lucrative Deals
Let’s be real—Clark deserves a bouquet of roses, or better yet, a custom insurance policy from Watkins herself. After all, she’s the one who cracked open the NIL endorsement vault with her dazzling debut in a State Farm ad, introducing women’s college basketball stars to mainstream brand deals. Without Clark, Watkins might still be waiting on the bench, dreaming of endorsement glory.
And this partnership isn’t just about personal gain. State Farm isn’t stopping with Clark and Watkins. They’re betting big on women’s basketball, from sponsoring the Unrivaled league—founded by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier—to showcasing stars like Angel Reese. Yes, the same Angel Reese known for her on-court dominance and jaw-dropping fashion statements. With TNT Sports broadcasting this three-on-three showdown in January 2025, we’re about to witness a whole new era of women’s hoops—and let’s hope State Farm has courtside seats.
JuJu’s All-Star Squad: Beats, Gatorade, Nike, and State Farm
If Watkins’ life were a mixtape, it would feature a heavy bass drop, courtesy of Beats by Dre, a sideline hydration break with Gatorade, and a wardrobe styled by Nike. Now, add State Farm to that playlist, and you’ve got a sophomore star living the dream—and then some.
“I’m honored to partner with State Farm,” Watkins told CNBC, likely while signing yet another endorsement contract. “They’ve been investing in basketball and the women’s game for decades.” Translation: Thanks, Caitlin, for making this gig possible. I’ll take it from here.
The Final Buzzer
JuJu Watkins isn’t just the future of women’s basketball—she’s the now. And while she’s carving out her own path, she might want to send a quick thank-you text to Caitlin Clark for pioneering the way. Maybe throw in a State Farm policy while she’s at it. After all, neighbors look out for each other, right?
So, here’s to JuJu Watkins: a baller, a brand ambassador, and possibly the next big thing in both basketball and…insurance commercials? Stay tuned. The future looks bright—and well-insured.
