Baton Rouge, Louisiana - November 9th: Flau'jae Johnson, the dynamic #4 player for the LSU Tigers, showcased her prowess on the court during a match against the Northwestern State Demons at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The event took place on November 9th, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a photograph capturing the moment by Kristen Young for LSU and Getty Images. Reagan Cotton of LSU University Images and Getty Images also contributed to the coverage. Johnson, a multifaceted talent at the age of 21, has recently sealed a significant agreement with Unrivaled, a groundbreaking women's 3-on-3 basketball league. The specifics of the contract remain undisclosed, but it includes a shareholding position for Johnson in the league.

"I was eager to be a part of an initiative that propels the women's game forward," Johnson expressed. Unrivaled, which is set to commence its first season in January, aims to provide female athletes with additional opportunities to engage in basketball within the U.S. beyond the WNBA season. The league not only offers players equity stakes but also targets to establish the highest average salary in the history of women's professional sports leagues. In October, Unrivaled secured a broadcasting partnership with TNT Sports, a move that Johnson found particularly compelling. "When I heard about the financial aspect, it was a significant factor for me. These women are receiving the compensation they truly merit," she remarked.

Due to NCAA regulations, Johnson, a junior at Louisiana State University, cannot officially commit to Unrivaled until she embarks on her professional career. Unrivaled has also signed a similar agreement with University of Connecticut standout Paige Bueckers in August. Beyond her role as a league stakeholder, Johnson will work closely with Unrivaled on content creation throughout the season, and the league has plans to support her musical endeavors.

Johnson's star power has grown exponentially in just two years of collegiate basketball, making her a highly valued asset in the marketing world. Her leadership in securing the 2023 national championship for LSU has positioned her as a prime prospect for WNBA franchises. Off the court, Johnson's marketability extends beyond her athletic prowess to her rap career, which includes a signing with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2021 and a collaborative track with Lil Wayne in June. Her social media presence is equally impressive, with over 3.5 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Brands have taken note of her influence, leading to partnerships with a diverse range of companies, including Meta, Puma, Powerade, Athlete's Foot, and Amazon. On Tuesday, Johnson was featured on the Forbes "30 Under 30" list, which estimated her net worth at $7 million. She also tops On3's rankings for the highest name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation among college women's basketball players.

Johnson, who Jokingly stating that her mother is currently managing her finances and she is not reckless, but she often spends money at Chipotle。"I'm trying to secure a Chipotle deal so I don't have to spend all my money on their bowls," she humorously stated. Despite her busy schedule with sports and other extracurricular activities, Johnson makes time to educate herself about business, whether through meetings with CEOs, watching educational videos on YouTube, or studying, such as her current read, "Investing 101" by Michele Cagan.

While the top rookie salary in the WNBA is $76,535, Johnson has yet to decide when she will enter the WNBA draft, but she is not concerned about her brand's value diminishing. "NIL is significant, but it's essentially a stepping stone to the professional level," she said. "The opportunities I gain from college will continue to carry over, and it's not like my followers will vanish overnight."

When asked about her role models, Johnson cites LeBron James as her inspiration. "He is the epitome of a businessman," she said. "The way he capitalizes on his business opportunities, his demeanor, and his numerous initiatives to assist others, such as building a school, are truly admirable."

Balancing her many commitments, Johnson attributes her success to discipline, consistency, and effective time management. "I don't enjoy sitting at home watching Netflix... I prefer getting things done," she concluded.