JuJu Watkins: Enjoying College Life While Eyeing WNBA's Future

JuJu Watkins, a star player at USC, recently sparked a conversation about the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its eligibility rules. While she enjoys lucrative deals with big-name brands like Nike and Gatorade, valued at $576, 000, she doesn't see the need to rush into the WNBA just yet. Unlike the NBA, which allows players to enter the draft after one year of college, the WNBA requires women to be at least 22 years old and have no remaining college eligibility.At a recent press conference, Watkins was asked if the WNBA should consider changing this four-year rule, given its growing popularity. She hesitated, stating that while it would be nice to have more options, the league still has some growing to do. The WNBA currently has 12 teams, with plans to expand to 15 by 2026. This pales in comparison to the NBA's 30 teams, Major League Baseball's 30 teams, and the NFL's 32 teams. Watkins believes that the league needs more roster spots and teams before it can fully support a change in the eligibility rule. She's having too much fun in college to consider leaving early, but she can see the potential benefits in the future. This situation highlights the balancing act between enjoying college life and preparing for a professional career in the WNBA.