Sabrina Ionescu and JuJu Watkins: Changing the Game with Nike Deals

WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu is excited about the future of sports endorsements. She sees the Nike deals signed by college athletes JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers as a win for everyone. "It's great to see young athletes getting opportunities," she said. Ionescu thinks high school players might be next in line for big deals. Watkins, a USC Trojans guard, recently signed a massive contract extension with Nike. This deal is one of the richest in women's basketball history. It's not just about the money; it's about the message it sends to young athletes. "I want to show them that hard work pays off," Watkins said. The NIL rules allow college athletes to earn money from their fame. This is a big change in sports. Some states will let high school athletes do the same soon. But there are rules. Schools can't help with deals, and certain industries are off-limits. Ionescu has been with Nike since 2020. She thinks these changes are good for the sport. She wants to see more young athletes get chances. Watkins' deal is a big step forward for women's basketball. "I think women's basketball is always changing," Watkins said. She wants to be part of that change. Her deal shows young athletes that they can dream big.