Reagan Cotton/lsu | University Photos | Getty Images
The 21-year-old star basketball player, rapper, student and aspiring businesswoman just signed her latest deal with the new women’s 3-on-3 basketball league Unprecedented.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Johnson will receive an equity stake in the league.
“I wanted to be involved in something that was moving the women’s game forward,” Johnson told CNBC.
Unprecedented, which begins its inaugural season in January, offers female athletes another option to play basketball in America during the WNBA offseason. In addition to giving players equity in the league, Unparallel aims to offer Highest average salary in women’s pro sports History of the league. In October, a broadcast deal was signed with Unrivaled. TNT Sports.
“When I heard about the money, it was huge for me. … These women are getting the pay they deserve,” Johnson said.
NCAA rules prevent Johnson, a junior from Louisiana State University, from playing in the league until he turns professional. Signed a similar deal with Unprecedented. University of Connecticut star Paige Beukers In August
In addition to owning the league, Johnson will collaborate with Unprecedent on content throughout the season, and the league plans to support her music.
Star power
In just two years of playing college basketball, Johnson has become marketing gold.
She led LSU to the 2023 national championship and quickly became a top prospect for WNBA teams.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 18: JBL ambassador, basketball player and rapper Fallujah Johnson sets the stage on fire at JBL FEST to celebrate the launch of the JBL PartyBox Series on May 18, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for JBL)
Ilya S. Savenok | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
Off the court, he is marketable not only as an athlete but also as a rapper. Johnson signed. Jay Z’s stoppage And in 2021 Released a song with Lil Wayne. In June
He has a whopping 3.5 million followers. Instagram, TikTok And Twitter Accounts
Brands have taken notice. Johnson has signed contracts with companies. MetaPuma, Powerade, Athlete’s Foot and more Amazon.
On Tuesday, he made it Forbes “30 Under 30” listwhich estimated his net worth at $7 million.
That too from No.1 On3 As the top name, image and likeness of college women’s basketball players, or NIL assessment.
Johnson said her mother currently handles her finances and she doesn’t really spend on anything, but she does spend a lot of money. Chipotle.
“I’m trying to get that Chipotle deal so I don’t spend all my money on bowls,” he joked.
Despite all her sports and extracurricular activities, Johnson said she still takes time to learn about the business, whether it’s by meeting with CEOs, watching YouTube videos or studying, noting “They are studying.”Investing 101“By Michael Keegan at this time.
While the top rookie salary in the WNBA is $76,535, Johnson said she has not yet decided when she will enter the WNBA draft but is not concerned about diminishing her brand.
“NIL is big but it is really a gateway for professionals,” he said. “The opportunities I got from college are still going to end and it’s not like my followers are going to disappear.”
When asked who she looks up to as a role model, Johnson says she looks up to King: LeBron James.
“He’s the ultimate businessman,” she said.
“The way he takes advantage of his business opportunities, the way he carries himself, and he’s done so many things. [like building a school] To help other people,” she added.
With so many different balls in the air, Johnson said it takes discipline, consistency and time management to fit in everything.
“I don’t like to sit at home and watch Netflix. … I like to work,” she said.