In a stunning move, college basketball superstar JuJu Watkins has broken new ground. The USC guard has become the first NCAA athlete to directly invest in a professional women’s sports team. She is officially joining the ownership group of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, Boston Legacy FC. This unprecedented step blurs the line between college athlete and professional business mogul.
Watkins, just 20 years old, is making this investment while still in school. Her decision leverages the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules in college sports. Consequently, she is setting a powerful precedent for the next generation of female athletes.
Historic Investment in Women’s Soccer
Watkins is joining an impressive and diverse group of investors. This circle includes WNBA star Aliyah Boston, NFL quarterback Caleb Williams, and Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman. Actress Elizabeth Banks is also part of the ownership team. Their collective star power brings immense visibility to the new Boston franchise.
The young athlete expressed her excitement about the venture.
“Boston Legacy FC is creating a space for women to achieve, lead, and inspire others at the highest level,” Watkins said. “I’m proud to be part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward.”
Her involvement signals a strong belief in the team’s mission and the future of women’s professional soccer.
A Groundbreaking Moment for NIL and Ownership
Boston Legacy owner Jennifer Epstein celebrated the historic nature of the deal. She highlighted its significance for the entire sports landscape.
“Juju’s investment marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports and the power of NIL,” Epstein stated. “As the first college athlete to directly invest in a women’s professional sports team, she’s showing that today’s student-athletes aren’t just building their own brands — they’re shaping the future of the game.”
This move represents a major evolution for college athletes. They are no longer limited to endorsement deals for products. Now, they can become equity stakeholders in major sports franchises. This fundamentally changes their potential for long-term wealth building.
JuJu Watkins’ Stellar College Career and Current Status
On the court, Watkins’ sophomore season was nothing short of legendary. She led USC to the Big Ten regular season championship. Furthermore, she swept the nation’s top individual honors. She won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the John R. Wooden Award.
Tragically, her incredible season ended abruptly. She suffered a torn ACL in March during the NCAA tournament. Because of this injury, she will miss the entire 2025-26 season. Watkins is expected to make a full recovery and return to USC for the 2026-27 season.
The Financial Power of a Modern College Athlete
Watkins is widely considered one of the most influential figures in women’s sports. Her On3 NIL valuation is estimated at a staggering $739,000. This makes her the second-highest valued player in women’s college basketball. Her portfolio already includes major deals with Fanatics and the new Unrivaled basketball league.
Her investment in Boston Legacy FC, however, is her most ambitious business move yet. It shifts her from endorser to owner. This strategic step demonstrates a savvy understanding of business far beyond the basketball court.
Boston Legacy FC’s NWSL Expansion Journey
Boston Legacy FC is one of two new teams set to join the growing NWSL. The other new franchise is the Denver Summit. Both teams are scheduled to begin play in the 2026 season. This expansion will bring the total number of NWSL teams to 16.
The club is already building momentum toward its inaugural season. Their first home opener is slated for March 14, 2026. The addition of a high-profile investor like JuJu Watkins provides a massive boost to the team’s profile before it even kicks a ball.
