JuJu Watkins Makes History as First NCAA Athlete too Invest in Pro Women’s Soccer
rising basketball star juju Watkins has broken new ground, becoming the first current NCAA athlete to directly invest in a professional women’s sports team. She’s joined the ownership group of Boston Legacy FC,the newest expansion team set to join the National women’s soccer League (NWSL). This landmark decision highlights the growing power of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for college athletes.
Watkins’ investment signifies a pivotal moment for women’s sports, demonstrating a shift in how athletes are building thier brands and impacting the future of the game.It’s a powerful statement about her belief in the potential of professional women’s soccer and the NWSL’s continued growth.
A Star-Studded Investor Group
Watkins isn’t alone in backing Boston Legacy FC.She joins a diverse and remarkable group of investors, including:
* Aliyah Boston, star of the Indiana Fever.
* Caleb Williams, quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
* Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman.
* Actress Elizabeth Banks.
This collective demonstrates the broad appeal and increasing visibility of women’s professional sports.It also signals a strong belief in the Boston Legacy FC vision.
What This Means for the Future
The team’s owner, Jennifer Epstein, emphasized the significance of Watkins’ involvement. She stated that Watkins is not only building her own brand but actively shaping the future of the game. This investment underscores the evolving role of student-athletes as stakeholders in the professional sports landscape.
Watkins herself expressed her excitement about the possibility. She believes boston Legacy FC is creating a platform for women to excel, lead, and inspire. She’s proud to contribute to the movement propelling women’s sports forward.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Boston legacy FC is slated to begin play in the NWSL in 2026, alongside another expansion team, Denver Summit. This expansion will bring the league to a total of 16 teams. The team’s inaugural home game is scheduled for march 14, 2026, promising a thrilling start to a new era for women’s soccer in Boston.
Watkins’ recent ACL tear, sustained during a Trojans game against Mississippi State in march, will keep her sidelined for the 2025-26 USC season. However, this hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for investing in and supporting the growth of women’s sports.
Before her injury, Watkins had an incredible sophomore season. She led her team to a Big Ten regular season championship and earned prestigious accolades, including the Naismith college Player of the Year award, the John R. Wooden Award, and AP Player of the Year honors.
You can expect to see continued momentum as Boston Legacy FC builds toward its launch.This investment by juju Watkins is a clear indication of the bright future ahead for women’s professional sports. It’s a win for athletes, fans, and the game itself.
Worth a look