Arguably the most talented college athlete is sitting out this year. Yes, we are talking about JuJu Watkins, who has been ruled out of the ongoing 2025-26 season because of an ACL injury. While Watkins is temporarily away from the court, she has just made a record-breaking investment on the other end of the sporting world.

The National Women’s Soccer League is following in the WNBA’s footsteps. Boston FC is set to join the NWSL as the 15th team from next season onwards, and now JuJu Watkins is a part of their ownership. Watkins has become the first NCAA athlete to own a part of a professional sports team. “Boston Legacy FC is creating a space for women to achieve, lead, and inspire others at the highest level and I’m proud to be part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward,” Watkins said in a statement released by Boston Legacy.

It’s a groundbreaking investment from an athlete still cramming for finals, and it was acknowledged by the Boston Legacy owner for its significance. “Juju’s investment marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports and the power of NIL,” Jennifer Epstein said. “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.”

Watkins is not the only women’s basketball player in the NWSL ownership. In July, Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston bought an undisclosed stake in the club. Both have a similar vision as the NWSL is coming off a record season, much like the WNBA. They have signed a 4-year media rights deal worth $240 million, which is 40 times their previous one. The attendance increased by 44%, and their title game turned out to be their most-watched match ever.

Legacy’s other investors include gymnast Aly Raisman, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and his wife, Tracy, and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. Watkins might feel like the odd one out in this company. But it really isn’t surprising if you inspect the situation closely.

According to Shams Charania, her deal with Nike was one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball. She also has her NIL deals worth an estimated $765,000, according to On3. She also has lucrative agreements with Fanatics, Degree deodorant, United Airlines, and Gatorade, among others. Despite filling the coffers, Watkins had already hinted at not spending it extravagantly. 

After being congratulated on her massive Nike deal, she was asked if she had “splashed out” on any big purchases. Watkins replied with a laugh, “Umm, no.” She further admitted to closely examining her financial purchases, saying, “I try to be very smart, but yeah, just super grateful.” Now we finally understand what she was saving up for. Zooming out on this move, however, it highlights a growing red flag for the WNBA affecting the CBA negotiations. 

Juju Watkins’ Boston stake raises alarm for the WNBA

Olivia Miles already highlighted the power shift between the WNBA and the college athletes. She was projected as the No.2 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. However, Miles chose to transfer out to TCU rather than take the step up. General managers even referred to her as the safest pick in the draft beyond Paige Bueckers. Instead of locking herself into a four-year rookie contract totaling about $350,000, Miles waited to enter the league until 2026. 

It was a sign that the WNBA needs to drastically up its game as far as salaries are concerned. Looking at how the situation is currently unfolding, Miles even expressed relief regarding her decision. “The WNBA is figuring out their own stuff [with the CBA] as we’re watching,” Miles told ESPN at Big 12 women’s basketball media day. “So, let them figure it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college.” It was a calculated move for Miles, and the same is true for JuJu Watkins. 

Watkins is missing a year of college basketball because of her injury. It means she will miss out on some of the earnings, but her Boston investment is for a long-term goal. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding how the WNBA might look after the dust settles in a new CBA. Amid this chaos, Watkins has locked a stake in sports that will probably get her compounding returns down the road. Based on the current CBA, Watkins won’t enter the WNBA draft until 2027.

Miles and Watkins’ ability to be able to earn possibly more than WNBA athletes raises concerns for the league. It prevents the talent pool from entering the league, causing major losses. Imagine Miles and Bueckers battling it out in 2025. It would have added another storyline for the viewers to tune in. We might not see the same hype when Miles arrives as a 2026 draft prospect. JuJu could do the same if her college earnings dwarf the WNBA salaries when her time arrives.