Women’s Basketball Stars’ NIL Deals Boost WNBA Careers

A new generation of women's basketball stars, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, have successfully leveraged their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights in college to build strong personal brands that continue to benefit them in the WNBA. Clark and Reese have made the All-Star Game in each of their first two seasons, while Bueckers was voted a starter in her first All-Star appearance, underscoring their high profiles. The next wave of college players, such as Hannah Hidalgo, Flau'jae Johnson, Olivia Miles, and JuJu Watkins, have already capitalized on NIL opportunities, with Johnson's NIL valuation reaching $1.5 million. Johnson praised NIL deals as a great opportunity, highlighting her experience with national commercials during March Madness and campaigns for brands like Experian and Powerade, helped by LSU's exposure. Hidalgo expressed gratitude that student-athletes can now profit from their own images rather than schools profiting exclusively, emphasizing the importance of viewing themselves as personal brands. Despite their NIL commitments, these athletes maintain a strong focus on their sport, supported by robust personal support systems.