A Historic Surge in Women’s Basketball

2024 marked a groundbreaking year for the WNBA, witnessing an extraordinary spike in viewership and engagement. The emergence of new talents like Caitlin Clark has not only increased attendance at games but has also led to a surge in merchandise sales and social media interactions. This influx of new stars, alongside established All-Stars such as A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, has undeniably strengthened the appeal of women’s basketball across the nation.

A Promising Prospect’s Perspective

For LSU standout Flau’jae Johnson, the excitement surrounding women’s basketball is just “the tip of the iceberg.” Discussing her NIL partnership with the Unrivaled basketball league, co-founded by Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Johnson expressed her optimism for the league’s growth.

“Now that the WNBA has finally gotten its spark and this is the first year that it really popped off, it’s only going to get bigger from here,” she stated. Johnson believes that the league is on the brink of an expansion that will introduce more stars, compelling storylines, and additional teams, making the future even more thrilling.

Balancing Fame and Dedication

Flau’jae Johnson stands out in the current landscape of college athletes, not only because of her basketball skills but also due to her burgeoning rap career and significant social media presence. Despite her rising fame, Johnson maintains a rigorous training schedule, waking up at 5 a.m. daily to refine her skills on the court. With aspirations to join the WNBA Draft in two years, she is committed to making a significant impact when she finally steps into the professional arena.

Making History in Women’s Sports

When asked about her ambitions, Johnson expressed her eagerness to break new ground in the league. “There’s going to be first-time, million-dollar contracts. There’s going to be so much more history broken,” she exclaimed. Johnson identifies the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball national championship as a pivotal moment for the sport, noting that it helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights.

“I think college basketball really took it through the roof,” she said, crediting the championship win for its role in propelling the sport forward. Johnson’s perspective highlights how the success of college teams, including her own, lays the groundwork for future WNBA stars.

An Inspiring Influence on the Next Generation

Flau’jae Johnson is not alone in her journey; fellow athletes like UConn’s Paige Bueckers are also making waves in women’s basketball. Bueckers holds an NIL partnership with Unrivaled and is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 Draft. Both athletes are part of a “next generation” that is already influencing aspiring players.

Reflecting on her impact, Johnson recounted a touching moment after a recent game when a young fan celebrated her birthday by attending with a custom chain in her honor. “That just goes to show, like, she took her time to do that. My presence was valuable enough to her,” Johnson said. This moment reinforced her commitment to leading by example and inspiring others.

A Bright Future Ahead

Johnson is fully engaged in her role as a leader, balancing her academic and athletic responsibilities while making strides in the entertainment industry. The future of women’s basketball is undeniably bright, as she notes a newfound respect for the talents of female athletes.

“It’s always been there,” she remarked, referring to the greatness of WNBA stars. “Once the time is now, you put all the resources, you put all the investments in it to make it bigger and better for the next generation. All the girls are going to do is get better.” With a commitment to excellence and an inspiring vision for the future, Flau’jae Johnson is poised to be a significant force in the evolution of women’s basketball.