Flau’jae Johnson is currently involved in various activities. The 21-year-old is a talented basketball player, rapper, student, and aspiring businesswoman who has recently signed a new deal with the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Johnson will receive an equity stake in the league. She expressed her desire to be part of something that promotes the advancement of women’s basketball.
Unrivaled is set to launch its first season in January, providing female athletes with an alternative to play basketball in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason. The league not only offers players equity but also aims to provide the highest average salary in the history of women’s professional sports leagues. In October, Unrivaled secured a broadcast deal with TNT Sports, further enhancing its visibility.
Due to NCAA regulations, Johnson, a junior at Louisiana State University, cannot commit to playing in the league until she turns professional. In August, Unrivaled also signed a similar agreement with University of Connecticut star Paige Bueckers. Apart from being a league owner, Johnson will collaborate with Unrivaled on content creation during the season, with plans for the league to support her music endeavors.
Johnson’s success extends beyond the basketball court. She led LSU to the 2023 national championship and has emerged as a top prospect for WNBA teams. Her marketability transcends sports, as she is also recognized for her skills as a rapper. Johnson signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2021 and released a song with Lil Wayne in June. With a substantial social media following of over 3.5 million across various platforms, she has attracted partnerships with major brands like Meta, Puma, Powerade, the Athlete’s Foot, and Amazon.
Recently named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $7 million. She is ranked as having the highest name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation among college women’s basketball players by On3. Despite her busy schedule, Johnson remains focused on learning about business through various means, including meeting with CEOs, watching YouTube videos, and reading books like “Investing 101” by Michele Cagan.
While the top rookie salary in the WNBA stands at $76,535, Johnson has not yet decided when she will enter the WNBA draft. She remains confident that her brand will not diminish, emphasizing that the opportunities she gains from college will continue to benefit her professional career. Johnson admires LeBron James as a role model for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts.
Managing multiple commitments requires discipline, consistency, and effective time management, according to Johnson. She prioritizes productivity over leisure activities, emphasizing her preference for accomplishing tasks rather than idle pastimes like watching Netflix.
