One of the best players in women’s basketball just turned down millions to stay in school. Flau’jae Johnson could have joined the WNBA right now, but she’s not ready yet. Why? The league isn’t stable, money isn’t guaranteed, and she’s already making a lot of money in college from endorsement deals. Her choice shows how women athletes today play the game differently: they put long-term wealth ahead of rushing into a league that is in trouble.
Johnson talked directly about why she stayed in college when she was on Keke Palmer’s YouTube channel recently. When asked if the job market had anything to do with her choice, she said that the ongoing CBA negotiations were the most important factor: “They’re bargaining about payment and other things like that. I’m good in college. I’m making a lot of money. They literally might go on strike. I’ve seen that too. The salary is just the salary, but the endorsement deal should be able to remain.”
When you think about the current state of the WNBA, these statements are very important. The Athletic says that Johnson probably would have gotten a lottery pick designation. A first-round prospect in the current rookie deal structure has a four-year contract worth about $350,000. This is a big difference from what NBA players get. Cooper Flagg, the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is said to have a deal worth $60 million. This difference affects how prospects like Johnson think about their timing, especially since existing NIL partnerships can grow on their own without professional contracts.
Johnson’s view of how visible athletes are adds another layer to this choice. She said that social media and modern news coverage have changed how fans interact with women’s basketball stars. She said, “With the whirlwind of NIL, players can now show their personalities on and off the court.”
This ecosystem has made real financial options available to female athletes that weren’t available to them in the past. NIL compensation has changed the timeline for going from college to professional sports in a big way. It lets top prospects build brands that will sell while they work on their game.
Johnson is waiting because the WNBA only gives lottery picks $350,000 over four years. In the meantime, she’s making $1.5 million in college through endorsements and NIL deals. She shoots 58 percent from three and scores 17 points per game, so there’s no need to rush. The league will write new rules, which will lead to a better contract. Johnson isn’t afraid of the WNBA; she’s making it wait for her.
Where Flau’jae Johnson Fits in the 2026 Draft Lottery
The WNBA Draft next year is wide open, which is why it makes sense for Flau’jae Johnson to stay. Awa Fam and Azzi Fudd are fighting for the top spot, but the rest of the lottery is wide open. Johnson is in a group with Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and Ta’Niya Latson that is loaded with talent. The more she wins this season, the higher she goes.
Chicago is the fifth most likely landing spot for her. The Sky need Johnson’s scoring, perimeter defense, and three-point shooting. Teams like the Sky value that championship experience, which she gained playing alongside stars like Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith. But here’s the thing: the order of the draft could change. If Seattle or Dallas pass on other players, they might move up to get her at number three.
After trading Brittney Sykes, Washington is also keeping an eye on things. The Mystics need a guard who can handle the ball and make shots. Johnson could take on that role right away. Teams will either pick her early or wait until later picks based on how well she does against tough competition.
The real deal? Johnson is in charge of her own fate now. By next spring, she won’t just be another lottery pick; she’ll be the player that teams want to draft. One great season makes a big difference.
The post Flau’jae Johnson Explains Why She Has No Current WNBA Plans Amid Uncertain $1.5M Reality appeared first on EssentiallySports.
from EssentiallySports https://ift.tt/MJZk6aO
0 Comments