Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson has turned an early name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnership into a major business milestone. The WNBA rookie has signed a multi-year contract with Unrivaled, the fast-growing 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, continuing a relationship that began while she was still playing college basketball.
The deal marks a full-circle moment for Johnson. She was one of the first college athletes to partner with Unrivaled through an NIL agreement in 2024. Now, she is joining the league as a professional player ahead of its third season, which begins in January 2027.
The move also highlights how Black women athletes are creating wealth beyond their playing careers. By combining sports, business, and ownership opportunities, Johnson continues to build a brand that reaches far beyond the basketball court.
Flau’jae Johnson’s Unrivaled contract builds on her first NIL partnership
Johnson signed the multi-year agreement with Unrivaled on June 22. She will make her debut during the league’s third season in January 2027 after completing her WNBA rookie campaign with the Seattle Storm. Her team assignment has not yet been announced.
The partnership carries extra meaning because Johnson helped make history with the league before it officially launched. In 2024, she became one of the first two college athletes, alongside Paige Bueckers, to sign an NIL marketing deal with Unrivaled. A year later, she strengthened that relationship through the league’s “Future is Unrivaled” program, which gave top college prospects equity opportunities and merchandising partnerships.
Speaking about her journey, Johnson said:
“From signing one of the first NIL deals with Unrivaled to now joining the league as a player, it’s been incredible to see this journey come full circle. The level of competition, the attention the league generated, and the way it helped shine a spotlight on the game’s biggest stars showed what’s possible when athletes are given a platform built for them.”
Unrivaled offers Black women athletes new paths to wealth and ownership
Johnson’s latest deal reflects a growing shift in women’s professional sports. For years, many WNBA players spent their offseasons playing overseas to earn additional income. Unrivaled is changing that model by offering competitive salaries during the WNBA offseason while allowing athletes to remain in the United States.
Beyond salaries, the league also provides equity opportunities. This means players can benefit from the league’s long-term growth instead of earning only a paycheck. As a result, athletes gain both financial rewards and a voice in the league’s future.
The model creates more opportunities for Black women athletes to build lasting wealth. Instead of choosing between income and staying home, players can compete domestically while growing their personal brands and business interests throughout the year.
Flau’jae Johnson continues to grow as an athlete and entrepreneur
Johnson has already established herself as more than a basketball player. She won a national championship with LSU in 2023 before being selected eighth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm.
Her success extends into music and entertainment as well. Johnson is a signed recording artist with Roc Nation, while her popular “Flaumix” freestyle series has attracted more than 20 million views. She has also earned recognition twice on Billboard’s Sports & Music Power Players list.
Together, these achievements make Johnson one of the leading examples of today’s athlete-entrepreneur. Her growing influence allows her to attract sponsors throughout the year while maintaining ownership of her personal brand.
What Flau’jae Johnson’s signing means for Unrivaled’s future
Johnson becomes the second member of the 2026 WNBA rookie class to commit to Unrivaled. Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles previously signed with the league in April.
League officials continue to build momentum ahead of the 2027 season. According to an Unrivaled spokesperson, more than 90% of players from the league’s second season have already committed to returning.
The league has also expanded by adding two new franchises, the Breeze and the Hive. Teams will be built through an internal draft system and position-based player groups designed to create balanced and competitive rosters. Johnson’s arrival adds another rising star to a league that continues to attract some of women’s basketball’s biggest names.
