“I don’t like sitting in the house watching Netflix. … I like getting stuff done,” Flau’jae Johnson once said. And that right there is the reason she is what she is—because she never stops hustling. In just her third year playing college basketball, Johnson has become marketing gold. All while still being a top-notch baller.

Back in December, Forbes named her on their prestigious ’30 Under 30′ list, estimating her net worth at a whopping $7 million. And if that wasn’t enough, On3 ranked her as the top college women’s basketball player in NIL valuation, currently standing at $1.5 million. Yes, she’s at the top of the game—literally and financially!

Her NIL portfolio is absolutely stacked. We’re talking deals with brands like Unrivaled, JBL Audio, Apple Cash, Bazooka, MVP Miami, Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge, Tinder, The Athlete’s Foot, JanSport, Experian, TurboTax, Powerade, Amazon, Doritos, Raising Cane’s, and even LG Electronics. 

If there’s a brand looking for a face, there’s a good chance Flau’jae is already repping them.

One of her most groundbreaking deals is with Unrivaled. She signed with them in December 2024, becoming only the second college athlete (after UConn’s Paige Bueckers) to snag an NIL deal that includes ownership equity. That means she’s not just getting a paycheck; she’s getting a slice of the pie.

Then there’s JBL Audio, a brand that knows how to back elite talent. Big 4 joined their roster in August 2024, becoming one of the faces of their high-quality sound products. Not to forget, another big name, Apple Cash, signed her in May 2024. Apple’s digital payment service has been teaming up with athletes to showcase how seamless modern financial transactions can be. So, how could they not approach the one of the most marketable in the scene? 

All we can say is that NIL is a business, and Johnson is making sure she stays ahead of the game.

But you know, more than anything, she isn’t just dominating in basketball; she’s a whole brand. Off the court, she’s making a name for herself in the music industry. Signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation since 2021, she’s already collaborated with Lil Wayne and NLE Choppa. That’s not just an athlete dabbling in music; that’s a serious rap career.

“Determining the value for NIL deals is something I take very seriously,” the baller-cum-rapper said last year. “Between my music career and brand endorsements, my deals amount to about $4.5 million, which gives a substantial indication of my market value.”

With approximately 3.5 million followers across her social media platforms, the college hooper knows exactly how to market herself. And the best part? Despite all the success, the guard stays grounded. Her mother manages her finances, and she’s not out here splurging on flashy things—well, except for Chipotle.

“I’m trying to get that Chipotle deal so I don’t spend all my money on bowls,” she joked.

Beyond that, she’s also business-savvy, constantly learning from CEOs, watching YouTube videos, and staying sharp. And even though the top rookie salary in the WNBA is around $76,535, she’s in no rush to declare for the draft. 

When it comes to role models, she doesn’t hesitate. LeBron James is at the top of her list. “He’s the ultimate businessman,” she asserted. .And much like LeBron, she understands the good and the bad of being a high-profile athlete. 

While she’s benefiting from the NIL era, she’s also aware of the pressures and pitfalls that come with it.

Flau’jae Johnson’s advice to high school hoopers

Flau’jae knows firsthand how quickly life can change. She had an unforgettable high school career at Sprayberry High School in Georgia, where she was named the Region 6A Player of the Year and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game. They even retired her jersey—the first and only woman to receive that honor at her school. 

But she’s also seen how things can take a wrong turn if young athletes aren’t careful. Recently, she sat down for a chat with five-star recruit Jezelle “GG” Banks, one of the top prospects in the class of 2027, and gave some real talk about staying focused.

“You gotta watch what you do. You are in a position, you got to college, you could change your family life, you gotta watch who you hang around with,” she said in a chat shared on Bothworlds’ Instagram page.

She admitted that she had her fair share of fun in high school but made sure to move smart. “Like that’s what I did. My high school years, I ain’t going to lie, I was living on the edge. I was having a grand time. I don’t regret nothing,” she said. “But I was definitely prayed up. And I moved smart and I hung around people that don’t have a lot going on.”

She emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are chasing their own dreams. Clearly, she was not just sharing basketball wisdom, it’s a legit life lesson. 

As for her future, even though she’s not heading to the WNBA just yet, her brand is only growing. She’s got the skills, the business mindset, and two completely different fanbases (basketball and music) backing her up. When the time comes, the deals will keep rolling in. And we just know she’ll be ready for them.

What a sight to see for anyone who has seen this NIL era take shape!