LSU Basketball's Flau'Jae Johnson Inks Major Shoe Deal

The freshman guard out of Georgia is changing the NIL game, signing a shoe deal before even suiting up for the Tigers

Kim Mulkey’s latest weapon, Flau’Jae Johnson, hasn’t played a single minute of college basketball yet, but that hasn’t stopped endorsement deals from bringing her onto their team. Johnson’s latest partnership? A shoe deal with Puma.

The viral sensation, who is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label, has always dreamed of playing under the brightest lights and that is precisely what she’ll get to do at LSU.

18-year-old Flau'jae Johnson has signed an NIL deal with Puma.

A McDonald's All-American and hip-hop artist, she'll make her debut for LSU this fall. pic.twitter.com/9ga5WkaQDQ

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 9, 2022

READ MORE: Kim Mulkey Pushing for No. 1 Post Player in 2023 Class, Social Media Trend

Through the new name, image and likeness rules within the NCAA, players now have the opportunity to sign endorsement deals and earn money. Johnson has the chance to benefit off of NIL more than anyone.

The 18-year-old hooper and rap artist is already creating a new lane for women’s basketball and it starts with equal opportunities through NIL. LSU has proven their acceptance of this new rule in college athletics and Johnson is maximizing her opportunities in a big way.

With a tremendous social media following and already inking a record deal, Johnson can earn money without having to worry about forfeiting her eligibility.

It’s a situation. Big 4️⃣ is here. Welcome to the fam @Flaujae 🐾 pic.twitter.com/0Y3KJfaBmM

— PUMA Basketball (@PUMAHoops) September 8, 2022

READ MORE: LSU Commit Mikaylah Williams Showcasing Her No. 1 Ranking 

Johnson spoke on the timing of NIL coming into play just as she was about to make her college decision.

“God just blessed me… I can take care of my family for generations just what I do in these four years right here. People don’t understand how big, big of an opportunity that is,” Johnson told ABC News. “I’m not taking it for granted; like everything I’ve gotta do I’m going to make sure I do it.”

READ MORE: A Look Into Kim Mulkey's 2022 Transfer Portal Class

A four-star recruit out of Marietta, Georgia, Johnson has all the tools to be successful on the basketball court, and with Kim Mulkey guiding her these next few years, it’ll be interesting to monitor the growth she makes on the floor.

Off the floor, she has the chance to become one of the highest NIL earners in the college game. Already attaining a significant following on Instagram with brand deals calling her left and right, LSU basketball has a star in the making with Flau'Jae Johnson.