The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has transformed college sports, allowing student-athletes to earn significant income before turning professional. Among them is Flau’Jae Johnson, who tagged along with Livvy Dunne, and Kai Trump top the women’s NIL valuations for 2025.
Social media presence, personal branding, and athletic success play a huge role in determining NIL valuations. Some college athletes now make more than professionals in their sport. Here’s a look at the top ten female college athletes with the highest NIL valuations for 2025.
Let’s See Flau’Jae Johnson And Others’ Highest NIL Valuations
1. Livvy Dunne, gymnastics: $4.1 million
Livvy Dunne leads all female athletes in NIL valuation by a wide margin. Her influence on social media, combined with lucrative endorsement deals, has made her a top marketing figure.
2. Flau’Jae Johnson, Basketball: $1.5 million
Flau’Jae Johnson has built a brand that extends beyond basketball. She is also a rising music star with a successful rap career. Her partnerships include Accelerator Active Energy, Forever 21, and Motorola, helping her maintain a strong NIL valuation.
3. Paige Bueckers, Basketball: $1.5 million
Projected as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers has remained one of college basketball’s biggest names. With sponsorship deals from Crocs, Gatorade, and Nike, she continues to be a top-earning athlete.
4. Kai Trump, Golf: $1.2 million
Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, is a standout golfer. Her massive social media following has significantly boosted her NIL valuation
5. Haley Cavinder, Basketball: $889,000
Haley Cavinder, part of the famous Cavinder twins, is not only an excellent athlete but also a key figure in NIL endorsements. She has collaborated with Champs Sports, Venmo, Core Hydration, and several other major brands.
6. Hanna Cavinder, Basketball: $862,000
Hanna Cavinder shares a similar NIL trajectory with her twin sister, leveraging their social media fame to secure endorsement deals. She remains a major draw in marketing campaigns while continuing to improve her on-court performance.
7. Hailey Van Lith, Basketball: $772,000
After transferring from LSU, Hailey Van Lith has revitalized her college career at TCU. She has partnerships with Adidas, Valentino, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Billionaire Girls Club, maintaining a strong NIL presence.
8. Nijaree Canady, Softball: $751,000
A two-time USA Softball Player of the Year, Nijaree Canady is one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. She holds a lucrative NIL deal with the Texas Tech NIL collective, further boosting her earnings.
9. Juju Watkins, Basketball: $739,000
JuJu Watkins is a future WNBA prospect who has already secured deals with Spotify, AT&T, and Cactus Jack. Represented by Rich Paul and Jade-Li English, she continues to grow her NIL value.
10. Anna Frey, Tennis: $681,000
Anna Frey has built an impressive following on social media, amassing 831,000 Instagram followers and over 2 million on TikTok. She has NIL deals with FILA, Head USA, and other major brands.
Johnson’s Expanding Brand
Apart from dominating in NIL earnings, Flau’Jae Johnson has also made waves in the music industry. On Tuesday, she announced on social media that she is set to release her first full R&B album, Flau & B, on February 14. Johnson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share her excitement.
“I poured my heart into this—every lyric, every melody. This ain’t just R&B. This is Flau & B,” Johnson wrote.
The LSU guard has balanced both basketball and music exceptionally well. With two albums, nine singles, and an EP to her name, Johnson has established herself as a serious artist.
She has collaborated with well-known rappers such as NLE Choppa and Lil’ Wayne, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players in 2025
Her passion for music comes from her late father, Jason Johnson, known in the rap world as Camouflage. His career was cut short when he was tragically shot and killed in 2003, but Flau’Jae has carried on his legacy through her music.
The NIL era has drastically altered college athletics, creating financial opportunities that were once unimaginable. Athletes are now securing million-dollar deals based on their marketability and performance.
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