Smaller is better in the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) world of women’s college basketball.
Overall, forwards and centers aren’t cashing in — but guards are. Of the top 20 NIL earners in women’s college basketball this season, 17 are guards. South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts, ranked No. 7 on On3’s list of top earners, is the only non-guard in the top 10.
That’s dramatically different from men’s college basketball, where big men dominate. In men’s hoops, seven of the top 10 NIL earners are centers or forwards, and the top five big men combine for $11 million in NIL earnings.
For comparison, the top five guards earn a combined $7.9 million, and only three of them rank in the overall top 10.
Here’s a look at the top-earning guards in women’s basketball:
1. Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU
A dynamic point and shooting guard — and rapper — Johnson is the most popular and highest-earning women’s basketball player in the nation. She has no fewer than 17 NIL deals, including Powerade, Amazon, Doritos, Papa John’s and The Athlete’s Foot.
NIL Valuation: $1.5 million.
2. Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma
The top recruit in the Class of 2025, the 5-10 guard commanded an NIL package of around $1.5 million when choosing Oklahoma over Texas. She also holds a Jordan Brand deal.
3. JuJu Watkins, USC
At 6-foot-2, Watkins could play inside, but USC uses her at shooting guard — and the results have been spectacular. Last season she won the John R. Wooden Award, the Dawn Staley Award, and was the AP’s Player of the Year. She’s already a regular in State Farm ads and has deals with Nike, Gatorade and Fanatics.
NIL Valuation: $739,000.
4. Jada Williams, Iowa State
The 5-foot-6 point guard is thriving after transferring from Arizona. She’s averaging 11.1 points and 6.8 assists for the unbeaten Cyclones. Williams has NIL deals with Nerf, Gymshark, Overtime and Spalding.
NIL Valuation: $412,000.
5. Shelomi Sanders, Alabama A&M
A rare mid-major athlete on a national NIL top-earners list, Sanders’ visibility comes from her last name — she’s the daughter of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Despite averaging just 0.8 points per game, her NIL value remains strong thanks to deals with Dexcom U, EA Sports and KFC.
NIL Valuation: $300,000.
6. Azzi Fudd, UConn
Finally healthy, Fudd has surged in the NIL world. The NIL Store reported that her jerseys were the top seller nationwideduring Black Friday–Cyber Monday. As the No. 1 recruit in 2021, she also signed with Under Armour as part of Steph Curry’s personal brand.
7. KK Arnold, UConn
Arnold hasn’t reached the superstar expectations many had for the top recruit in the Class of 2023, averaging 7.1 points per game. But playing for UConn — and her elite pedigree — still drives strong NIL activity. She holds deals with Powerade, Intuit TurboTax, and Raising Cane’s.
8. MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU
After winning SEC Sixth Player of the Year at South Carolina and becoming the biggest name in this year’s transfer portal, Fulwiley landed at LSU, where she’s become an explosive scorer. She’s averaging 16.1 points through eight games, including a 22-point performance against Charlotte. Fulwiley has deals with Red Bull, RITZ Crackers, and Intuit TurboTax.
9. Raven Johnson, South Carolina
After a standout high school career, Johnson arrived as one of the top recruits in the Class of 2022 but suffered an early injury. Now a redshirt senior, she’s leading South Carolina’s offense and averaging 6.6 assists per game. Her NIL partners include Nissan, Dunkin, and beauty brand Parfait.
10. Chloe Spreen, Indiana
After limited minutes as a freshman at Alabama, Spreen transferred to Indiana — where many felt she belonged from the start. An Indiana native with a legendary high school career, she carries enormous statewide popularity. Much like former Hoosier star Steve Alford, Spreen is expected to attract meaningful NIL deals with local brands and companies.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
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