In a monumental deal, Klutch Sports Group, the brainchild of Rich Paul, current agent to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Ben Simmons, has signed its first female high school athlete to an NIL agreement: Judea “Juju” Watkins. The current California 11th grader from Sierra Canyon High School and number one female prospect for the class of 2023 made the announcement earlier this week via her social media.
Klutch will take the role as sole representation for NIL and has ensured Watkins will be treated as such which will not affect her eligibility for both high school and college.
Additionally from representing company through endorsements, Watkins is devoted to act as an advocate for social justice and community reform.
The state of California is one of the more lenient states in terms of NIL for high school athletes. A handful of high-caliber athletes in California have turned to agencies for NIL deals and even entered professional sports leagues including the Overtime Elite League.
Watkins is a current Junior at Sierra Canyon High School, the same school which Bronny James (son of LeBron) attends, and played for the USA U16 team and won the FIBA U16 MVP.