Flau'jae Johnson: How LSU's Basketball Star Rewriting the Playbook for Athlete Branding

ByDivya Purohit|
Flau'jae Halftime Performance During The Overtime Select Championship
Flau'jae Halftime Performance During The Overtime Select Championship | Julia Beverly/GettyImages

While LSU's tournament hopes hinge on teamwork, all eyes are on Flau'jae Johnson—the rapper, entrepreneur, and On3 's NIL valuation leader ($1.5 Million). The junior guard isn't just a key to LSU's title aspirations; she's a cultural phenomenon.

From Injury to Icon

21-year-old Johnson's absence during the SEC Tournament underscored her value. Her dynamic scoring and defensive versatility (2.4 SPG) fuel LSU's identity. Yet, her influence transcends basketball. Fresh off a 2024 ESPY's performance and an equity stake in Unrivaled, Johnson's brand merges sports and entertainment, a synergy highlighted in ESPN's Full Court Press documentary (premiering May 3). Joined by Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo and USC's Kiki Iriafen, Johnson's story will showcase her journey from national champion freshman to NIL trailblazer.

WNBA Eyes on Baton Rogue

Though ineligible for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Johnson's March performances could lay the groundwork for her as the 2026 top pick. Scouts will monitor her poise against San Diego State's defense, which allows just 62.1 points per game. A strong tournament run might also increase LSU's odds, currently laid with NC State but trailing USC and UConn.

Already a Legend in March

If LSU ends up facing off against the Top Seeded UCLA Bruins, Kim Mulkey has to feel good about that matchup with Flau'Jae Johnson on her side. Last March, it was Flau'Jae Johnson who led the way for LSU en route to a 78-69 win over the second seeded Bruins. Johnson scored 24 points with 12 rebounds and a pair of blocks helping lift LSU in the Sweet 16. As LSU's rosters shifted putting Flau'Jae Johnson centerstage, the guard already has the experience being the star of the show in March.

With the PMAC crowd cheering and a nation watching, LSU's March legacy and Flau'Jae Johnson's ascent begins now!

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