The Most Recent Information Regarding Flau’Jae Johnson’s Decision as an LSU Women’s Basketball Star.

Flau’Jae Johnson, one of the brightest stars in college women’s basketball, has made waves in the sports world, not just for her on-court performances but for her strategic decisions off the court. As an integral part of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, Johnson’s journey has been closely followed by fans, analysts, and sports enthusiasts alike. The 2025 basketball season is shaping up to be another crucial chapter in her career, and her decision regarding the upcoming WNBA Draft has become a focal point.

As of recent reports, Johnson has made a significant decision to forgo entering the 2025 WNBA Draft and return to LSU for her senior year. This decision has been influenced by various factors, including anticipated changes in the professional basketball landscape, her current success with LSU, and the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in college athletics.

This article dives deep into the factors influencing Flau’Jae Johnson’s decision and explores the implications of her return to LSU for the 2025 season.

Flau’Jae Johnson: A Quick Overview

Flau’Jae Johnson’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. A highly recruited prospect, she made an immediate impact upon arriving at LSU. As a freshman, she was already recognized for her incredible talent, helping LSU secure a national championship in 2023, marking a significant milestone in her career. Since then, she has continued to build on her reputation as one of the top players in women’s college basketball.

Her accolades include multiple honors, such as being named to the first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American in 2024, as well as ranking among the top in various statistical categories, including scoring, assists, and rebounds. Her leadership, versatility, and scoring ability have been essential to LSU’s continued success on the court, making her one of the most marketable and dynamic players in the NCAA.

As of the 2024-2025 season, Johnson is averaging 24 points per game, cementing her status as a dominant force in college basketball. Despite all her achievements, the decision regarding her future—specifically whether she will stay at LSU for another year or enter the WNBA Draft—has loomed large in the minds of fans and analysts alike.

The WNBA Draft Decision

In a pivotal move, Flau’Jae Johnson announced that she would forego entering the 2025 WNBA Draft. Instead, she will return to LSU for her senior year. This decision has come as a surprise to many, especially given her standout performances and the increasing attention she has garnered as one of the most highly anticipated players in the upcoming WNBA draft class.

The primary reason for Johnson’s decision is related to the timing of her potential entry into the WNBA and the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the players’ union. The current CBA is set to expire in 2025, and many expect a new agreement to be signed that will drastically increase the financial rewards for players, especially rookies. These changes could lead to a significant increase in rookie salaries, making the financial outlook for Johnson far more attractive in 2026 than it would have been in 2025.

Reports indicate that WNBA rookie contracts, which are currently valued at around $87,500, could rise substantially under the new CBA. This increase in player salaries and the overall financial restructuring of the league offers Johnson an incentive to delay her professional career by one year and maximize her earnings potential. The $200 million television deal set to kick in with the new CBA has created a highly lucrative environment for women’s professional basketball, and Johnson, who could be a top pick in the WNBA Draft, is well-positioned to benefit from these changes.

The Role of NIL in Johnson’s Decision

Another major factor influencing Johnson’s decision is the financial opportunity provided by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Since the NCAA’s NIL rule changes in 2021, athletes like Johnson have been able to sign lucrative endorsement deals while still in college, something that was previously unheard of in the world of amateur athletics. Johnson has capitalized on these opportunities in a big way.

Her NIL valuation is estimated at around $1.5 million, which is substantially higher than the salary she would earn as a rookie in the WNBA. This makes her position as a college athlete financially more rewarding than turning pro at this stage. Johnson has secured several high-profile NIL deals with brands and companies, using her growing popularity to secure a lucrative income stream during her time at LSU. These deals have allowed her to maintain her amateur status while earning significantly more than many professional athletes in other sports.

The freedom and flexibility offered by NIL have made it more viable for top players like Johnson to consider staying in college longer, and for Johnson, it’s a chance to continue developing her game while securing substantial financial rewards. As a result, she can focus on becoming the best version of herself as a player and position herself for an even more successful career after graduation.

Partnership with Unrivaled Basketball League

In December 2024, Johnson expanded her professional horizons by signing an NIL deal with Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league set to launch in January 2025. Johnson’s partnership with the league was historic, as she became the second college athlete to sign with the organization, following UConn’s Paige Bueckers. The deal not only includes equity in the league but also promotional responsibilities, further broadening Johnson’s brand and professional reach.

This partnership highlights how Johnson is positioning herself for future success both in and out of the WNBA. By getting involved in a professional league early, she gains valuable exposure and experience while maintaining her college eligibility. The Unrivaled league is expected to become a significant part of the landscape of women’s professional basketball, and Johnson’s role within it positions her as a key figure in the future of the sport.

The Potential for a Transfer and LSU’s Future

While Johnson has confirmed that she will return to LSU for the 2025-2026 season, there has been some speculation about her future beyond this. Specifically, there have been whispers regarding the possibility of a transfer. In the world of college sports, transfers have become common, and Johnson’s decision to stay at LSU is not set in stone. As the NCAA transfer portal remains open until April 22, 2025, there’s still time for Johnson to make a move if she decides that a change of scenery could be beneficial.

However, as of now, there are no official signs suggesting that Johnson plans to leave LSU. The Tigers, under head coach Kim Mulkey, have been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and Johnson has played a key role in their success. LSU has shown significant improvement under Mulkey’s leadership, and Johnson’s return could make the Tigers a favorite to compete for another national championship in 2025.

The departure of key players from LSU, coupled with Johnson’s leadership and her continued development, suggests that LSU will remain one of the most formidable teams in college basketball. Johnson’s decision to return strengthens LSU’s roster and ensures that she will have another chance to chase her dreams of winning a national championship before turning professional.

LSU’s Future and Johnson’s Legacy

Flau’Jae Johnson’s decision to stay at LSU for her senior year represents more than just a personal choice—it’s also a reflection of the shifting dynamics in women’s college sports. Her ability to balance NIL earnings, professional opportunities, and a championship pursuit is a model for how athletes can strategically plan their careers. The increasing importance of NIL in women’s sports, combined with the upcoming changes in the WNBA’s financial structure, means that Johnson’s decision could inspire future generations of college athletes to carefully consider their options.

As LSU continues to build upon its recent success, Johnson’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the team remains competitive at the highest level. She has already established herself as one of the top players in college basketball, and her legacy at LSU is sure to be cemented, regardless of her decision regarding the WNBA. Her versatility, scoring ability, and leadership on and off the court make her a future star in professional basketball, and the 2025 season will likely be her last opportunity to showcase her talents at the collegiate level.

Looking Ahead: Johnson’s Future in Women’s Basketball

Flau’Jae Johnson’s decision to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and return to LSU for her senior season is a decision that carries significant implications for both her personal career and the broader landscape of women’s basketball. Her return to LSU allows her to continue to develop her game, maximize her NIL opportunities, and position herself for a successful future in professional basketball, whether it’s in the WNBA or another league.

While the decision may surprise some, it is clear that Johnson is making a strategic choice that maximizes her opportunities both financially and professionally. As she continues to lead LSU in the 2025-2026 season, all eyes will be on her as she makes one final push for a national championship and prepares for the next phase of her career.

In the rapidly changing world of women’s college sports, Flau’Jae Johnson’s decision marks an important turning point, showing how players can navigate their careers in ways that were previously unimaginable. Her story is one of empowerment, strategy, and success—both on and off the court.