Flau’jae Johnson Isn’t Just Chasing a WNBA Dream—She’s Building an Empire

If the standard for a triple threat is beauty, intelligence, and talent, Flau’jae Johnson has clearly raised the bar.

For most of us, if we flash back on our college days, it is doubtful that we were intentionally investing in our future beyond the classroom. But Flau’jae Johnson is not like us. She is not wasting a single opportunity to ensure her future is solidified, no matter her path.

Johnson’s most anticipated path for women’s basketball fans is a career in the WNBA. In the 2024–25 season, Johnson solidified her status as one of college basketball’s premier talents, averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Her performance earned her First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American honors. A key contributor to LSU’s 2023 national championship, she has consistently elevated her game, making her a projected top-five pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

For a lot of athletes, thinking about life beyond the game is something that comes mid-way through their professional career. But Johnson is not just planning for the future; she is securing it. 

Despite her eligibility for the WNBA 2025 draft, Johnson decided to return to Louisiana State University for another year. “This is my last year,” Johnson told Reuters.

“I definitely want to win, but I want to make sure I’m being developed to be the player that I want to be in the WNBA. Trying to find out how I can make that happen this year. I want to be as prepared as possible,” she said. 

Although her debut in the league is already highly anticipated, Johnson understands that life after basketball is inevitable. With a clear understanding of generational wealth, the Savannah, GA native purchased 20 acres of land in Atlanta at age 20. “This land represents more than just an investment for me—it’s about building something bigger than basketball or music,” she shared with the Laredo Morning Times.

This venture was made possible in part by her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, totaling an estimated $1.5 million, according to ON3. Johnson has secured deals with major brands such as Puma, Meta, JBL, Taco Bell, and Experian.

The notoriety of the women’s game has increased dramatically since Johnson started playing with LSU in 2022. That growth can be directly attributed to young players like Johnson bringing new eyes to the game. Returning to head coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers is a fantastic choice for Johnson as she continues to build her basketball, image, and business prowess. 

Her college years have paved the way for a substantial music career. Signed to Roc Nation, she has released multiple projects, including her latest album, Flau & B, in February 2025. Her collaboration with Lil Wayne on “Came Out a Beast” garnered significant attention, showcasing her lyrical ability and deepening her musical footprint.

Often honoring her late father, rapper Camoflauge, Johnson uses music to address complex topics and share the message of perseverance and ambition. Her music career helped catapult her net worth to over $7 million. 

With a mind for business, Johnson is also capitalizing on the continued growth of the women’s game. She has secured a NIL deal with the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled. 

The league, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, allows players to stay in the country instead of playing overseas during the WNBA off-season. Johnson’s NIL deal gives her equity in the league, making her an investor and owner. 

She is also proving to be documentary-worthy. Even ESPN has tapped into her star power, producing the docuseries The Money Game: LSU and ESPN+’s Full Court Press, offering insights into her life as a student-athlete navigating the complexities of fame, sports, and music.

There is no question Flau’jae Johnson embodies the evolution of the modern athlete—excelling in sports, breaking barriers in music, and forging paths in business. Her multifaceted pursuits showcase her individual talents and pave the way for future generations to embrace diverse ambitions without limitation.