JuJu Watkins is expanding her influence beyond the court, officially announcing that she co-created a new basketball shoe design in collaboration with Nike—a move that marks a major milestone in her rapidly growing career.
The USC standout revealed her role in designing a special edition of the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen, becoming the first athlete to help design a shoe within the model’s lineup. The project was developed alongside NBA superstar LeBron James, whose signature line inspired the silhouette.
Watkins shared that the opportunity to co-create the sneaker was deeply personal, emphasizing that the design reflects both her playing style and her journey. “It’s built for my game, my story,” she said in a statement about the collaboration.
The shoe—reportedly titled the “Silver Lining” colorway—features design elements inspired by Watkins’ upbringing in Los Angeles, including subtle nods to her hometown of Watts. The sneaker also incorporates performance-focused details tailored to her explosive style of play, blending aesthetics with functionality.
According to reports, Watkins spent over a year working closely with Nike’s design team to bring the concept to life, signaling a shift in how brands are collaborating with young athletes earlier in their careers.
The release is expected to drop in 2026 through Nike and select retailers, with early buzz already positioning the shoe as a landmark moment for women’s basketball and sneaker culture.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars in college basketball, Watkins continues to build her legacy both on and off the court—now adding footwear designer to her growing list of accomplishments.
