The USC Trojans womenโs basketball team is once again making waves in college athletics. This time, they secured a historic name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Chipotle. This groundbreaking partnership is the first of its kind for Chipotle, specifically targeting a college team.
JuJu Watkins, the standout player for the Trojans, will be featured in various marketing campaigns for the popular restaurant chain. This deal is just one of many that Watkins has secured. Her impressive portfolio includes partnerships with Gatorade, Nike, and State Farm.
USC Trojans and Chipotle: A Historic Partnership
The USC Trojans womenโs basketball team has set a new precedent by collaborating with Chipotle in a team-specific NIL deal. This agreement will see all 15 players on the team receiving a VIP card that grants them access to free Chipotle meals.
Additionally, the playersโ favorite orders will be highlighted as digital menu items on the Chipotle app and website. This makes the partnership not only beneficial for the athletes but also engaging for fans.
Real Food for Real Athletes Platform
This NIL deal is part of Chipotleโs *Real Food for Real Athletes* platform, which aims to provide nutritious meal options for athletes. The platform has previously seen initiatives such as gifting every athlete at Ohio State one free meal per week throughout their season.
By partnering with the USC Trojans, Chipotle continues to expand its reach and support for college athletes.
JuJu Watkins: Leading the Charge
JuJu Watkins has been a key figure in securing this historic deal. As the leading scorer for the Trojans, averaging 25 points per game, Watkins has proven her worth on the court.
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Her influence extends beyond basketball, as she has become a prominent figure in the NIL space with deals from major brands like Gatorade, Nike, and State Farm.
Watkinsโ Impact on the Team
Watkinsโ leadership and scoring prowess have been instrumental in the Trojansโ success this season. The team currently boasts an impressive 8-1 record, with their only loss coming from No. 6 Notre Dame.
Watkinsโ ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances has made her an invaluable asset to the team.
Key Transfers Bolstering the Trojans
In addition to Watkinsโ contributions, the Trojans have benefited from key transfers this season. Oregon State guard Talia von Oelhoffen and Stanford forward Kiki Iriafen have joined the team, bringing with them a wealth of talent and experience.
Talia von Oelhoffenโs Contributions
Von Oelhoffen has been a significant addition to the team. She leads the Trojans with 3.8 assists per game and contributes an average of 8 points per game.
Her playmaking abilities have added a new dimension to the Trojansโ offense.
Kiki Iriafenโs Dominance
Kiki Iriafen, a potential first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, has been stellar for the Trojans. Averaging nearly a double-double with 18.2 points and a team-leading 9.1 rebounds per game, Iriafen has been a dominant force on both ends of the court.
Her presence has significantly bolstered the Trojansโ frontcourt.
Upcoming Challenges for the Trojans
The Trojans will have a brief period to regroup before facing a challenging schedule. They will host Fresno State and Elon before embarking on a tough three-game stretch against ranked opponents.
This includes a road game against No. 2 UConn, featuring a showdown with Paige Bueckers and the Huskies. The Trojans will then have home games against No. 20 Michigan and No. 24 Nebraska.
Preparing for Ranked Opponents
The upcoming games against ranked opponents will test the Trojansโ mettle. The team will need to rely on the scoring abilities of Watkins, the playmaking of von Oelhoffen, and the dominance of Iriafen to navigate this challenging stretch.
These games will be crucial in determining the Trojansโ standing in the national rankings and their potential seeding in the postseason.
Conclusion
The USC Trojans womenโs basketball teamโs historic NIL deal with Chipotle is a testament to the growing influence of college athletes and the importance of NIL partnerships.
With JuJu Watkins leading the charge, the Trojans are not only making headlines off the court but also delivering impressive performances on it.
As they prepare for a challenging schedule ahead, the team will look to build on their early success and continue to make history in the world of college basketball.
For more information on the USC Trojansโ historic NIL deal with Chipotle, visit Sports Illustrated.
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