Full Breakdown
Flau'jae Johnson Signs Multi-Year Contract with Unrivaled 3-on-3 League
6/23/2026, 12:56:35 PM
Deal Overview and Immediate Impact
On June 22, 2026 Seattle Storm rookie Flau'jae Johnson announced a multi-year playing contract with Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 league that launched in 2025. The agreement was disclosed by the league and will become effective for Unrivaled’s third season, slated to begin in January 2027. Johnson’s club within the league has not yet been announced. The signing makes Johnson the second member of the 2026 WNBA draft class to join Unrivaled, following Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles.
Path to the Contract: NIL Deals and Future Is Unrivaled Initiative
Johnson first entered the Unrivaled ecosystem in 2024, signing one of the league’s inaugural name-image-likeness (NIL) agreements alongside Paige Bueckers. In 2025 she deepened that relationship by joining the “Future Is Unrivaled” initiative, a cohort of 13 top women’s-college players designed to bridge collegiate competition and the professional 3-on-3 format. The initiative also included Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Ta'Niya Latson and Kiki Rice. More than 90 % of participants from Unrivaled’s second season are slated to return for the third, indicating a high retention rate among early adopters.
Key Figures and Peer Signings
- Flau'jae Johnson – Seattle Storm guard, No. 8 overall pick, 2026 WNBA draft.
- Olivia Miles – Minnesota Lynx guard, first 2026 draftee to sign with Unrivaled.
- Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Ta'Niya Latson, Kiki Rice – fellow “Future Is Unrivaled” members.
- Golden State Valkyries – original drafting team before Johnson’s trade to Seattle.
- Unrivaled spokesperson – provided league-wide participation data.
Performance Metrics and Draft Position
At LSU, Johnson amassed 14.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game over 141 career contests, earned two All-American honors, and helped secure the 2022-23 national championship. She surpassed 2,000 career points, ranking sixth in program history, and earned a gold medal with the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup. In her rookie WNBA season, she averages 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds (Reuters) and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 34 % from the field and 25 % from three-point range. She is the Storm’s third-leading scorer behind Natisha Hiedeman and Dominique Malonga and the only rookie to record multiple double-doubles to date.
Official Statements & Responses
Johnson’s statement highlighted the continuity of her relationship with Unrivaled, describing the contract as the culmination of a journey that began with early NIL deals. An Unrivaled spokesperson noted that over 90 % of players from the league’s second season will return for the upcoming campaign, underscoring the league’s growth and player commitment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From signing one of the first NIL deals with Unrivaled to now joining the league as a player, it's been incredible to see this journey come full circle.” — Flau'jae Johnson, player statement
- “The level of competition, the attention the league generated, and the way it helped shine a spotlight on the game's biggest stars showed what's possible when athletes are given a platform built for them.” — Flau'jae Johnson, player statement
- “Having been part of the Unrivaled family through its NIL program, I've had a front-row seat to that growth, and it's exciting to now officially join as a player. I'm excited to keep growing as a pro, compete against the best, and bring my game, my personality, and everything I represent to the league next season.” — Flau'jae Johnson, player statement
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Johnson’s rebounding average: Reuters lists 4.9 rebounds per game, while ESPN reports only assists (2.3 per game) without a rebound figure. Additionally, article 4 cites 1.0 block per game, a statistic absent from other reports. The identity of Johnson’s Unrivaled club remains undisclosed across all sources.
What’s Next for Johnson and Unrivaled
Johnson will continue her WNBA season with the Seattle Storm while preparing for her Unrivaled debut in the 2027 third season. The league will announce her team assignment later in 2026. Unrivaled’s upcoming season will feature a largely retained roster, positioning the league for continued expansion within women’s professional basketball.
