Just three minutes ago, Satou Sabally officially signed with the Indiana Fever, marking a pivotal moment in women’s basketball. This news comes as the sport finds itself at a crossroads, largely influenced by a 19-year-old USC phenomenon, Juju Watkins.

You’ve likely heard the buzz surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. The media has often positioned Reese as the face of the WNBA, but upon closer examination, her role seems more akin to a supporting act than the leading star. Meanwhile, veteran players like Diana Taurasi have downplayed the significance of new talents like Clark, creating tension in the league. Enter Juju Watkins, who is changing the narrative with a fresh perspective and undeniable influence.

Over the past year, Caitlin Clark has electrified the basketball world. She’s filled arenas, shattered TV viewership records, and generated the kind of buzz the WNBA has sought for decades. However, instead of celebrating the influx of attention she’s brought to the sport, some veterans, including Taurasi, have questioned her readiness for the WNBA. Similarly, Angel Reese has been entangled in social media controversies, appearing to prioritize personal feuds over advancing the sport.

Juju Watkins has emerged as a beacon of progress, demonstrating both on-court excellence and off-court wisdom. When asked about the growing attention around women’s basketball, Watkins offered a simple yet profound response: *“The fact that people are watching is enough in itself.”* This level of maturity and business acumen highlights a mindset some veterans seem to have overlooked.

Watkins recognizes the value of attention in today’s digital world. She understands that even negative publicity drives engagement, which translates to growth. While some veterans resisted the influx of new fans brought in by players like Clark, Watkins has embraced them, focusing on inclusivity and expansion rather than gatekeeping.

The biggest stars in sports history—Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and others—knew that sparking conversation, even if polarizing, was essential for building their legacies. Watkins mirrors this approach, thinking beyond basketball and embracing the broader business implications of her platform. She’s not just an athlete; she’s a visionary.

Unlike others who might push back against critics, Watkins welcomes all forms of attention. Every tweet, mention, or debate keeps women’s basketball in the spotlight, and she recognizes the power of this ongoing conversation in the digital age.

The WNBA stands at a critical juncture. With players like Caitlin Clark bringing unprecedented attention to the league and visionaries like Juju Watkins redefining what it means to be a modern athlete, the future looks brighter than ever. Sabally’s move to the Indiana Fever is just one piece of a larger puzzle that signals the dawning of a new era in women’s basketball—one where young stars and seasoned veterans must work together to elevate the game to new heights.