Flau’jae Johnson’s Rise as a Superstar: Behind the Scenes with Her Momager Kia Brooks
Flau’jae Johnson, LSU’s star guard, has not only made a mark on the basketball court but has also built an impressive business empire, thanks in part to her mom, Kia Brooks. As one of the highest-paid student-athletes in the country, Johnson’s success off the court can be credited to the strategic management of her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which are handled by none other than her mother.
In a recent snippet from ESPN’s “Full Court Press,” Brooks opened up about her role, revealing her multifaceted involvement in her daughter’s career. “I’m not just Flau’jae’s mom, I’m Flau’jae’s manager, marketing agent, whatever you want to call it. I do it all. That’s a momager,” Brooks shared. Her hands-on approach has been instrumental in Johnson’s rise as a high-profile athlete and a businesswoman.
Flau’jae Johnson is one of the key figures in the second season of “Full Court Press”, which showcases elite women’s college basketball players. Along with Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame and former USC star Kiki Iriafen, Johnson’s story is featured, highlighting her stellar performances both on the court and off it. Her versatility and leadership have made her one of LSU’s most reliable players, and she’s poised to return for her senior season with the Tigers.
Off the court, Johnson has struck deals with major brands like Amazon, PUMA, JBL, Unrivaled, Powerade, Experian, Samsung, Oreo, and MassMutual. Not only is she building her brand, but she is also carving a path in the music industry, having signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. As a Georgia-born rapper, she’s collaborated with the likes of Lil Wayne and Pusha T, showcasing her versatility beyond basketball.
In addition to her remarkable achievements, Johnson will be featured on the “Tamron Hall Show” on Wednesday, as part of the ongoing “Full Court Press” series. The episode will include segments such as “Tamron’s Tasting Table: Recipes That Raised Me” and an exclusive with Tina Knowles.
On the basketball court, Johnson had an impressive 2024-25 season with LSU, averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Despite battling injuries during the latter part of the season, her leadership was pivotal in guiding the Tigers to the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With Aneesah Morrow now in the WNBA after being drafted as the seventh overall pick, Johnson is expected to take on an even bigger leadership role in her senior year.
With both a promising basketball career and a growing brand off the court, Flau’jae Johnson is certainly a name to watch in the world of women’s sports and entertainment.
