An unnamed USC women's basketball teammate of star player JuJu Watkins has criticized the WNBA's current eligibility rules, describing them as "little outdated," according to a report from EssentiallySports published on October 29, 2026.
The comments highlight ongoing debate about the league's requirement that domestic players must be at least 22 years old or have completed their college eligibility four years after high school graduation. Watkins, a standout freshman for the Trojans, is among the high-profile collegiate players affected by the rule.
The teammate's remarks add to growing calls from players, coaches, and analysts for the WNBA to modernize its entry requirements to better align with the evolving landscape of women's college basketball.
