JuJu Watkins Season 2 Documentary ‘On the Rise’ Premieres November 15 on NBC and Peacock: LeBron James Executive Produces USC Star’s Injury Recovery Journey

In a major boost for women’s basketball fans, the highly anticipated second season of the documentary series On the Rise: JuJu Watkins is set to premiere on November 15, 2024, airing on NBC and streaming exclusively on Peacock. Executive produced by NBA icon LeBron James and his longtime collaborator Maverick Carter, this installment dives deep into the USC Trojans star’s sophomore year, capturing her resilience amid a challenging injury recovery and her unyielding pursuit of greatness on the court.

JuJu Watkins, the 18-year-old phenom who shattered records as a freshman last season, has become a household name in basketball circles. Her journey from high school sensation to college standout captivated audiences in Season 1, and now, with LeBron’s powerhouse production team at the helm, Season 2 promises an even more intimate look at the pressures and triumphs of elite athletics. As women’s basketball continues to surge in popularity—thanks in part to stars like Watkins and the WNBA’s rising profile—this documentary arrives at a pivotal moment, blending raw emotion with high-stakes drama.

The series, which first launched to critical acclaim, explores Watkins’ evolution not just as an athlete but as a young woman navigating fame, adversity, and ambition. With her sophomore campaign underway, fans are eager to see how she rebounds from a nagging ankle injury that sidelined her for key games early in the season. Premiering just as the Trojans gear up for conference play, the documentary could inspire a new wave of viewers tuning into USC’s games and beyond.

Watkins’ Sophomore Struggles: From Freshman Glory to Injury Hurdles

JuJu Watkins entered her freshman year at the University of Southern California with sky-high expectations, and she delivered in spades. Averaging 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, she became the highest-scoring freshman in NCAA Division I history for a single season, eclipsing the previous mark set by Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Her explosive scoring—highlighted by a 42-point outburst against UCLA—propelled USC to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, marking the program’s deepest run since 1986.

But Season 2 of On the Rise: JuJu Watkins shifts the narrative to the sophomore slump’s darker side. Just weeks into the 2024-25 season, Watkins twisted her ankle during a practice session in October, forcing her to miss three consecutive games against top-25 opponents. Medical reports from USC’s athletic department revealed a moderate sprain, with swelling that hampered her signature quickness and vertical leap. “It was the lowest point,” Watkins shared in a pre-release clip from the documentary. “Basketball is my everything, and suddenly, it was taken away. I had to rethink everything—from my training to my mental game.”

This injury wasn’t just a physical setback; it tested Watkins’ mental fortitude. Statistics from the NCAA show that injured players in women’s basketball often face a 20-30% dip in performance upon return due to confidence issues. For Watkins, who was drafted as a symbolic No. 1 pick in mock WNBA drafts before even playing a college game, the pressure was immense. The documentary captures raw footage of her rehab sessions at USC’s state-of-the-art sports medicine facility, where she worked with trainers on plyometric exercises and balance drills to rebuild her explosiveness.

Off the court, Watkins leaned on her support system. Her mother, Wanda, a former community college athlete, became a constant presence, offering home-cooked meals and motivational talks. “JuJu’s always been a fighter,” Wanda Watkins told producers. “This injury? It’s just fuel for her fire.” By mid-November, Watkins returned to the lineup, scoring 28 points in a comeback win over Washington State, proving her resilience. The episode detailing this arc is expected to resonate with young athletes facing similar obstacles, emphasizing themes of perseverance in women’s basketball.

Broader context underscores the documentary’s timeliness. The 2024 women’s NCAA Tournament drew over 18 million viewers for the championship game alone—a 286% increase from a decade ago—fueled by stars like Watkins. Yet, injuries remain a stark reality; last season, 15% of Division I women’s basketball players missed at least five games due to lower-body issues, per the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program. Watkins’ story humanizes these stats, showing the grind behind the glory.

LeBron James and Maverick Carter: Elevating Women’s Basketball Through Storytelling

LeBron James isn’t just producing On the Rise: JuJu Watkins—he’s investing in the future of the sport he loves. As an executive producer alongside Maverick Carter through their SpringHill Company, James brings his signature blend of entertainment savvy and social impact to the series. SpringHill, valued at over $725 million, has a track record of hit projects like Space Jam: A New Legacy and the Netflix series Colin in Black & White, but this marks a deeper foray into women’s sports narratives.

“JuJu represents the next generation of basketball excellence,” James said in an official statement from NBCUniversal. “Her story of rising through challenges is one that needs to be told, especially in women’s basketball, which is exploding right now. Maverick and I are proud to amplify her voice.” Carter, James’ business partner since 2007, echoed this sentiment: “We’ve seen the barriers women athletes face. This documentary isn’t just about highlights—it’s about the heart.”

Their involvement stems from a mutual admiration. James, who watched Watkins’ high school games at Sierra Canyon School (where he once coached his son Bronny), reached out via social media after her freshman debut. This collaboration aligns with James’ broader advocacy; through his I Promise School and LeBron James Family Foundation, he’s championed youth sports, particularly for underserved girls. In 2023, his foundation donated $100 million to women’s sports initiatives, including scholarships for emerging talents like Watkins.

From a production standpoint, Season 2 boasts enhanced cinematography, with behind-the-scenes access granted by USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb. The crew followed Watkins from dawn weightlifting sessions to late-night film study, capturing unfiltered moments like her emotional post-injury press conference. Budget details aren’t public, but industry insiders estimate SpringHill’s investment at $5-7 million per season, rivaling top sports docs like ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

This partnership also spotlights the growing intersection of Hollywood and athletics. With the WNBA’s media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion over 11 years, producers like James are capitalizing on the momentum. Watkins’ documentary could serve as a gateway for casual fans, much like how James’ own career boosted global interest in the NBA. As Carter noted in a recent podcast, “We’re not just telling a story; we’re building a movement.”

Inside Season 2: Intimate Glimpses of USC’s Star in Action

What sets On the Rise: JuJu Watkins apart from typical basketball documentaries is its unvarnished access. Season 2, spanning six episodes, chronicles Watkins’ entire sophomore journey—from preseason conditioning to potential March Madness runs. Episode 1 premieres on November 15 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with subsequent installments dropping weekly on Peacock.

Early teasers reveal gripping narratives: One segment follows Watkins during a grueling road trip to Duke, where she drops 35 points despite lingering ankle soreness, showcasing her 6’2″ frame and silky shooting touch. Another delves into her academic life, balancing a communications major with 30+ hours of weekly practice. USC’s rigorous schedule—42 games last season—leaves little room for error, and the doc highlights her 3.8 GPA amid the chaos.

Guest appearances add star power. Caitlin Clark makes a cameo via video call, offering advice on handling media scrutiny, while WNBA legend Sue Bird provides mentorship insights. Statistics woven throughout include Watkins’ improved three-point shooting (now at 38% efficiency) and her role in USC’s No. 5 national ranking entering November. The series also addresses team dynamics; as the Trojans’ leading scorer, Watkins shoulders 25% of the offensive load, per Synergy Sports data.

Production challenges were plentiful. Filming during the COVID-era protocols from Watkins’ recruitment lingers, with remote interviews and masked sidelines. Yet, the result is a visually stunning series, shot in 4K with drone footage of USC’s Galen Center. Critics who previewed episodes praise its pacing: “It’s like a binge-worthy drama with buzzer-beaters,” said Sports Illustrated reviewer Sarah Kustok.

For basketball enthusiasts, the doc includes tactical breakdowns. Watkins’ signature move—a hesitation pull-up jumper—has a 55% success rate this season, and animators illustrate its mechanics. Off-court, it explores her brand deals with Nike and Gatorade, where she’s already earning $1.2 million annually as a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) trailblazer. This financial independence, rare for sophomores, underscores her marketability.

NBC and Peacock Premiere: Expanding Reach for Watkins’ Inspiring Tale

The choice of NBC and Peacock for the premiere is strategic, tapping into massive audiences. NBC, home to the Olympics and Saturday Night Live, averages 5 million prime-time viewers, while Peacock’s 28 million subscribers (as of Q3 2024) offer on-demand flexibility. The dual-platform rollout ensures broad accessibility—live broadcasts for traditional fans and streaming for cord-cutters.

NBCUniversal’s sports division, led by President Rick Cordella, views this as a cornerstone of their women’s sports push. “JuJu Watkins embodies the energy of the moment,” Cordella stated. “Partnering with LeBron elevates our commitment to diverse storytelling.” Peacock, NBC’s streaming arm, has seen a 40% uptick in sports content views since launching live NBA games, and this doc fits seamlessly into their lineup alongside Formula 1 and Premier League soccer.

Marketing efforts are aggressive: Trailers air during USC games on ESPN, and social media campaigns feature #RiseWithJuJu, already garnering 500,000 engagements. Cross-promotions with LeBron’s The Shop podcast will dissect episodes, drawing in his 150 million Instagram followers. For SEO and discoverability, keywords like JuJu Watkins documentary and basketball star recovery are optimized in metadata.

Global implications are huge. With women’s basketball viewership up 50% internationally via streaming, Peacock’s availability in 50+ countries could introduce Watkins to European and Asian fans. This aligns with the FIBA Women’s World Cup’s growing profile, where U.S. stars like Watkins are scouted early.

Challenges include competition; November overlaps with NFL playoffs and college football rivalries. Yet, early buzz suggests strong performance—Season 1 averaged 2.1 million streams on Peacock, a 25% increase over similar docs.

Watkins’ Legacy: Fueling the Women’s Basketball Boom and Beyond

As On the Rise: JuJu Watkins Season 2 unfolds, its impact extends far beyond the screen. For USC, Watkins’ spotlight could boost ticket sales—the Trojans sold out 12 of 15 home games last season—and NIL opportunities for teammates. Nationally, it contributes to the women’s basketball renaissance; the sport’s valuation hit $1 billion in 2024, driven by talents like Watkins, Clark, and Angel Reese.

Looking ahead, Watkins eyes the 2028 Olympics, where her scoring prowess could anchor Team USA. The documentary hints at future seasons, potentially following her WNBA draft eligibility in 2026. LeBron’s involvement suggests longevity; SpringHill has optioned multi-year deals for similar athlete stories.

For young girls dreaming of hoops, Watkins’ narrative is transformative. Programs like the WNBA’s Her Time to Play initiative have seen 15% enrollment growth since 2023, inspired by visible role models. As James put it, “This is bigger than basketball—it’s about empowerment.” With Season 2, Watkins isn’t just rising; she’s lifting the entire game with her.

In the coming months, expect Watkins to lead USC toward another deep tournament run, her injury a mere footnote in a storied career. Fans tuning into NBC and Peacock on November 15 will witness history in the making, one resilient step at a time.