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Rising Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers basketball star and rapper Flau’jae Johnson has teamed up with global data and tech company Experian to champion financial empowerment in the Louisiana, USA community. Building on the company’s commitment to improve financial health, the initiative will help clear $5 million of consumer debt for 5,000 families across the state. Additionally, Johnson will share her story of managing her own finances to promote financial literacy.
As one of the top collegiate athletes with NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals, Johnson is taking her talents off the court and into the finance world. “It’s hard to create a winning financial game plan when you are blocked by debt,” said Johnson in a commercial where she highlighted her ambition to inspire people to “become financial champions of their future.”
The partnership announcement came just ahead of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament (“March Madness”), where Johnson joined the LSU Tigers for their March 22 matchup against the San Diego State Aztecs. For every LSU victory in the tournament, Experian will relieve an additional $100,000 in consumer debt (up to $500,000 total).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Louisiana has one of the highest poverty percentages in the country. Experian notes that 50% of African Americans over 18 are ‘very/fairly worried’ about getting out of debt and the state has one of the highest unbanked rates (percentage of households or individuals who lack access to a checking or savings account or do not have a traditional bank account) in America at 8.1%.
As U.S. consumer debt reaches an all-time high, Experian is working with ForgiveCo, a Public Benefit Corporation, to administer the acquisition and cancellation of qualifying debt for selected Louisiana families. Additionally, Experian is offering these families a free one-year premium membership to Experian, which includes access to their credit report, FICO® Score, credit monitoring with all three bureaus, CreditLock and tools to help cancel subscriptions and lower bills. There are also programs for people who may not have a credit file due to limited credit payment history.
Johnson, who has achieved significant success on the basketball court, is also a business major. This makes her a relatable and influential figure for young people striving to understand the importance of financial management. Her passion for the cause aligns with Experian’s broader efforts to empower underserved communities. In addition to this initiative, Experian runs programs that promote financial education and support for various groups, including African American and Hispanic youth, LGBTQ+ communities and military families.
As her team, currently in the ‘Sweet 16’ of the tournament, makes a run for a second NCAA title, Johnson is on a mission to create generational wealth alongside Experian. Over the last year, she purchased acres of land for her first acquisition, saying that the investment is more than financial and is about building something beyond basketball and music. “I want to create opportunities for my community and leave a legacy that shows young women, especially young Black women, that we can do it all,” said Johnson.
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