Paige Bueckers Poised for WNBA Stardom After Historic College Career

STORRS, Conn. — Paige Bueckers is set to conclude her collegiate career at the University of Connecticut while making a significant impact on women’s basketball. As she prepares for her final March Madness tournament, Bueckers is projected to be the number one pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft next month.

“It’s been a dream to play here, a dream to wear this uniform, a dream to play in this environment,” Bueckers said during her last home game at UConn. “You just take every single chance you have and never take it for granted.” The 2023 National Player of the Year, Bueckers has been a standout athlete, spearheading the Huskies with exceptional skills and leadership.

In her first year in the WNBA, Bueckers is expected to earn a salary of $76,000. However, her burgeoning net worth will largely stem from her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals established during her college tenure. Since the NCAA permitted athletes to profit from their NIL in 2021, Bueckers has signed numerous lucrative partnerships that will extend into her professional career.

As of the 2024-25 season, her NIL valuation stands at approximately $1.4 million, courtesy of endorsements with major brands including Nike, Bose, Gatorade, and Dunkin’. Some of her endorsements have been groundbreaking; she was the first collegiate athlete to have a player edition Nike shoe and collaborated with Gatorade on exclusive branding campaigns. “It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Bueckers shared. “I grew up wearing Nikes — all the signature shoes — so it’s surreal to have this player edition model. I just want to show out in it.”

The past few years have seen Bueckers redefine the collegiate women’s basketball landscape, both on and off the court. Last summer, she further demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by signing a deal with the Unrivaled Basketball League, becoming the first collegiate athlete to gain ownership equity in a professional league.

Bueckers’ journey in high school at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, laid the foundation for her success. Averaging 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game over her five years, she became an iconic figure in Minnesota girls’ basketball history. In her eighth-grade debut, she scored 28 points against Osseo Senior High School, setting the tone for her illustrious career.

As a high school standout, Bueckers left an indelible mark, culminating in her scoring a total of 2,877 points and setting the school records in assists and steals. She consistently received accolades such as Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year and Was named the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year multiple times, solidifying her reputation as a top athlete.

Her last season at UConn was equally impressive. Despite a challenging season marred by injuries, she averaged 21.4 points, 9.4 assists, and 5.4 steals per game. Bueckers led UConn to her final NCAA tournament run with unmatched passion and dedication, and her leadership paved the way for future athletes.

As the landscape of women’s basketball evolves, Bueckers is at the forefront, not merely as a player but as a brand influencer. The transition into the WNBA presents her with the chance to further her career, expand her brand, and inspire future generations of female athletes.

Fans eagerly await the next chapter in her career as she makes her way to the professional level, leaving an inspiring legacy and opening doors for the future of women’s sports.