Projected No. 1 WNBA Pick Signs Lucrative Deal with Unrivaled League

NEW YORK, NY – Projected No. 1 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers has signed a three-year deal with the newly established 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, sources informed ESPN on Sunday.

Bueckers’ first-year salary for the 10-week Unrivaled season will surpass her earnings during a potential four-year WNBA rookie contract. If selected as the draft’s top pick, she would earn $78,831 in her first year based on the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, highlighting the financial differences between the leagues.

The signing is a pivotal move for Bueckers, who recently concluded her college career at UConn, where she averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds with a shooting percentage of 53.4% in her final season. She clinched her first national title on April 6, making her transition into a professional league even more significant.

Having joined Unrivaled through a previously established NIL agreement, Bueckers demonstrated her commitment to the league’s vision while playing through her collegiate years. Unrivaled, formed in 2023 by WNBA players, reported over $27 million in revenue following its inaugural season, significantly exceeding initial projections.

“Signing Bueckers is part of our strategy to attract the best talent and ensure a sustainable playing environment for women in basketball during the WNBA offseason,” said a source close to the league.

Unrivaled’s focus remains on leveraging the skills of top-tier talent rather than expanding with more teams. The league compensates its players with salaries averaging around $220,000, providing equity opportunities that are not available in the WNBA, where the average salary stood at approximately $120,000 in 2024.

During its first season, Unrivaled gained traction among the best players, with 36 elite athletes participating in the league’s successful run from January to March. In its championship game, the Rose Basketball Club, featuring Chelsea Gray, triumphed over the Vinyl Basketball Club with a score of 62-54, earning an additional $50,000 in prize money for the victors.

Bueckers’ future role in Unrivaled is designed to enhance the league’s appeal and marketability as it continues to gain recognition in women’s sports. The NCAA champion athlete exemplified a new generation of college athletes with her impressive NIL activities, including collaborations with major brands such as Nike.

“I’m excited to begin this new chapter and play a part in growing the sport,” Bueckers said in a statement. “I hope to inspire young athletes and show them the potential we can achieve.”

As for her impending WNBA career, the Dallas Wings are poised to select Bueckers with the first overall pick on Monday night. The draft is anticipated to bring one of the most highly anticipated talents into the league, further enriching the already competitive environment.

The WNBA draft is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, marking a significant moment not only for Bueckers but for women’s basketball as a whole.