Paige Bueckers had a busy month in April. She helped lead the UConn women’s basketball team to a national championship, signed a three-year deal with the Unrivaled professional women’s 3-on-3 league, and was the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Despite Unrivaled offering a higher salary for a shorter season, Bueckers also announced that she had invested in the league, highlighting the growth and potential of women’s sports. The average salary in Unrivaled was over $220,000, while Bueckers’ WNBA rookie base salary was just under $350,000.
Bueckers is not the only high-profile investor in Unrivaled. The league received $28 million in funding from notable figures such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and tennis star Coco Cauff. Other investors include retired soccer star Alex Morgan and NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Despite her involvement in Unrivaled, Bueckers is focusing on preparing for her upcoming rookie season with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. She is set to make appearances and train for the upcoming season, which starts on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx.
As she gets ready for her rookie season, Bueckers expressed excitement about joining the Dallas Wings organization. She mentioned feeling welcomed and embraced by the city and team, even before arriving in Texas. Bueckers is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase her skills on the court and make an impact in the WNBA. Her selection as the first overall pick in the draft indicates the high expectations placed on her in the league, alongside fellow standout player Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.
Bueckers’ decision to invest in Unrivaled reflects her belief in the growth and potential of women’s sports. She highlighted the impressive numbers and success of the league in its first year, emphasizing the importance of supporting and investing in women’s sports at this moment. With a roster of high-profile investors and competitive salaries, Unrivaled is positioning itself as a significant player in the women’s basketball landscape. Bueckers’ involvement adds to the league’s credibility and attractiveness to top talent in the sport.
The whirlwind month of April for Paige Bueckers saw her achieve significant milestones in both college and professional basketball. From winning a national championship with UConn to being a top draft pick in the WNBA and investing in a burgeoning women’s league, Bueckers is making waves in the world of women’s sports. Her success and involvement in various ventures demonstrate her commitment to advancing women’s athletics and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. As she prepares for her rookie season in the WNBA, all eyes will be on Bueckers to see how she continues to elevate her game and contribute to the growth of women’s basketball.
