Paige Bueckers, the standout guard from UConn, is poised to be the top selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with the Dallas Wings expected to call her name.
While this marks a significant milestone in her basketball career, the financial implications of her professional journey are drawing considerable attention.
Under the current WNBA rookie scale, the No. 1 overall pick earns a starting salary of $78,831, culminating in a total of $348,198 over a four-year contract, with the first three years guaranteed and a team option for the fourth.
In contrast, Bueckers‘ recent agreement with Unrivaled, a burgeoning 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, offers a more lucrative opportunity.
Unrivaled Contract Surpasses WNBA Earnings
Bueckers has inked a three-year deal with Unrivaled, where her first-year salary is reported to exceed $350,000-surpassing the total value of her four-year WNBA rookie contract.
Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, aims to provide higher average salaries than traditional women’s professional sports leagues.
The league’s inaugural season in 2025 saw average player salaries around $220,000, with top-tier players like Bueckers commanding even more.
Beyond the substantial salary, Bueckers‘ involvement with Unrivaled includes equity in the league, a benefit stemming from a previous NIL agreement during her college tenure.
This dual-role approach allows her to participate in both the WNBA and Unrivaled, maximizing her earning potential while maintaining a presence in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason.
Endorsements and Future Prospects
Bueckers‘ financial portfolio is further bolstered by endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Dunkin’.
Her substantial social media following enhances her marketability, contributing to an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Looking ahead, the WNBA is set to renegotiate its collective bargaining agreement in 2026, with expectations of increased salaries and improved player benefits.
Bueckers‘ strategic decisions position her advantageously for these forthcoming changes, ensuring she remains at the forefront of both athletic performance and financial gain in women’s basketball.
Paige Bueckers exemplifies the modern athlete who leverages multiple platforms to optimize career opportunities, setting a precedent for future generations in women’s sports.
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