Paige Bueckers’ Bold Move: Signing a Three-Year Deal with Unrivaled
In a move that has sent ripples through the basketball world, projected No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers is making headlines by signing a three-year deal with the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled. This decision, reported by sources to ESPN on Sunday, marks a significant shift in the landscape of women’s basketball.
Why is this such a big deal, you ask? Well, Bueckers’ first-year salary for the 10-week Unrivaled season will surpass what she would earn in four years under a WNBA rookie contract. To put it in perspective, if Bueckers is indeed the top pick in the draft, she is set to earn $78,831 in her first year, according to the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement. That’s a substantial difference, and it highlights the financial opportunities that Unrivaled is offering to top-tier players.
Last year, Bueckers made waves by signing an NIL deal with Unrivaled, which included equity in the league. However, she didn’t step onto the Unrivaled court while she was busy finishing her college career with the UConn Huskies. And what a finish it was! Bueckers led her team to victory, clinching her first national title in the NCAA tournament championship on April 6.
During her last season at UConn, Bueckers was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting an impressive 53.4% from the field, including 41.9% from 3-point range. With stats like these, she is poised to be a franchise-altering player for the Dallas Wings, who hold the top pick in the draft.
Unrivaled’s Ambitious Plans
Unrivaled, founded in 2023 by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is coming off a successful inaugural season. The league exceeded $27 million in revenue, more than double what it projected to investors. Instead of focusing on expansion through adding teams, Unrivaled is doubling down on what made it successful in its first year: signing the best women’s basketball players and providing them with premier resources and financial support.
After wrapping up its inaugural season in March, sources told ESPN that signing Bueckers, along with making a push for Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, were top priorities as the league looked to take its next step forward. Bueckers’ multiyear deal is part of Unrivaled’s effort to build a sustainable offseason playing opportunity for WNBA players.
What This Means for Women’s Basketball
Bueckers’ decision to join Unrivaled is a testament to the league’s growing influence and appeal. By bringing another star name into its fold, Unrivaled is solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for top WNBA talent. This move not only benefits Bueckers financially but also provides her with a platform to continue showcasing her skills during the WNBA offseason.
- Paige Bueckers’ first-year salary with Unrivaled will exceed her potential four-year WNBA rookie contract earnings.
- Unrivaled’s inaugural season revenue exceeded $27 million, more than double its projections.
- The league is focusing on signing top talent rather than expanding through additional teams.
As the basketball community watches closely, Bueckers’ journey with Unrivaled will undoubtedly be one to follow. Her decision could pave the way for other players to explore alternative opportunities outside the traditional WNBA framework, potentially reshaping the future of women’s basketball.
Originally Written by: Kendra Andrews
