Paige Bueckers is poised to embark on her new journey in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) with the Dallas Wings alongside launching her career as a businesswoman. The former University of Connecticut (UConn) standout, selected as the first overall pick by the Wings, announced her investment in Unrivaled during her appearance on “Good Morning America.” Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league, recently concluded its first season with notable success.
Bueckers’ involvement with Unrivaled is anticipated to be financially rewarding, potentially surpassing the value of her rookie contract in the WNBA. While her four-year WNBA contract is valued at just under $350,000, the average salary in the Unrivaled league exceeds $220,000. Bueckers emphasized the promising return on investments in women’s sports, citing the unexpected success of Unrivaled’s inaugural season and noting the rapid growth in the sector.
Following her significant contribution to UConn’s NCAA championship victory on April 6, Bueckers joins a list of prominent investors in Unrivaled. This group features well-known figures such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, and tennis star Coco Gauff, among others. With her focus now shifting to her WNBA duties, Bueckers is engaging in several public appearances, including “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” before heading to Texas to prepare for her rookie season.
The Dallas Wings are slated to commence their season on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx, with a much-anticipated matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 27. Bueckers expressed enthusiasm about joining the Dallas community and organization, feeling welcomed and supported even before arriving in the city.
### The Evolving Landscape
Paige Bueckers’ dual endeavors in professional basketball and business reflect broader trends in women’s sports, where investment and visibility are on the rise. Her involvement with Unrivaled highlights the growing market for women’s sports ventures, which can have far-reaching implications for athletes and investors alike. The increased financial opportunities outside traditional leagues, like the WNBA, suggest a shift towards more diversified career paths for athletes.
For the Dallas community and WNBA fans, Bueckers’ arrival represents an exciting chapter that could enhance local engagement and interest in women’s basketball. Her presence is likely to draw more attention to games, potentially boosting attendance and participation in women’s sports activities. As Bueckers begins her rookie season, the intersection of athletic talent and business acumen may inspire a new generation of athletes to explore multiple avenues for success and impact.
