Paige Bueckers Agrees to Lucrative 3-Year Deal in Shift from WNBA Path

Paige Bueckers has always been a game-changer on the court. But now she’s shaking things up off the court too.

The UConn star, fresh off leading her team to a national championship, has signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled, a fast-growing 3-on-3 women’s basketball league that’s been turning heads since it launched last year. And this deal? It’s huge—not just for Bueckers, but for the future of women’s hoops.

According to sources close to the situation, Bueckers’ first-year salary with Unrivaled will be more than what she would earn during her first four years in the WNBA. To put it in perspective, the No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft—where Bueckers is expected to be selected—would earn about $78,831 in year one. That’s not nothing, but it’s nowhere near what someone of her star power deserves.

Unrivaled is giving her something bigger: real money, real spotlight, and real ownership.

More Than a Contract—It’s a Statement

This isn’t a typical rookie deal. It’s a carefully thought-out move by a player who understands her value and isn’t afraid to bet on herself. And what makes this even more interesting is that Bueckers already had ties to Unrivaled.

Last year, while still at UConn, she signed a NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the league. That agreement included equity—meaning she’s not just joining Unrivaled, she owns part of it.

Now, as she steps into her professional career, she’s doubling down on that investment—and making history while doing it.

Unrivaled: A League Built for Players Like Her

Founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled isn’t your typical basketball league. It’s 3-on-3, fast-paced, and built to showcase star power. After its first season wrapped up in March, the league had already pulled in more than $27 million in revenue—double what they originally projected.

But Unrivaled isn’t trying to compete with the WNBA. It’s meant to complement it—offering a place for elite players to hoop during the WNBA offseason without needing to fly overseas for extra income.

And for players like Bueckers, it offers something rare: top-tier resources, high pay, and full creative control.

Rather than adding more teams or expanding too fast, the league’s focus is crystal clear—get the best talent and treat them like the stars they are.

Why Paige Picked This Path

Let’s be real: Paige Bueckers could walk into the WNBA and instantly be a franchise player. The Dallas Wings, who have the No. 1 pick, are likely counting on her. But her decision to sign with Unrivaled doesn’t mean she’s skipping the WNBA entirely.

It just means she’s doing it her way.

Think about it—this is a player who just wrapped up her college career averaging 19.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting a ridiculous 53.4% from the floor and nearly 42% from three. She’s not just good—she’s must-watch basketball.

And Unrivaled knows it. They’re not just paying her for her skills. They’re paying her for what she brings to the game as a whole: buzz, charisma, leadership, and serious fan appeal.

This is more than a paycheck. It’s a platform.

Source: Sources: Paige Bueckers to sign 3-year deal with Unrivaled

Unrivaled Isn’t Done Yet

Bueckers might be the crown jewel right now, but she’s not the only one Unrivaled is eyeing. Sources say the league is also looking to sign Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, two of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball.

Their goal? Build a dream roster of players that fans want to follow year-round. And create a league that feels as big and bold as the talent it showcases.

It’s a strategy that’s already working. After just one season, Unrivaled is proving it’s not a flash in the pan. It’s a serious player in the basketball world.

And now, with Paige Bueckers in the mix, they’ve got their face of the franchise.

What This Means for the WNBA

Some people might see this as a blow to the WNBA, but it could actually be the start of something great for the whole sport.

For years, WNBA players had to go overseas in the offseason to make a decent living. That meant more games, more travel, more wear-and-tear on their bodies—and not much time to rest or grow their brand in the U.S.

Unrivaled changes that.

It gives players another option. A better one. And that’s good for everyone. If players can stay stateside, stay healthy, and still earn real money, the entire ecosystem of women’s basketball becomes stronger.

Bueckers isn’t turning her back on the WNBA—she’s expanding the possibilities.

And who knows? She could still suit up for a WNBA team soon. This Unrivaled deal doesn’t lock her out. In fact, it may only raise her profile and earning power when she eventually enters the league.

A New Chapter Begins

Paige Bueckers is doing what very few athletes—men or women—have ever done: she’s calling her own shots from day one.

She’s not waiting for the system to catch up to her. She’s stepping into a future that puts her value, her voice, and her vision at the center.

And in doing so, she’s changing what’s possible for the next generation of women’s basketball stars.

Whether you’re a fan of UConn, the WNBA, or just love watching game-changing moves, this is one to remember.

The Paige Bueckers era is officially underway—and she’s starting it on her own terms.

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