What's happened
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, confirmed her investment in Unrivaled, a new women's 3-on-3 league. The league's inaugural season saw impressive financial returns, with average salaries exceeding $220,000. Bueckers is set to begin her WNBA career with the Dallas Wings on May 16, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Investment in Women's Sports
- Bueckers' investment in Unrivaled reflects a broader trend of increasing financial support for women's sports, indicating a shift in market dynamics.
- The league's average salary of over $220,000 suggests a lucrative opportunity for players, potentially attracting more talent.
- Bueckers' dual role as a player and investor positions her as a key figure in the evolution of women's basketball, likely influencing future investments and sponsorships.
WNBA's Growth
- The WNBA's expansion and record viewership signal a growing interest in women's basketball, which could lead to higher salaries and better contracts in the future.
- The upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotiations will be crucial in determining the league's financial landscape, with players advocating for improved compensation and benefits.
- As the league prepares for new teams and increased competition, the focus on player development and retention will be essential for maintaining talent levels.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Bueckers stated, "investments in women’s sports — I feel like the return on investment has been amazing." This sentiment is echoed by the league's recent funding successes, including $28 million from high-profile investors like Michael Phelps and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Independent highlights the significance of the WNBA's expansion, noting that the Golden State Valkyries will make their debut in the draft, further emphasizing the league's growth. The discussions surrounding the new collective bargaining agreement are crucial, as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about achieving a transformational deal, which could reshape player salaries significantly.
How we got here
The WNBA draft on April 14, 2025, highlighted the growing prominence of women's sports, with Bueckers being a standout player. The league is expanding, and discussions for a new collective bargaining agreement are underway, focusing on player salaries and benefits.
Go deeper
- What impact will Bueckers' investment have on women's sports?
- How is the WNBA preparing for its new season?
- What are the key points in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement?
Common question
-
Who are the top prospects in the WNBA Draft 2025?
The WNBA Draft 2025 is generating buzz, especially with standout players like Paige Bueckers expected to make a significant impact. As teams prepare for the draft, many questions arise about the top prospects, team strategies, and the implications of new expansion teams. Here’s what you need to know.
More on these topics
-
Paige Bueckers is an American basketball player who attended Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota. A five-star recruit and the number one player in the 2020 class, she is committed to play college basketball for UConn.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
-
The Dallas Wings are an American basketball team based in Arlington, Texas. The Wings play in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association. The team is owned by a group which is led by Chairman Bill Cameron. Greg Bibb is President
-
Dominique Malonga may refer to:
Dominique Malonga (footballer) (born 1989), Congolese footballer
Dominique Malonga (basketball) (born 2005), French basketball player
-
The Washington Mystics are an American professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C. The Mystics compete in the Women's National Basketball Association as a member club of the league's Eastern Conference.
-
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
The Golden State Valkyries are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco, California. The team is scheduled to begin play in 2025 as a member of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team will play its home games...
-
The Seattle Storm are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington, playing in the Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association.
-
Catherine "Cathy" Engelbert is an American business executive and Commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association. Before joining the WNBA, she had been with Deloitte for 33 years, including as its first female CEO from 2015–2019.