What's happened
Paige Bueckers, the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, has signed a lucrative deal with the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league's inaugural season was successful, raising $35 million and attracting significant viewership. Bueckers' contract is expected to exceed her WNBA earnings.
What's behind the headline?
Financial Opportunities in Women's Sports
- Lucrative Contracts: Bueckers' deal with Unrivaled is reportedly more profitable than her WNBA contract, highlighting the growing financial viability of women's sports.
- Investment Growth: The league's ability to attract significant investment and viewership indicates a robust market for women's basketball, suggesting that the trend will continue.
- Player Empowerment: By offering equity in the league, Unrivaled empowers players financially, allowing them to benefit directly from the league's success.
- Cultural Shift: The success of Unrivaled reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing women's sports, which may lead to increased support and investment in the future.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, Bueckers' contract with Unrivaled is expected to be more lucrative than her WNBA deal, which is capped at $348,198 over four years. The Independent notes that the average salary in Unrivaled was over $220,000, showcasing the financial potential for players. AP News highlights the league's successful inaugural season, raising $35 million and attracting significant viewership, which underscores the growing interest in women's sports. This convergence of talent and investment suggests a promising future for women's basketball.
How we got here
Paige Bueckers, a standout at UConn, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft. She has also become an investor in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 league aimed at providing WNBA players with additional income during the offseason.
Go deeper
- What does Bueckers' contract mean for women's sports?
- How successful was Unrivaled's first season?
- What are the implications of Bueckers' investment?
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