Paige Bueckers accepts lucrative deal with Unrivaled before WNBA Draft

Paige Bueckers is poised to be the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, with the Dallas Wings expected to select her. After leading UConn to a national championship, Bueckers expressed gratitude for her collegiate career, emphasizing the emotional weight of her transition to professional basketball. In addition to her draft prospects, she has signed a lucrative deal with the new 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, promising her earnings that exceed her entire WNBA rookie contract in just 10 weeks. While Bueckers' expected WNBA salary is approximately $78,000 for her first year, her financial strategy highlights the disparities in earnings between men's and women's sports. The WNBA continues to gain traction, with Bueckers joining a roster of notable players, including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, making the league increasingly competitive and compelling. As she enters this new phase, the attention on Bueckers symbolizes both her potential star power and the ongoing discussions about pay equity in sports.