Paige Bueckers Will Earn More In One Unrival Season than in Four Years in The WNBA

Paige Bueckers signs a 3-year deal with Unrivaled

On the eve of the 2025 WNBA Draft, number one draft pick Paige Bueckers has made a groundbreaking move by signing a three-year contract with Unrivaled, a burgeoning 3-on-3 women's basketball league. This decision positions her to earn more in her first year with Unrivaled than she would over four years under the WNBA's current rookie salary scale.

Bueckers, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, is expected to participate in both leagues—playing in the WNBA during its regular season and competing in Unrivaled during the offseason.  Her contract with Unrivaled builds upon a previous Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement she signed while at UConn, which included equity in the league.

Unrivaled has quickly established itself as a lucrative alternative to traditional women's basketball leagues. In its inaugural 10-week season, players earned an average of over $220,000, significantly outpacing the WNBA's rookie salaries.  The league has attracted top talent, including stars like Angel Reese and Kayla McBride, and operates without a salary cap, offering additional financial incentives such as $50,000 bonuses for championship-winning players.

Bueckers' decision underscores a shifting landscape in professional women's basketball, where alternative leagues like Unrivaled are providing competitive compensation and new opportunities for athletes. As she embarks on her professional career, Bueckers is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the court.​