Flick International Illustration of a vibrant basketball court for the Unrivaled women's 3-on-3 league

WNBA Star Paige Bueckers Becomes Investor in Unrivaled League Following Historic NCAA Victory

Paige Bueckers has experienced a remarkable month, filled with significant achievements.

On the first Sunday of the month, she played a key role in leading UConn women’s basketball to a national title. The Huskies overcame the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks, marking Bueckers’ first NCAA championship triumph.

Just a week later, sources confirmed to ESPN that Bueckers is set to sign a three-year contract with the emerging Unrivaled league, a professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball competition. The excitement continued as she was selected as the first player in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Unrivaled promises to offer Bueckers a salary exceeding what she would earn during her rookie season with the WNBA, where the league has a record-high of 44 games planned for 2025. However, on Wednesday, Bueckers made headlines once more by announcing her investment in Unrivaled, further solidifying her commitment to women’s sports.

During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” the Dallas Wings rookie disclosed details about her investment. “Investments in women’s sports have shown amazing returns,” Bueckers remarked. “Even in Unrivaled’s first year, the numbers were astonishing. They exceeded expectations, and now is an incredible time to invest in women’s sports as it continues to expand.”

The average salary for players in Unrivaled is reported to be over $220,000—a lucrative figure compared to her WNBA base salary of just under $350,000 for a four-year contract.

Bueckers joins a list of other prominent investors in Unrivaled. The league’s December announcement of $28 million in funding included contributions from notable figures such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. Additionally, tennis icon Coco Gauff, retired soccer star Alex Morgan, and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony are also among the league’s investors.

Despite her exciting new venture with Unrivaled, Bueckers is focused on her upcoming rookie WNBA season.

After appearing on various talk shows, she is preparing to head to Texas for promotional events and the training camp set to kick off on April 27.

The Wings will begin their season on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx, and fans are eagerly anticipating a potential matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 27. This game could be pivotal, showcasing two players who are expected to define the league’s future.

“The warm welcome I have received has been overwhelming, even before I officially arrive in Dallas,” Bueckers stated. “It’s heartwarming to feel so embraced by the community and the organization.”

This recent announcement and her strategic investment not only demonstrate Bueckers’ commitment to her career but also signify her dedication to advancing women’s sports.

The financial backing of investors like Bueckers underlines the growing enthusiasm surrounding women’s basketball. As this new professional league gains momentum, many believe it will reshape the landscape of women’s sports, providing more opportunities for female athletes.

The rise of initiatives like Unrivaled reflects a broader trend in sports investing, where female athletes are increasingly involved in ownership and financial participation roles.

Looking ahead, Bueckers stands poised to make significant contributions both on and off the court. Her involvement in Unrivaled sends a powerful message about the viability and future of women’s sports. As she prepares to embark on her WNBA career, fans and fellow athletes will be watching closely to see how she balances her dual roles as an athlete and investor.

Her journey epitomizes the evolving landscape of professional sports, where the next generation of athletes is not just competing but also shaping the future of their respective leagues.

Bueckers’ commitment to her sport, along with her investment plans, underscores a pivotal moment in women’s athletics. It signifies not only the growth of the sport but also the recognition of its potential for substantial returns, both financially and culturally. As the conversation surrounding women’s sports continues to evolve, Bueckers’ actions may inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could inspire further growth within the sector.