Paige Bueckers: College Basketball’s Shining Star and Her NIL Success Story
Paige Bueckers has solidified her status as one of college basketball’s brightest stars. Since joining the UConn Huskies, she has continued to excel on the court and is now focused on capturing her first national championship.
In a recent conversation with Isis "Ice" Young, Bueckers opened up about the transformative impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities on her life and career.
"Since NIL came into college sports, I’ve had a lot of my young dreams come true," Bueckers shared. "Being able to work with brands like Nike, Gatorade, and others has been incredible. It’s not only changed my life but also helped elevate the visibility and growth of the game."
She emphasized the widespread influence of NIL deals in today’s sports landscape. "You see commercials, brand partnerships, and ad campaigns everywhere. It’s undeniable how much it’s benefiting women’s basketball," she added.
When asked if any NIL deals from fellow athletes impressed her, Bueckers highlighted Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and USC’s JuJu Watkins.
"There are so many great examples. Angel Reese has her own McDonald’s meal, which is amazing for a women’s basketball player. And JuJu Watkins’ deal with United Airlines—well, I didn’t know her middle name was Skies, so that made perfect sense!" Bueckers said with a laugh.
Angel Reese’s college NIL success has carried over to her professional career. Earlier this year, McDonald’s launched the "Angel Reese Special," featuring bacon, cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, French fries, and a choice of Hi-C Orange Lavaburst or a soft drink.
Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins recently secured a major NIL partnership with United Airlines, joining the ranks of top athletes like Caleb Williams and Travis Hunter who are sponsored by the airline.
What is Paige Bueckers’ NIL Value?
According to On3 Sports, Paige Bueckers’ NIL valuation stands at an impressive $1.5 million. Her diverse portfolio includes partnerships with Nike, Bleeding Blue for Good, Ibotta, Chegg, Dunkin’, Gatorade, and the Unrivaled Basketball League, among others.
Now in her fourth year of college basketball, Bueckers is determined to lead the UConn Huskies to their first national championship during her tenure. This season could mark her final opportunity, as she is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Explore More:
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey—who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
