Sports

Paige Bueckers Net Worth: From NIL Millionaire to WNBA All-Star

Paige Ariel Bueckers is one of the most influential and accomplished women’s basketball players of her generation. Born on October 20, 2001, in Edina, Minnesota, and raised in the nearby town of St. Louis Park, she has been a basketball prodigy from a young age. Bueckers’ journey to stardom began early with her standout high school career at Hopkins High School, where she was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Her talent and leadership on the court led her to the University of Connecticut (UConn), a prestigious basketball program known for producing WNBA greats like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.

At UConn, Paige Bueckers made an immediate impact, becoming one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Her combination of scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity earned her numerous accolades and put her in the national spotlight. Despite a few injuries, Bueckers’ resilience and performance solidified her legacy as a collegiate superstar. She declared for the WNBA draft in 2025 and was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings.

What Is Paige Bueckers Net Worth 2025?

As of 2025, Estimated Paige Bueckers Net Worth ranges between $1.4 million to $1.5 million. This impressive figure is primarily the result of lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals during her time at UConn, combined with her entry-level WNBA contract and endorsement deals she has secured since turning professional.

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NIL Earnings

The NCAA’s change in policy in 2021 allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness opened doors for athletes like Bueckers. She quickly became a trailblazer in this new era, signing deals with major global brands:

  • Nike – Bueckers was one of the first women’s college basketball players to sign a major endorsement deal with Nike, which included exclusive shoe collaborations.
  • Gatorade – As Gatorade’s first-ever NCAA women’s basketball signee, she helped launch campaigns aimed at promoting youth sports and female athleticism.
  • CeraVe, Bose, Crocs, Dunkin’, Chegg, Panini, and Verizon – Bueckers’ wide-ranging appeal allowed her to sign multiple deals across lifestyle, tech, and health industries.

By the time she graduated from UConn, her NIL deals were collectively valued at over $1.4 million, making her one of the highest-earning female college athletes of all time.

WNBA Salary and Contracts

In the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. Her rookie contract is valued at around $348,000 over four years, with a base salary of approximately $78,800 in her first year. While WNBA salaries are still relatively modest compared to men’s professional leagues, Bueckers’ marketability has ensured she continues to earn significantly through endorsements.

Additionally, she has signed a deal with the 3-on-3 professional basketball league Unrivaled, which reportedly pays more than her WNBA salary.

Paige Bueckers’ Stats and Career Achievements

Collegiate Career (UConn 2020–2025)

  • Games Played: 123
  • Points Per Game: 19.8
  • Assists Per Game: 4.5
  • Rebounds Per Game: 4.7
  • Steals Per Game: 2.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: Over 50%
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Bueckers was instrumental in leading UConn to several Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2025. She became the face of women’s college basketball, winning:

  • Naismith College Player of the Year
  • AP Player of the Year
  • NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player

WNBA Rookie Season (2025)

In her debut WNBA season with the Dallas Wings:

  • Points Per Game: 18.4
  • Assists Per Game: 5.5
  • Rebounds Per Game: 4.1
  • Steals Per Game: 1.7

She became one of only a handful of rookies to be named a WNBA All-Star Starter, breaking numerous rookie records and becoming the fastest player to reach 200 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in a season.

Personal Life and Background

Family

Paige Bueckers was born to Bob Bueckers, a software engineer and former point guard, and Amy Dettbarn (also known as Amy Fuller), a former cross-country and track athlete. Though her parents divorced when she was three, Paige maintained strong relationships with both. She has three siblings—Ryan, Lauren, and Drew.

Her father, Bob, coached her early in her career, instilling fundamental skills and a strong work ethic that became the foundation of her basketball style.

Where Is Paige Bueckers From?

Paige is a proud Minnesotan, hailing from Hopkins, a suburb of Minneapolis. She attended Hopkins High School, where she was already gaining national recognition as a high school freshman. Her roots in Minnesota have remained important to her identity, and she often credits her community for supporting her journey.

Relationship: Is Paige Bueckers Dating?

Yes. In July 2025, Paige Bueckers publicly confirmed that she is in a relationship with her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd. The announcement was made during the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and the couple quickly gained media attention for their long-standing friendship turned romance. Both athletes have been icons for young basketball fans, and their relationship represents a powerful moment of visibility in women’s sports.

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Public Image and Social Impact

Off the court, Paige Bueckers is admired for her humility, leadership, and advocacy. She has used her platform to speak out on social justice issues, racial inequality, and gender equity in sports. Her decision to use her 2021 ESPY Award acceptance speech to highlight disparities in media coverage for Black female athletes gained widespread praise.

She has also partnered with charitable initiatives in Minnesota, including launching a community grocery program to combat food insecurity. Her philanthropy, combined with her basketball excellence, has positioned her as a role model for aspiring athletes.

Summary

Paige Bueckers is more than just a basketball star—she is a cultural icon, a business powerhouse, and a trailblazer in modern sports. Estimated Paige Bueckers Net Worth of $1.4 to $1.5 million in 2025 is reflective of her hard work, strategic partnerships, and unmatched performance on the court. With a bright WNBA future ahead, continuing endorsement momentum, and a strong social impact presence, Bueckers is poised to become one of the most influential figures in sports.

As her journey unfolds, Paige Bueckers continues to inspire fans, athletes, and communities around the world. Her story is a powerful testament to what talent, grit, and authenticity can achieve.

— Article by Mating Press

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