Paige Bueckers Signs NIL Deal with Unrivaled League, Receives Equity Stake

ByCoach

Paige Bueckers, a standout player for UConn, is breaking new ground in college athletics. She has become the first NCAA athlete to obtain an ownership stake in a professional league. This comes through her name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.

Organized by former UConn stars and current WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled offers a domestic playing option for WNBA athletes during their offseason.

Bueckers’ involvement starts in January 2026, right after she finishes her collegiate career and her initial WNBA season. Known for her remarkable achievements, including being named AP Player of the Year and Big East Player of the Year, Bueckers adds this to her impressive list of endorsements with brands like Gatorade, Crocs, and Nike.

The league’s January to March schedule enables WNBA players to participate before their regular season begins in May. More college athletes are expected to join Unrivaled as part of an upcoming NIL campaign.

A New Way to Play and Earn

Unrivaled, the fresh-faced 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, is set to reshape the landscape of women’s sports. Launching with six teams, the league will feature a total of 30 players. Each player will get ownership equity, aligning their interests with the league’s success.

Salaries will be competitive, with a league cap of $7.5 million. This means an average salary of $250,000 per player, which surpasses the current WNBA supermax contract rate for the 2024 season.

The structure of the games will offer a new, fast-paced experience. Shorter game times and smaller courts will create an environment that highlights scoring and keeps fans engaged. The inaugural season kicks off in January 2025, promising a thrilling start.

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Players to Watch:

  • Chelsea Gray
  • Arike Ogunbowale
  • Jewell Loyd
  • Kelsey Plum
  • Rhyne Howard
  • Kahleah Copper
  • Jackie Young
  • Angel Reese

All these athletes have earned at least one WNBA All-Star team selection, guaranteeing a high level of competition. Paige Bueckers, a standout talent from UConn averaging 21.8 points per game, also joins this high-caliber roster.

Notable Features of the League:

  • Six Franchises: Each team will operate under a franchise model.
  • Equity Ownership: Players will own part of the league.
  • $250,000 Average Salary: Surpassing WNBA supermax contracts.
  • 30 Players Total: Ensuring a tight-knit competition.
  • Early Season Start: Begins January 2025.

Influential Figures:
The league has gained backing from sports legends like Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe. Such support underscores the league’s potential to thrive.

“We just wanted to take control of our future,” Collier noted in an interview, encapsulating the players’ motivation. This new basketball venture, powered by some of the top names in the sport, aims to set a new standard for women’s professional leagues.

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