Paige Bueckers Makes History with Groundbreaking NIL Deal with Unrivaled

The signing of Paige Bueckers of a NIL deal with the newly established women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, is a historic move for college and women’s sports. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bueckers’ ownership equity in a league is the first time an NCAA athlete has received ownership.

Bueckers, who has captivated the basketball world with her stellar play and charismatic personality, is expected to join Unrivaled and the WNBA after her collegiate career. This deal is a testament to her skills on the court and influence, which sets a standard for future athletes navigating the evolving NIL agreements.

UConn’s Paige Bueckers is signing an NIL deal with the new women’s basketball league Unrivaled that makes her the first NCAA athlete to receive ownership equity in a league. Bueckers is expected to play in Unrivaled, along with the WNBA, after her college career is over. pic.twitter.com/NkPImheHig

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 1, 2024

Charania added, “With a 10-15 percent ownership pool for players, Unrivaled has been aggressive with the pursuit of WNBA stars by offering the highest average salaries in women’s sports history. The league cap for the 30 players will be at least $7.5 million, an average of $250,000.”

The opportunities for women athletes have significantly changed due to the NIL deal with Unrivaled. The sense of investment and empowerment that extends beyond the court is fostered by ownership equity in a league, providing Bueckers and her peers with a stake in the success and growth of the sport.

 

Unrivaled’s innovative approach to player compensation and ownership is to attract top talent worldwide. Through competitive salaries and a share of the league’s equity, Unrivaled wants to redefine the professional landscape for women’s basketball, offering players financial stability and a chance to affect the future of the sport.

Bueckers’ impact on the sport has been profound since she first donned the UConn jersey. She is known for her scoring abilities, court vision, and leadership, making her one of the most recognized faces in college basketball. Her alliance with Unrivaled further enhances her status as a pioneer in women’s sports.

“An innovative 3v3 professional women’s basketball league founded by two current U.S. Olympians, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The league will feature six teams, with five players on each team. The inaugural season is January of 2025 in Miami.”

The league’s website states that its “Unrivaled will feature a brand new style of 3v3 basketball. The games will be played on a compressed full court (70X50 feet). The league also sets a record with the highest average salaries in women’s sports history. All 30 initial players will receive equity ownership.”

 

“Unrivaled will feature a brand new style of 3v3 basketball. The games will be played on a compressed full-court (70X50 feet). The league is also setting a record with the highest average salaries in women’s sports history. All 30 initial players will receive equity ownership.”

The signing of Paige Bueckers with Unrivaled is a significant event in sports history. NIL deals and innovative league structures allow women athletes to showcase their growing influence and financial opportunities. As Bueckers continues to excel on the court, her partnership with Unrivaled ensures she will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future athletes to dream bigger and aim higher.