Paige Bueckers, the captivating center for UConn women’s basketball, is still building her legacy both on and off the court. On Monday, Nike announced that Bueckers will become the first college athlete to design and launch a player edition sneaker under the brand’s name, a significant accomplishment in the era of NIL endorsements.

The Nike G.T. Hustle 3, which will be unveiled on December 7, is more than a shoe; it’s a statement. Bueckers’ personal story and values are infused into the sneaker, which has special features like area codes from both UConn and her hometown in Minnesota intersecting on the left tongue. A text bubble with the message ‘Be You, Be Great’, derived from her father’s messages, is attached to the left heel, while ‘Bueckers’ is displayed on the right.

“It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Bueckers said in a statement. “I grew up wearing Nikes — all the signature shoes — so it’s surreal to have this player edition model. I just want to show out in it.”

Bueckers’ September 2023 NIL partnership with Nike is followed by this milestone, which includes endorsements from Gatorade, Dunkin’, Bose, and Chegg. By signing with Unrivaled, a 3×3 professional basketball league created by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, her signing made history earlier this year. Bueckers is the first NCAA athlete to receive ownership equity in the league, and he plans to play next year.

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A Historic Path

Bueckers’ power extends beyond her affiliations. Her outstanding performances as a redshirt senior have led her to lead UConn with 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Huskies are still undefeated after six games, and the interest in her basketball future is growing stronger. The Dallas Wings have won the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and are now poised to pick Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick, should she declare for April’s draft. Bueckers has one year left of NCAA eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she has said that this season may be her last at UConn.

Redefining Women’s Basketball

Bueckers is part of a new wave of women’s basketball stars who are reshaping the cultural and commercial presence of the game. She is a part of the elite athletes, including Jewell Loyd, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson, who have partnered with Nike to develop exclusive or signature sneaker lines. Soon, Caitlin Clark will receive a Nike signature shoe, which will further increase the spotlight on women’s basketball players. Bueckers’ dedication and drive in both athletics and sports marketing are evident in these accomplishments.

What’s Next?

The Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center on Saturday is where UConn will face Louisville after hosting Holy Cross on Tuesday