Paige Bueckers Signs NIL Deal with Unrivaled League
- Paige Bueckers, a star basketball player from UConn, has signed a NIL deal with the new Unrivaled basketball league.
- As part of the agreement, she will receive an equity stake in the league.
- This deal highlights the growing opportunities for college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.
University of Connecticut basketball star Paige Bueckers is set to sign a historic name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with the newly established women's basketball league, Unrivaled. This agreement is notable as it is believed to make Bueckers the first NCAA athlete to obtain an ownership stake in a professional sports league, reflecting the evolving landscape of endorsement opportunities for college athletes. While specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it marks a significant milestone in the realm of collegiate athletics. Unrivaled, founded by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, aims to provide a platform for female basketball players to compete in the U.S. during their offseason. The league is set to launch in January, just ahead of the WNBA season. Bueckers, a two-time NCAA All-American, will play a promotional role for the league but will not participate in games until she completes her senior season at UConn, having recently announced her decision to forgo the 2024 WNBA Draft. The player-owned league will feature six teams competing in a 3-on-3 format, with all players receiving equity stakes and a minimum salary of six figures. This initiative addresses the financial challenges faced by WNBA players, many of whom previously sought overseas opportunities to supplement their income. Notable players already committed to the league include Stewart, Collier, and Angel Reese, among others. Unrivaled has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Bueckers' UConn coach Geno Auriemma, NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash, and sports icons like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, highlighting the growing support for women's sports.