Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1 in the 2025 WNBA Draft—But That’s Only Half the Story

Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1 In The 2025 Wnba Draft—but That’s Only Half The Story

It finally happened. Paige Bueckers, the basketball phenom from UConn, just went No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft to the Dallas Wings. It’s the kind of story that writes itself—hometown hero turned college legend, now off to shake up the pros. But here’s the twist: she’s not playing for the Wings. At least not yet.

Let’s talk about what’s really happening—and why Paige’s next move might just change women’s basketball forever.

Drafted First, Signed Elsewhere

So yes, Bueckers walked across the stage at The Shed in New York City on April 14, heard her name called first, hugged her family, and put on that Dallas Wings cap. Classic draft night magic. But within hours, she signed a groundbreaking three-year deal with Unrivaled, a brand-new women’s basketball league offering bigger salaries, shorter seasons, and—get this—player equity.

Let that sink in. She was the No. 1 WNBA pick, but chose to play elsewhere. That’s not just bold—it’s borderline revolutionary.

And she’s not chasing the bag blindly. Her first-year salary at Unrivaled reportedly tops what she’d earn across four years under the WNBA rookie scale. It’s not just about money, though. It’s about ownership, agency, and rewriting what it means to be a pro athlete.

A New League, A New Era?

Unrivaled isn’t just another basketball league—it’s a statement. Co-founded by players like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, it’s built around a simple idea: female athletes deserve more. More money. More say. More visibility.

Imagine if the NBA’s biggest stars—say, Luka or Steph—said, “You know what? We’re starting our own league, and we’re giving ourselves equity.” That’s essentially what’s happening here.

And Paige? She’s the face of it.

From UConn Royalty to Professional Pioneer

If you followed her college career, this moment doesn’t surprise you. Paige Bueckers wasn’t just good—she was must-watch. Every game she played at UConn felt like a mini-event. She made the impossible look easy, threading bounce passes through double teams, draining mid-range jumpers with that almost casual swagger.

In her final NCAA season, she capped it off with a national title and a near-flawless tournament run. 17 points in the championship game against South Carolina. Controlled the tempo. Played like a vet.

So yeah—she’s ready. And she’s betting on herself, big time.

What This Means for the WNBA

Here’s the awkward part: this puts the WNBA in a tight spot. You’ve got your top draft pick—the literal future of your league—choosing to play somewhere else. That’s not just a PR hiccup. It’s a wake-up call.

Players want more. And not just money (though, let’s be real—that too). They want flexibility. They want to own a piece of what they build. And Unrivaled is offering just that.

If the WNBA doesn’t respond—maybe through expanded salaries, revenue sharing, or off-season freedom—they risk losing not just Paige, but a whole generation of talent with big dreams and even bigger leverage.

What’s Next for Paige (and Everyone Watching)

Paige Bueckers is still only 23. She’s got the skill, the brand, and now the platform. And whether you’re a die-hard hoops fan or just someone who loves a good “shake the system” moment, this story’s hard to ignore.

Will she eventually play for the Wings? Possibly. The rights are there. But for now, she’s trailblazing—playing in a league she helped bring into existence.

This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about ownership. Legacy. Knowing your worth—and demanding the world recognize it.

So yeah, Paige Bueckers just made history. Not because she was picked first—but because she had the guts to walk a different path afterward. And honestly? That’s what greatness looks like.