So, let’s talk about Paige Bueckers – the dynamo from Hopkins, Minnesota, making waves in women’s basketball. By now, Paige isn’t just a name but a brand.
She’s secured a jaw-dropping number of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, turning heads and raking in some serious cash.
Let’s dig into her lucrative NIL deals, her net worth, and how she’s become a cultural icon in collegiate sports.
Category | Details |
Name | Paige Madison Bueckers |
Birth Date | October 20, 2001 |
Hometown | Hopkins, Minnesota, USA |
College | University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Position | Point Guard |
NIL Valuation | Approximately $643,000 for the 2023-24 season |
Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million in 2024 |
Major NIL Deals | – Nike |
– Dunkin’ | |
– Leaf Trading Cards | |
– GoArmy | |
– Chegg | |
– Nerf | |
– Bose | |
– Crocs | |
– Gatorade | |
– StockX | |
Achievements | – First freshman to win a major national women’s college player of the year award |
– Led UConn to the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA tournament | |
– Unanimous first-team All-American twice | |
– Three gold medals with USA basketball, including MVP at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup | |
Injuries | – Missed most of sophomore season due to knee injury |
– Missed junior season due to a torn ACL | |
Personal Ventures | – Paige Bueckers Foundation with Cash App |
– Opened grocery pop-up stores in Minneapolis to combat food insecurity | |
– Filed for a trademark on “Paige Buckets” for athletic apparel | |
– Advisor for Overtime Select, a basketball league for high school girls | |
Inspirations | – NBA players: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving |
– WNBA players: Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird | |
Residence | Hopkins, Minnesota, USA |
Major NIL Deals
Since NIL rules changed in 2020, Paige has been on a roll. From Nike to Dunkin’, her partnerships are nothing short of impressive. Here’s a breakdown of her top deals:
- Nike: This multi-year deal places her alongside legends like Kobe Bryant. Not too shabby, right?
- Dunkin’: Beyond the typical endorsement, Dunkin’ shelled out $25,000 to UConn’s Husky Harvest food pantries. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
- Leaf Trading Cards: Collectible cards featuring Bueckers have become a hit.
- GoArmy: Bringing a different kind of strength to her portfolio.
- Chegg: Helping students academically while Paige supports them athletically.
- Nerf: Adding some playful fun to her endorsements.
- Bose: Because top-tier athletes need top-tier sound.
- Crocs: Comfort meets style, just like Paige’s game.
- Gatorade: A no-brainer for a sports star.
- StockX: Bridging the gap between sports and streetwear.
NIL Valuation and Earnings
Her NIL valuation for the 2023-24 season is around $643,000, one of the highest among women basketball players. With earnings likely in the six- to seven-figure range, she’s not just a player; she’s a powerhouse.
Net Worth
As of April 2024, Paige’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. For a 22-year-old, that’s quite a bank balance.
Her income streams include her collegiate basketball career, NIL deals, and endorsements.
Role at UConn and Beyond
Paige isn’t just dominating on the court, racking up points left and right. Her impact goes way beyond the stat sheet – this girl is straight-up boosting UConn’s whole reputation.
She’s become this cultural icon, really capturing the essence and talent of women’s basketball these days.
Paige’s Background
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Early Life and Education
Born Paige Madison Bueckers on October 20, 2001, in Edina, Minnesota, Paige started playing basketball at age five.
She attended Hopkins High School, where she quickly rose to stardom, ranked as the number one recruit in her class by ESPN.
College Career
Playing for the UConn Huskies in the Big East Conference, Paige became known as “Paige Buckets” for her scoring prowess.
She’s the first freshman to win a major national women’s college player of the year award. Despite knee injuries sidelining her during her sophomore and junior years, she led UConn to the Final Four in 2021 and the national championship game.
Twice named a unanimous first-team All-American, Paige’s resilience is as notable as her talent.
International Success
Paige has also shone on the international stage, winning three gold medals with the USA, including an MVP performance at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Personal Ventures and Interests
Outside of basketball, Paige is making her mark in various ways:
- Paige Bueckers Foundation: In partnership with Cash App, her foundation supports children and families, promoting social justice.
- Food Insecurity Initiatives: Collaborating with Chegg’s non-profit branch and Goodr, Paige helped open grocery pop-up stores in Minneapolis to combat food insecurity among college students.
- Trademarking “Paige Buckets”: She’s filed for a trademark on her nickname for use on athletic apparel.
- Overtime Select Advisor: Paige serves as an advisor for this basketball league for high school girls, guiding the next generation of stars.
Inspirations and Role Models
Paige draws inspiration from NBA players like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving and WNBA legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.
It’s clear her game reflects a blend of these influences, combining finesse, power, and strategic brilliance.
Final Thoughts
Paige Bueckers isn’t just a basketball player but a phenomenon. Her impressive NIL deals, net worth, and influence in collegiate sports are testaments to her talent and hard work.
At 22, Paige has already achieved what many can only dream of, and she’s just getting started. From her court exploits to her off-court ventures, she is a name that will be remembered for a long time.