Paige Bueckers, as expected, has made moves with the 2025 WNBA Draft. As the No. 1 overall pick of the Dallas Wings, the former UConn star is already seen as a franchise-altering talent.
Fans, however, were also intent on confirming some other news during the WNBA Draft night.
Already a huge basketball entity in Bueckers’ own right, many were looking forward to a confirmation about her own signature line with Nike.
Paige Bueckers Breaks Silence About Nike Line After WNBA Draft Pick
Following a successful NIL deal with Nike, a signature WNBA shoe was the expected next step for Bueckers.
However, the 23-year-old was careful not to confirm a future deal.
Paige Bueckers said she has "no idea" when she might have a signature shoe with Nike. Hasn't even thought about those convos yet.
"There's a lot of people in line that deserve that as well, so wahtever happens in the future, we'll see."
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) April 15, 2025
“There’s a lot of people in line that deserve that as well, so whatever happens in the future, we’ll see,” the No. 1 2025 WNBA Draft pick said.
Nike, on their end, was ready with the perfect ad after Bueckers was picked.
DALLAS-BOUND: Nike drops a new ad for First Overall WNBA Draft Pick, @paigebueckers1 🤠🐴 pic.twitter.com/OtPhTk7hDI
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) April 14, 2025
Nike’s new ad featured Bueckers sliding into a car seat, which could be symbolic of her taking over the Dallas team as well.
“Time to kick up some dust,” the caption in the video read.
After the short 15-second ad, fans were geared up for more Nike x Bueckers collaborations.
Bueckers’ Deal With Nike Is Part of Estimated $1.4 Million NIL Deals
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have been a game-changer for athletes like Bueckers. A chance to partner up with brands, NIL deals provide a chance for college athletes to earn big money, with some deals bleeding into millions.
As per sports media site On3, Bueckers’ deals with brands like Nike, Bose, CeraVe, Gatorade, and more are estimated to be worth $1.4 million.
Furthermore, Bueckers’ net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million.
Following her lucrative deal with Unrivaled, Bueckers’ net worth is surely expected to be on the rise. Especially as her contract with Unrivaled (a 3v3 league) will exceed the value of her entire WNBA salary.
Of course, this doesn’t include an updated deal with Nike, which could pay Bueckers millions over the course of her career.
Per WNBA’s format and pay scale, Bueckers will earn $79,000 for her first year and almost $350,000 over the course of four years.
Bueckers’ Contract Breakdown With WNBA
- 2025 – $78,831
- 2026 – $80,408
- 2027 – $88,449
- 2028 (fourth-year option) – $100,510
- Total four-year contract value: $348,198
Averaging 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during her UConn career, Bueckers was expected to be the No. 1 pick for months.
Paige Bueckers is heading to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by @StateFarm! pic.twitter.com/uC9FTmjMXA
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 14, 2025
Bueckers’ addition to the team has also sparked new hope for Dallas basketball fans, who just lost Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
That being said, with her multiple deals with Nike, Unrivaled, Kickstart and her huge fanbase, many are expecting Bueckers to be a franchise player for the Wings.