Cool News: UConn basketball sensation Paige Bueckers has made history by signing a groundbreaking name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Unrivaled, a new professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league set to launch in 2025. This innovative agreement marks the first time a current NCAA athlete has received ownership equity in a professional sports league as part of an NIL deal.
Unrivaled, founded by former UConn stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, aims to provide women’s basketball players with a domestic option to compete and earn income during the WNBA offseason. The league will feature some of the WNBA’s top talent and offers a compelling alternative to playing overseas, which has been the traditional route for many players seeking additional opportunities.
Key aspects of Bueckers’ deal and the Unrivaled league include:
- Equity Ownership: Bueckers will receive a share of the 10-15% ownership pool allocated for players participating in the league.
- Competitive Compensation: The league has set a minimum cap of $7.5 million for 30 players, with an average salary of $250,000 per player.
- Future Participation: Bueckers is expected to play in both the WNBA and Unrivaled once she completes her college career at UConn.
- Innovative Format: The league will feature 3-on-3 basketball, offering a fast-paced and exciting variation of the sport.
- Strategic Timing: Unrivaled games will take place outside of the WNBA season, providing year-round opportunities for players.
This partnership not only showcases Bueckers’ marketability but also highlights the growing opportunities for women’s basketball players. As one of college basketball’s most prominent stars, Bueckers’ involvement lends significant credibility to the fledgling league.
The UConn guard’s exceptional performance on the court, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season, has undoubtedly contributed to her appeal as a brand ambassador for Unrivaled.
This groundbreaking deal represents a significant step forward in the evolving landscape of college athletics and professional women’s sports. It demonstrates the increasing value placed on women’s basketball and the innovative approaches being taken to create sustainable, lucrative opportunities for female athletes.
As Unrivaled prepares for its 2025 launch, the involvement of high-profile players like Bueckers, coupled with the leadership of WNBA stars Stewart and Collier, positions the league as an exciting new chapter in the world of women’s basketball.