To no one’s surprise, Paige Bueckers was named to the WNBA’s All-Rookie Team on Monday.

Industry experts believe this could also accelerate investment in the WNBA. While player salaries in the league remain modest compared to the NBA, the visibility and marketability of stars like Bueckers could drive more sponsorships, higher TV ratings, and ultimately, increased salaries for all players. Her transition from college to professional partnerships would blur the line between amateur and pro sports, forcing institutions, brands, and leagues to adapt quickly to a new era.

Bueckers herself has remained tight-lipped about the rumors, though she has hinted in past interviews about her ambitions to grow the women’s game and use her platform for bigger causes. Her strong social media following, charisma, and reputation as a role model make her a dream partner for companies eager to connect with younger audiences and showcase a progressive vision of women’s sports. If she does confirm this deal, she will not only be a basketball star but also a cultural icon at the forefront of a movement.

Sep 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) prepares to take a free throw against the Golden State Valkyries during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images / John Hefti-Imagn Images

The details of the rumored agreement remain under wraps, but industry whispers suggest it involves a groundbreaking partnership with a global sportswear giant, along with endorsements from several high-profile brands that see Bueckers as a trailblazer who can carry women’s basketball to new commercial heights. The combined value of these contracts, according to sources, would exceed the earnings of many WNBA veterans, underscoring the shifting balance between college, professional, and commercial opportunities in women’s sports.

For UConn, the news comes with bittersweet implications. Head coach Geno Auriemma has often praised Bueckers not only for her talent but also for her maturity and commitment to the program. Losing her would be a significant blow for the Huskies, particularly as they continue to chase another national championship. Yet, even Auriemma has acknowledged in past interviews that players like Bueckers are destined for greatness beyond the college level, and this move may simply accelerate the inevitable.

Dallas Wings phenom Paige Bueckers took home the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, being announced as the winner a little over a week ago. Although she’s still awaiting news on whether she’ll be named to an All-WNBA team or not, she was named to the All-WNBA Rookie Team on Monday evening.

Bueckers was named to the Rookie Team along with Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics, Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm, and Janelle Salaun of the Golden State Valkyries. For the first time since 2014, the top four picks from a draft made the All-Rookie team, while Salaun made it while being undrafted.

Citron was the lone player to steal Rookie of the Year votes away from Bueckers, garnering two votes, which disappointed a lot of fans. Bueckers was clearly the best player in her draft class and should’ve been named a unanimous winner, but it didn’t go that way for the second year in a row.

The one player who didn’t make the All-Rookie team who had an argument was Saniya Rivers of the Connecticut Sun, who averaged 8.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 2.7 APG. Those numbers also pale in comparison to Bueckers, which shows how dominant she was as a rookie.

Sep 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) handles the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Will Paige Bueckers Make an All-WNBA Team?

The All-WNBA First and Second Teams will be revealed on October 7th, still over a week out. Bueckers had the numbers of a First Team selection, averaging 19.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, and 3.9 RPG on great efficiency. However, the argument that people are holding against her is team success, which does weigh on the minds of voters.

The Dallas Wings were just 10-34 this season, just marginally better than they were a season ago, and finished tied for the worst record in the WNBA. They’ll have the best odds for the top pick in the WNBA Draft next year because of it and their performance in 2024.

The basketball world is bracing for a seismic shift as inside sources suggest that Paige Bueckers, the UConn Huskies superstar and one of the brightest talents in women’s basketball, is preparing to make a major announcement that could change the trajectory of the sport forever. Rumors are swirling that the 22-year-old guard, who has captivated fans since her freshman year, is ready to leave college basketball behind to secure a historic $10 million deal. If confirmed, this groundbreaking move would not only elevate her career but also reshape the landscape of women’s sports on a global scale.

Bueckers has long been viewed as a generational talent, combining exceptional basketball IQ with elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Since arriving at UConn, she has been the face of women’s college basketball, winning the Wooden Award as a freshman and overcoming a series of injuries to reassert herself as a powerhouse on the court. Her resilience and star power have only deepened her connection with fans, making her one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.

Now, insiders close to the program and to her camp claim she is preparing to step into uncharted territory. The reported deal, valued at an astonishing $10 million, would make her one of the highest-paid athletes in women’s basketball history before even stepping foot in the WNBA. The magnitude of this opportunity cannot be overstated — it represents not just personal success for Bueckers, but also a turning point for women’s athletics and the influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

Fans of women’s basketball are divided. Some argue that Bueckers should finish her college career and cement her legacy with another championship run, while others celebrate her right to seize an unprecedented financial opportunity that could inspire future generations. “She’s changing the game for all of us,” one young fan wrote on social media. “If Paige can do it, maybe one day I can too.”

The impact of such a decision would ripple far beyond UConn. If Bueckers finalizes this $10 million deal, it could set a precedent for top female athletes in college sports to reconsider the traditional path to the pros. With NIL rules allowing athletes to monetize their brands, stars like Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and Angel Reese have already capitalized on lucrative deals. But Bueckers’ move would push the ceiling higher than anyone previously imagined, redefining what’s possible for women in basketball.

Critics, however, warn of potential pitfalls. The weight of being a pioneer comes with pressure, and managing such a high-profile deal while transitioning out of college could be overwhelming. Skeptics argue that the focus on financial opportunity may distract from her development as a player and her eventual WNBA career. Yet, given Bueckers’ track record of overcoming adversity — including multiple knee surgeries that sidelined her for long stretches — many believe she has the mental toughness and discipline to thrive under the spotlight.

As speculation builds, the basketball community waits anxiously for official confirmation. Whether announced through a press conference, a social media statement, or a brand campaign, Bueckers’ next move is poised to dominate headlines. The sheer size of the rumored $10 million figure has already shifted the conversation about what is possible for women athletes, and once the details emerge, it may very well redefine the future of the sport.

For now, one thing is clear: Paige Bueckers stands at the crossroads of history. Her reported decision to leave college for a record-breaking deal is more than just a career choice — it’s a statement about the evolution of women’s basketball, the power of athlete branding, and the dawn of a new era in sports. Should she move forward, her legacy will no longer be confined to what she achieves on the court but will expand into what she represents off it: opportunity, progress, and the limitless potential of women’s athletics.

Team success does matter in things like All-WNBA teams and MVP voting. Even if everyone agrees that Bueckers had an outstanding season and was clearly the best player on her team, she didn’t drive winning enough to land on the First Team. She should land on the Second Team, and it would be considered a surprise if she didn’t. But it would be historic if she were to make the First Team.