Paige Bueckers, the rising star of the Dallas Wings and the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, is making headlines not just for her prowess on the basketball court but also for her impressive ventures off it. This offseason, Bueckers has been actively traveling and engaging in new partnerships, most notably joining Good Eat’n, a snack brand founded by NBA legend Chris Paul, as an equity partner. She co-developed her own snack, Ragerz, marking a historic milestone as the first WNBA player to take an equity stake in an NBA player-owned food company.
Bueckers expressed her excitement about this groundbreaking opportunity, emphasizing the significance of being a pioneer in this domain. “To be the first means you’re the start of something… It’s really awesome just to be a part of this movement and just women’s sports in general,” she stated. The partnership showcases not only Bueckers’ business acumen but also her commitment to elevating women’s sports and creating more opportunities for female athletes.
With her impactful presence in women’s basketball, Bueckers represents a new generation of athletes with considerable marketing influence. She is known for advocating pay equity and visibility for WNBA players, demonstrating the potential to go beyond just playing professional sports. “We can do things off the court. We can bring more visibility and eyes,” Bueckers noted, emphasizing how athletes today can engage in large sponsorship deals and attract national media attention.
While she is set to earn approximately $348,000 over her four-year WNBA rookie contract, Bueckers’ ventures off the court are proving to be far more lucrative. Her sponsorships include major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, Verizon, and Door Dash, along with new partnerships with Carmax and Reese’s. Notably, her NIL valuation was estimated at $1.5 million after she left UConn, showcasing her marketability even before entering the WNBA.
Bueckers’ involvement in the sport is pivotal during a time when WNBA players, alongside their union, are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. The current discussions have seen multiple extensions, highlighting the agents’ firm stance on securing better investments in players, similar to what Bueckers has achieved in her offcourt pursuits.
As Bueckers continues her journey in the league, she will also play in the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league Unrivaled starting in January. Her connection with the league dates back to her UConn days, where she signed an NIL deal that included equity in the league, underscoring her forward-thinking approach to her career and finances.
With her significant influence both on and off the court, Bueckers is not only paving the way for herself but also for future generations of female athletes, encouraging them to explore diverse opportunities while advocating for equity in sports. Her proactive approach is expected to draw more attention and fans to women’s sports, reiterating the importance of visibility and investment in female athletics.