Paige Bueckers, born on October 20, 2001, in Edina, Minnesota, has become one of the most prominent names in women’s college basketball. At just 23 years old in 2025, the UConn Huskies guard has turned her exceptional on-court talent into off-court success, becoming one of the highest-valued athletes in the NCAA landscape. Thanks to high-profile name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsements, her estimated net worth has soared to $1.5 million, according to Sportskeeda.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Bueckers began her basketball journey at Hopkins High School in Hopkins, Minnesota. Her dominance on the court quickly earned her the title of the nation’s number one recruit in the 2020 class. As a high school athlete, she collected accolades such as the Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Morgan Wootten Player of the Year, and Minnesota Miss Basketball.
Upon joining the University of Connecticut, Paige’s impact was immediate. Her freshman year at UConn was nothing short of historic—she became the first freshman ever to win major national women’s college player of the year awards, including the Naismith, AP, and Wooden awards. Even after suffering setbacks due to injuries in her sophomore and junior years, Bueckers returned to full strength in the 2023–24 season and led her team to the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, earning unanimous first-team All-American honors for the second time.
NIL Success and Endorsement Deals
Paige Bueckers has been at the forefront of the NCAA’s NIL era, capitalizing on her popularity and personal brand. According to On3, she entered the 2023–24 season with an NIL valuation of $643,000, making her one of the top-earning female college athletes in America.
Her ability to combine elite athleticism with a strong social media presence has made her incredibly marketable. She has secured major NIL deals with a wide array of high-profile brands, each contributing significantly to her growing net worth.
Top Sponsors and Brand Partnerships
- Nike: In September 2023, Bueckers signed a multi-year deal with Nike, calling it a “childhood dream come true.” The partnership aligns her with the same brand her idol Kobe Bryant represented.
- Gatorade: Bueckers made history in 2021 as the first collegiate athlete to sign with Gatorade in the NIL era. This milestone deal added prestige and financial value to her portfolio.
- Dunkin’: Partnering with Dunkin’ in 2023, she also engaged in philanthropy. As part of the collaboration, the brand donated $25,000 to UConn’s Husky Harvest food pantry to help combat food insecurity on campus.
- Bose: After returning from her ACL injury, Bueckers signed with Bose to promote wireless headphones. This was her first post-injury NIL deal and involved UConn’s licensing for promotional content.
- Crocs: Bueckers joined the ranks of Crocs ambassadors, further increasing her visibility among younger audiences.
- StockX, Leaf Trading Cards, GoArmy, Chegg, and Nerf are also among her growing list of endorsement partners.
Her endorsement roster has helped elevate her net worth and solidify her place as one of the most marketable college athletes in the women’s sports landscape.
What Makes Paige Bueckers Unique?
Aside from her undeniable talent, Bueckers’ humble demeanor, team-first mentality, and social media savviness have made her a fan favorite and a brand’s dream ambassador. With over a million followers across platforms, she commands massive influence, which helps boost her partnerships.
Off the court, Bueckers is known for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to philanthropy. She has used her platform to speak on issues such as racial injustice, mental health awareness, and access to education.
Family and Personal Life
Paige Bueckers comes from a close-knit family. She is the daughter of Bob Bueckers and Amy Dettbarn. Her father was instrumental in nurturing her early interest in basketball and often trained with her growing up. While she tends to keep her private life under wraps, she remains very family-oriented and grounded despite her rising fame.
