Courtesy of Dallas Wings YouTube Channel
Paige Bueckers, who just finished her Rookie of the Year
campaign with the Dallas Wings, is already influencing conversation about
professional sports business and not just on the court.
In an interview with LandonBuford.com, the 23-year-old guard
spoke candidly about her approach to endorsements, stating that she views brand
partnerships as not just money—they are opportunities to establish long-term
stability and wealth.
Bueckers' forward-thinking mindset was highlighted by her
candid response when asked about the types of deals she would like to pursue in
the future.
“I’d also love to have a real estate partnership so I
wouldn’t have to pay for a house,” she explained. “In every deal, try to get the most out of it. So, you don’t
have to pay for it.”
The evolving landscape in women's basketball is reflected in
her perspective, where athletes are more knowledgeable about the business
opportunities available to them. Today's WNBA players are not solely focused on
shoe deals or traditional endorsements, unlike in previous eras. Their focus is
on bigger things— equity stakes, ownership opportunities, and lifestyle
partnerships that extend their influence beyond basketball. Bueckers' remarks also
show a change in how athletes perceive brand relationships.
Their approach is to use their visibility and cultural
influence to secure deals that directly meet their personal and professional
needs instead of just endorsing products. A real estate partnership would be
beneficial for Bueckers in terms of both housing security and aligning with her
long-term financial goals.
The Minnesota native has already proven her ability to
attract major brands. At UConn, she was one of the most high-profile athletes
who took advantage of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, signing with companies such as Gatorade and StockX. The WNBA has made her more
appealing, especially since she was named Rookie of the Year in 2025 and
quickly established herself as one of the league's most dynamic guards.
Bueckers' method is in line with a larger trend among
athletes who are using their playing careers as platforms to launch bigger
business ventures. Sports figures such as LeBron James, Serena Williams, and
Candace Parker have been known for their ability to leverage their brand into
ownership and investments. Bueckers and other younger athletes are
incorporating that same mindset into their own journeys, realizing the value of
developing wealth and safety early on.
The rise of Bueckers is a significant accomplishment for
both the Dallas Wings on and off the court. Her ability to connect with fans
and brands is evidence of her potential to be not only a cornerstone player for
the franchise but also a cultural figure with influence beyond basketball.
As Bueckers develops her game and brand, her comments on
real estate partnerships provide insight into how today's athletes are
redefining the definition of maximization of endorsement deals. It's not just
about money; it's also about generating opportunities that enhance their lives,
secure their futures, and set new standards for the appearance of athlete
partnerships.
