Paige Bueckers, the UConn star, has been considered the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft for the past few years.
Despite this projection, she still has one year of college eligibility remaining. This means she has the option to either turn professional next season or continue playing with the Huskies. Analyst Sabrina Merchant shared her bold prediction for the upcoming season, outlining three reasons why Bueckers may not declare for the WNBA draft.
“First of all, she’d be locking herself into a rookie contract that is worth presumably far less than it would be were she would be drafted in 2026,” Merchant said. “Financially, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to play as a rookie in 2025 vs. 2026.”
Merchant also highlighted the struggles of the Dallas Wings and the political climate in Texas as factors that could make Bueckers rethink turning professional. The Wings currently hold the first overall pick, but there are doubts about Bueckers’ interest in playing for them.
“Also, there’s been a lot of buzz about whether Paige actually wants to go to Dallas, given the instability with that organization and political climate in Texas, too,” she added.
Additionally, Merchant believes that if the Huskies don’t win the national title this year, Bueckers may choose to return for another season with coach Geno Auriemma.
“And then, I don’t think UConn is going to win the national title this year,” Merchant said. “So, I kind of feel like, maybe, one more year of Paige and Azzi (Fudd) running the band back, and that’s their time.”
Paige Bueckers’ Unrivaled endorsement could impact her future
Despite the valid reasons for Bueckers to delay turning pro, it’s important to note that she recently signed a NIL deal with the new 3×3 basketball tournament, Unrivaled.
While she won’t be playing in the inaugural season starting on Jan. 17, she is expected to join after her first WNBA season. Postponing her professional debut could conflict with this endorsement deal as she is part of “The Future is Unrivaled” campaign and is likely expected to turn pro soon to participate in the tournament.
Bueckers also became the first college athlete to have ownership equity in a professional league by getting equity in the 3×3 league like all other players.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
