UConn women’s basketball sensation Paige Bueckers recently achieved another milestone, becoming the top-earning female athlete on the NIL Store platform for the 2023-24 academic year. This platform, partnering with 68 Division I athletic departments, reinforces the impact of Bueckers in women’s sports. Notably, all four finalists for this accolade were women’s basketball players, reflecting the growing financial recognition in the sport. Bueckers surpassed her former UConn teammate Nika Muhl, former LSU star Angel Reese, and Iowa guard Gabbie Marshall in this distinction.
Returning to the court after a torn ACL in the prior season, Bueckers led UConn to an impressive Final Four run. Even while playing out of position, her performance was stellar, averaging a career-high of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Her efforts earned her a finalist spot for Naismith Player of the Year, highlighting her resilience and skill in overcoming adversity.
The UConn women’s team also garnered acclaim through their philanthropic efforts. They organized a notable initiative with the NIL Store, creating a limited-edition pink jersey for their annual Play4Kay game and directing proceeds to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. This initiative gave the Huskies recognition as a finalist for the Philanthropic Spirit Award. At the same time, Kyle Muncy, UConn’s director of brand partnerships and trademark management, was honored as the NIL Store’s Licensing Director of the Year, showcasing the program’s multifaceted success.
