The WNBA CBA deal seems like a dream now. The league and the players’ association are still poles apart on their demands, and neither is ready to take a step back. As per Natasha Cloud, WNBA players have a backup plan and strong unity amid a looming lockout threat in CBA talks. One player clearly showing similar intent is Paige Bueckers.
The Wings’ guard has been a top player in the Unrivaled, leading the Breeze BC to strong performances in the league. And the player is seriously looking at the league as her primary league.
Paige Bueckers Earning Big From Unrivaled
The player was one of the league’s prime stars, earning a significant contract. Her salary in the new 3×3 Unrivaled league is just over $350,000 in her first season. Interestingly, the value exceeds the total value of a WNBA rookie contract over four years. Recently, she won a $50,000 prize in an Xfinity free-throw challenge. More importantly, the WNBA’s max salary is still lower than her unparalleled earnings.
While cameras caught Bueckers’ reaction to winning the $50K award, her answer showed growing confidence in the pay structure and savings.
“It’s huge. I think from when I was growing up watching and playing and having all these amazing idols to look up to, and then just to see how much the growth is now and how much accessibility, how many people are investing in women’s sports and women’s basketball specifically,” Buckers said in an interview.
Paige Bueckers in Unrivaled (5 GP):
— laney ☽｡⋆ (@paigelhoops) January 20, 2026
– 23.4 PPG (3rd in Unrivaled)
– 8.0 RPG (1st among guards)
– 6.8 APG (1st in Unrivaled)
– 0.8 BPG (1st among guards)
– 52.4 FG% | 45.4 3PT% | 100.0 FT%
– Winner of the Xfinity FT Challenge
– 3-2 Record
No one’s doing it like her right now 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WQKtoOtpVO
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“It means everything to us because we invest so much into the game. To see other people invest that much into us as well, it’s very motivating, not just for us but for the next generation to come as well,” the Wings’ guard noted.
But it’s important to note that the 2025 rookie is one of the league’s big names, attracting a fanbase and delivering high-end performances.
Paige Bueckers Back To Winning Ways In Unrivaled
After back-to-back losses, the Breeze BC needed a win and were up against an in-form Mist side. After making the required adjustments, the former UConn player demolished the strong defensive side.
Paige Bueckers tonight 🔥
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 20, 2026
37 Points in 20 Minutes
14/19 Shooting
8 Rebounds
5 Assists
5 Threes
1 Block
1 Turnover
Game Winner
Won the $50K Free Throw Challenge pic.twitter.com/jLLFUVjodv https://t.co/7pkjNm08C8
Her 37-point performance was praiseworthy and historic on Martin Luther King Day. The side will play against the Lunar Owl next, who are struggling to get their first win in the season. The team stands third in the league while the Owls are at the bottom of the standings at the moment.