Paige Bueckers Confirmed To Play In Unrivaled Season 2

Earlier this year, the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled opened new possibilities in the world of women’s basketball, exceeding financial targets and viewership projections. For this startup venture, then, there’s a high bar to clear in terms of providing a high-quality product in year two.

The commitment of Paige Bueckers sounds like a great place to start.

On Monday, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year headlined the league’s announcement of the first six players for its second season. Though Bueckers’ Unrivaled team has yet to be confirmed, her star power is enough to get even more fans buzzing about the up-and-coming league.

Bueckers, as a matter of fact, has signed two contracts with Unrivaled, which is set to begin its second season on January 5. Her salary in the first season of her playing contract is reportedly worth more than the entirety of her four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Wings. On top of this, the All-Star guard is set to make even more income from her name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal that she signed with Unrivaled back in 2024.

The promise of higher earnings and better perks has made Unrivaled, which was co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, a new destination for women’s basketball players in the United States. For decades, WNBA players have had to sign contracts with overseas leagues and continue playing during their offseason in order to drive up their income. Bueckers’ commitment to play for Unrivaled validates the league as a viable domestic option.

Aside from Bueckers, Unrivaled announced five more players who would be competing in year two:

1. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury forward; six-time All-Star),

2. Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury forward; three-time All-Star and former Most Improved Player),

3. Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm guard; 2019 WNBA All-Star Game MVP),

4. Rickea Jackson (Los Angeles Sparks forward; 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team),

5. Saniya Rivers (Connecticut Sun guard; eighth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft).

While Thomas, Sabally, and Jackson all competed in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, Wheeler and Rivers are set to make their debut alongside Bueckers.

When the league releases its official team rosters and game schedule, all eyes will be on the name “Bueckers” as fans eagerly anticipate her return on their TV screens.