As Paige Bueckers transitions from college basketball glory to professional stardom, her groundbreaking deal with the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league has ignited fierce debate. The UConn phenom, selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, will reportedly earn more in her first Unrivaled season than four years of her WNBA rookie contract combined.
The financial disparity highlights evolving economics in women’s basketball, with Unrivaled claiming $27 million in first-year revenue. Bueckers’ business acumen shines through her early equity investment via NIL deals before joining as a player. Yet skeptics question whether these ambitious salary structures are sustainable.
Fans Express Skepticism Over Unrivaled’s Financial Claims
Online reactions to Unrivaled’s reported financial success have been overwhelmingly dubious. Comments like “I question that. $27 million a lot.” and “No way that Unrivaled league is not losing millions and millions in money if they are paying that high” dominate social media discussions, reflecting broader concerns about the league’s true financial health.
Viewership remains the central concern among critics. One commenter stated bluntly, “Nobody watched and will watch Unrivaled! 3×3 Basketball is simply unwatchable! No one watched the men’s league, the FIBA tourn, and the Olympics!”
Others questioned, “But is Unrivaled making any money? Unrivaled competes with the NBA and NCAA basketball. Does anyone watch Unrivaled? Its TV ratings were nothing to shout about.”
The Economic Reality Behind Women’s Basketball’s New Frontier
Sports analysts acknowledge women’s basketball economics are evolving rapidly. As highlighted by ESPN analysts, “the average player salary being $200,000 for, as you mentioned, Molly, a 10-week season” represents a dramatic shift. For perspective, the highest-paid WNBA player this season is reportedly Kelsey Mitchell at $249,000 annually.
Stephen A. Smith noted that “only 18 players have topped a million dollars in career earnings on the court, topped by Skylar Diggins-Smith at $1.56 million.” This financial reality explains why alternative leagues like Unrivaled are positioned as game-changers for women’s basketball economics.
TURNING THE PAIGE: WNBA-Bound Paige Bueckers Secures Multi-Year Contract With Unrivaled
Shannon Sharpe emphasized the significance of players remaining stateside.
“They don’t have to go overseas and go to China or Russia or wherever else they have to go; they can stay right here and make a nice supplementary income.” Though he noted that “it’s hard to say that the Unrival is supplementary, it seems like the WNBA is supplementary income.”
While fans question Unrivaled’s financial viability, professionals see potential transformation.
As one commentator put it, “What I will say when it comes to Unrivaled, everyone is taking note.” Whether this represents sustainable growth or temporary investor enthusiasm remains the $27 million question hanging over women’s basketball’s ambitious new venture.
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