The wait is over. Paige Bueckers, the generational talent from the University of Connecticut, is officially headed to the WNBA. On April 14, she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Bueckers will make her professional debut with the Dallas Wings on May 16, 2025.
That first game is already generating major buzz. In a full-circle moment, Bueckers and the Wings will open their season at home against the Minnesota Lynx, the team the Hopkins, Minnesota native grew up idolizing.
A New Era in Dallas
Bueckers’ journey to the pros has been nothing short of iconic. She became a household name over her five years at UConn and helped lead the Huskies to their 12th national championship, defeating the powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks on April 6, 2025. Bueckers delivered a well-rounded performance in the championship game, posting 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists, solidifying her status as one of the greatest ever to wear the Huskies uniform.
Bueckers finishes her collegiate career not just as a champion, but as a Huskies of Honor inductee, forever remembered among the legends of one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball history.
Paige Bueckers will play in her first-ever WNBA game in two weeks! 🪽✨ pic.twitter.com/jTbmWrapRr
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) April 18, 2025
Now, she’s taking her talents to the Lone Star State, where she’s expected to make an immediate impact with the Dallas Wings. Bueckers’ versatility, size (6’0”), and elite playmaking ability give her the tools to thrive in the WNBA immediately. Scouts and general managers believe she’ll excel as a point guard, especially in pick-and-roll situations. However, she can also comfortably slide to the shooting guard or move into a small forward position.
As the Wings continue building a competitive roster, Bueckers brings top-tier basketball skills and star power, which should elevate the franchise’s profile both on and off the court.
Mark Your Calendar: May 16
Bueckers’ WNBA debut is set for Friday, May 16, when the Dallas Wings host the Minnesota Lynx. The game will be played at the Wings’ home arena, and fans are already circling the date in anticipation of watching the league’s newest star hit the floor.
Single-game tickets, including for the home opener, are now available. With buzz surrounding Bueckers at an all-time high, expect a packed house and a can’t-miss atmosphere.
KEEP READING: How Far Will UConn Women’s Team Go Next Season? Analyzing Their Path to Another National Championship
Bueckers is more than just a hooper; she’s becoming a full-blown cultural icon. Her presence off the court is just as magnetic, from tennis matches to fashion runways. She’s also been documenting and sharing her journey with fans, embracing her vibrant new life in the spotlight.
As the WNBA season tips off, all eyes will be on Bueckers. Her college fairy tale may have ended in glory, but the next chapter is just beginning, and it starts May 16 in Dallas.
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