Paige Bueckers Is On A Winning Streak: From NCAA Title To WNBA No. 1 Pick In One Week

Paige Bueckers just had the kind of week athletes dream of.

In just one week's time, she helped lead the UConn Huskies to their 12th NCAA women's basketball title and was the first overall pick in the WNBA draft. There's also news swirling that she's about to sign a three-year deal with the new women's basketball league, Unrivaled.

Bueckers, known for making iconic moves on the court, is also making moves off. Last year, she signed an NIL deal with Unrivaled, giving her equity in the new league. She also teamed up with popular hair color brand Madison Reed to debut her own signature shade.

Just a week after winning the NCAA women's basketball national championship, Bueckers heard her name called as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, selected by the Dallas Wings.

Joined by her parents and siblings at the draft, Bueckers shed some tears of happiness. According to PEOPLE, Bueckers told ESPN after she was selected the first overall draft pick that she felt "an overwhelming sense of gratitude" and credited her friends and family for their support along the way. "It takes a village," she said.

Bueckers told ESPN, "It's super surreal just being here with other draft invitees. I've been focusing on staying present, staying where my feet are and to be here right now. I'm extremely blessed."

Fans and players alike couldn't contain their excitement for Bueckers being the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings.

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving sent Bueckers a personalized video to congratulate her and welcome her to the Dallas family.

"Peace Paige. I just wanted to take the time out to congratulate you on being drafted, especially to the Dallas Wings. I'm so excited for your journey ahead. I'm so happy and proud of you the way you carried yourself throughout all your obstacles and challenges," Irving said in the video.

"And more so proud that you were able to turn the page on the chapters of this story that you're writing. I'm so happy that you're gonna be right down the street. I know the city is happy, I know that the state is happy, and I know that the women's game is only gonna get better with you in it. I feel like you're gonna be one of the greats that we'll be talking about when you're done playing."

Anthony Davis also sent Buekers a welcoming message.

"What's up, Paige. AD here. From one first round overall pick to another I just want to say congratulations, welcome to Dallas," he said. "Can't wait to get you here and support you and come to some games and watch you do your thing."

Many WNBA fans also shared their excitement for Bueckers on social media.

"YEAH PAIGE, been watch since 2016. Love to see it," one fan wrote on the Dallas Wings' Instagram post. Another added, "This is our new fav team UConn fam and it’s enough talent around Paige for sure."

And many others shared those sentiments.

"Can’t wait to see her in action this season," one person said. Another shared, "Great day to live in Texas."

Sources recently told ESPN that Bueckers is about to sign a three-year deal with Unrivaled, the new women's basketball league during the WNBA's off season.

Last year, Bueckers signed an NIL deal with the league, but didn't play in it as she was finishing her college career with UConn.

After Unrivaled completed their inaugural season last month, sources told ESPN that signing Bueckers was a top priority. They are also hoping to sign Las Vegas Aces star, A'ja Wilson and Indiana Fever star, Caitlin Clark.

Unrivaled, founded in 2023 by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, had a very successful inaugural season exceeding $27 million in revenue, and capturing the attention of many fans who look forward to year two.

Bueckers hasn't just busy making moves on the court. She recently teamed up with premium hair color brand Madison Reed to launch, "UConnic Blonde," a signature hair color inspired by the basketball star's iconic look.

The first-of-its-kind shade embodies the qualities Bueckers showcases both on and off the court. The hair color was unveiled in early March and is sold exclusively at Ulta and through Madison Reed.

"We're proud to be announcing some exciting firsts with the launch of UConnic Blonde ColorWonder Demi-Permanent Hair Color - the first time a beauty brand has created a signature hair color shade with a woman athlete and Paige's first beauty collab," Amy Errett, Founder + CEO of Madison Reed shared with The Blast.

"Partnering with athletes like Paige and Team ColorWonder sends a powerful message that women deserve the opportunity to work hard, show up unapologetically and be rewarded for their talents, which is something Madison Reed firmly believes in as a female-founded, female-led company. This continuation of our commitment to investing in women's sports, as a way to help women succeed in business careers later on, and reaching the Gen-Z audience with role models, like Paige and Team ColorWonder, who exemplify hard work, confidence, and self-expression."