UConn star Paige Bueckers making her own history after $28M Caitlin Clark deal

UConn standout Paige Bueckers has made history after becoming the first college basketball player in the NIL era to unveil a special edition signature shoe with a major sportswear brand - after Caitlin Clark blazed a trail with her $28 million deal with Nike.

The Huskies fan favorite has established herself as a household name in recent times, after dazzling fans with her impressive performances at Harry A.

Gampel Pavilion.

After deciding against declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2024, the point guard is currently enjoying her senior season in Connecticut.

Projected as a potential No.

1 overall pick for the next draft, the 23-year-old has long been earmarked as a star of the future.

Bueckers' commercial bankability has also been reflected as she announced that Nike will release her very own player-edition sneaker on Saturday (Dec.

7) as her rise continues.

Angel Reese 'appreciates' NBA star who followed through with WNBA promise Caitlin Clark earns more in 30 minutes than yearly WNBA salary thanks to side hustle Earlier this year, the Oregon-based apparel brand reached a $28 million agreement with former Iowa college superstar Clark which will eventually see her bring out her own sneaker too.

However, the WNBA Rookie of the Year's shoe is not expected to be released in 2026 or 2027 as part of her eight-year deal.

While details in relation to the finances involved in Bueckers' deal with Nike have not been disclosed, the Huskies ace confirmed the upcoming release of her sneakers on Instagram this week, saying: "It's definitely motivating to wear your own shoe.

I grew up wearing Nikes all the signature shoes so it's surreal to have this Player Edition model.

I just want to show out in it.

"Blessed from the 612 [Minneapolis' area code] to the 860 [Storrs, Connecticut] my PE of the Nike GT Hustle 3 will be available on December 7," she continued as she highlighted how the sneakers have been personalized.

"'From the PB Bucket design to the text bubble from my dad to the colorway, every part of this shoe aligns with the player and person I am.

Can't wait for you to check it out." Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news Speaking before her professional bow, the aforementioned Clark said of her approach to her endorsements off the court: "I feel like it doesnt change a ton from how I lived my life over the course of the last year.

Sponsorships stay the same.

The people around me, agents and whatnot, have been able to help me and guide me through the course of the last year." Meanwhile, fellow WNBA superstar A'Ja Wilson also confirmed that she has her own signature sneaker coming out after signing a deal with Nike too.

The Las Vegas Aces center, who was named as the league's MVP in 2024, revealed on Instagram back in May: "Of Course I Have A Shoe Dot Com.

"It's been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete.

From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we've worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style.".

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