Paige Bueckers has quickly ascended into conversations about the top players in the WNBA, and she’s only two seasons deep into her career.
However, the former UConn star put together an impressive rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds a game. She’s already following that up with another stellar season in Dallas.
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During the team’s 5-3 start to this season, they’ve already toppled championship contenders, including the New York Liberty and reigning champion Las Vegas Aces. Alongside her former UConn teammate, Azzi Fudd, Bueckers has led the team in most of their wins.
Just recently, the UConn stars each dropped 24 points on the Liberty, with Bueckers’ rookie counterpart starting for the first time in her WNBA career.
And with Bueckers’ early rise to potential superstardom in the WNBA, her memorabilia is also a valuable commodity, including her debut jersey for the Dallas Wings.
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The item sold for nearly $65,000 in an auction, which most individuals might scoff at, but an avid collector, salesperson, or investor decided it was worth their money.
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“That’s insane to me,” Bueckers said in reacting to the staggering price. “You can see the rise in popularity and growth and respect [in women’s sports]. … just to be a part of the rise right now, you are extremely grateful.”
“I wouldn’t even pay $10 for my own jersey,” she also joked about the cost.
Right now, Bueckers realizes she can have a Wings jersey from each game she plays in. However, she might later decide she wants that debut one as a keepsake for herself. Some professional athletes end up having to buy their items from individuals who nabbed them at a game, at an auction, or from another seller.
Another popular trend in sports is the jersey swap, which many athletes participate in after games. These have occurred after many NBA and NFL games. Rather than worrying about her own jerseys, Bueckers could start collecting opposing players’ jerseys as a smart investment.
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Meanwhile, Bueckers and the Wings are continuing to compete in the WNBA, as they are 5-3 in the Western Conference, which is third behind the Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries.
The Dallas Wings host the Seattle Storm at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.
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For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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