Paige Bueckers x Dallas Wings: A Fresh Start, A New Standard

The New York City Takeover Begins

The Paige Bueckers, New York City takeover officially commenced—and it is not officially over. Under the brightest of lights, Bueckers was once again flawless. On the illuminating stage of New York’s annual WNBA spring event—the Draft—Bueckers heard her name called first. This fulfilled a long-time childhood dream that was anything but guaranteed.

“A lot faster than I thought,” Bueckers said, smiling with the same exuberant joy she plays the game of basketball with. In front of flashing cameras, Bueckers shared the moment:

“JUST GOING UP THERE, GETTING THE JERSEY. BUT SUPER SURREAL… JUST SO GRATEFUL TO BE HERE. I’VE BEEN FOCUSING A LOT ON BEING PRESENT AND BEING WHERE MY FEET ARE.”

A UConn Journey of Highs and Setbacks

Although it may seem like Bueckers’ journey to the top pick was foregone since she was in 8th grade, her path wasn’t always linear. Bueckers had high peaks but also suffered adversity. In particular, after battling injuries and setbacks at UConn, the star guard led her Huskies to one last Final Four, ultimately capturing the illustrious NCAA championship before declaring for the draft. The emotions on draft night reflected more than excitement—they screamed gratitude for the teammates who lifted her up along the journey.

“THEY MEAN EVERYTHING TO ME,” SHE SAID OF HER UCONN TEAMMATES. “ALL THEY’VE HELPED ME GET THROUGH, ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS… THEY’VE SEEN EVERY SIDE OF ME. THE LOVE THERE IS UNCONDITIONAL. I WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT THEM….I’VE TRIED TO USE [SETBACKS] AS MOTIVATION TO SHOW PEOPLE THEY CAN GET THROUGH IT, TOO. YOU CAN COME BACK ON THE OTHER SIDE BETTER.”

Even though her spotlight continues to grow and burn brighter, Bueckers still understands what has gotten her to this point. She has not lost sight of her UConn roots and the lessons she’s learned at the prestigious basketball powerhouse.

“My advice for the next generation at UConn?” she echoed. “Be present. Win every day that’s in front of you. Don’t worry about the past, or the future… just be where your feet are.”

Ironically enough, Bueckers—who created a legendary meme at last year’s WNBA Draft—walked into a full-circle moment. After supporting two of her former UConn teammates in Nika Mühl and Aaliyah Edwards, this year it was the star guard who was cast into the spotlight.

“LAST YEAR I WAS JUST IN A SUPPORTING CAST ROLE,” SHE RECALLED. “THIS YEAR, I’M IN THOSE SHOES WHERE NIKA AND AALIYAH WERE. JUST SUPER GRATEFUL FOR BOTH EXPERIENCES.”

The Blueprint Around Paige

Since last offseason, the Dallas Wings have been making several key preparations for the arrival of Paige. The Wings have undergone a tremendous overhaul throughout their front office and coaching staff. The organization sees Bueckers as a centerpiece for their new era—someone who can take their franchise to new heights on and off the floor. The humble guard views it as an opportunity to help redefine the franchise.

“WE’VE ESTABLISHED THAT THERE’S NEW LEVELS OF STANDARDS THAT ARE GOING TO BE SET,” BUECKERS EXPLAINED. “IT’S NOT A REBUILD, IT’S JUST A BUILD FROM WHERE WE ARE. WE’RE EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE, AND WE ONLY THINK THE BEST IS AHEAD.”

The fans in Dallas are already buzzing, and Bueckers is eager to see what the hype about the city and its fans is all about.

“I’ve only heard great things about the city,” Bueckers said. “So excited to start that new chapter and give everything I have to the Wings organization. I know we’re going to do great things.”

Future Voice of the League

Someone who understands the power of her influence at such a young age, Bueckers is willing to help in contract talks with the WNBA Players Association and the WNBA. Thanks to her lucrative NIL deals with brands like Nike, and her Unrivaled contract already making headlines, Bueckers is preparing to use her platform for greater impact within the league.

“I DEFINITELY WANT TO BE IN THOSE ROOMS, HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS, BE A VOICE FOR THE PLAYERS,” SHE SAID ABOUT POTENTIALLY BECOMING A UNION REP. “STAND UP FOR US.”

A Perfect Fit on the Court

On the court, Dallas is a match for her talent. She’ll reunite with some familiar faces and meet new ones eager to build something great. All-WNBA teammate Arike Ogunbowale praised the pick, while DiJonai Carrington spoke highly of Bueckers’ potential as a floor leader.

“To be in a place that you’re loved and wanted, that’s very important,” she said. “Just to feel loved, feel supported—it means everything.”

A New Era Begins

From Minnesota gyms to UConn’s championship battles, and now to the professional stage, Bueckers stands not only as the No. 1 pick—but also a face of the future.

“We just have a passion and a love for the game,” she said of her draft class. “We’re trying to grow the game, expand the game… and we’re all extremely excited.”

A new arena. A new city. A new chapter.

And for Paige Bueckers, it’s all just beginning.