The past week has been a whirlwind for Paige Bueckers. She led the UConn Huskies to their first NCAA title since 2016 last Sunday in a dominating win over South Carolina. Bueckers' calendar has been full the past week -- from appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to celebrating with thousands at UConn's parade to signing a three-year deal with Unrivaled.
Bueckers didn't have long (exactly eight days) to enjoy the final days of her time with UConn before the 2025 WNBA Draft. The next chapter is officially here for the 23-year-old after being selected No. 1 overall in the draft by the Dallas Wings.
WELCOME TO THE DALLAS WINGS, PAIGE BUECKERS 🌟 pic.twitter.com/pREGdvalky
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 14, 2025
Dallas Wings select Paige Bueckers with No. 1 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
The Wings won the draft lottery in November, which wasn't shocking given the organization's combined 45.4% chance to do so, but it seemed like the stars had aligned for Bueckers to land in Hollywood. Instead, the Sparks got the No. 2 pick, which they've since traded to Seattle in the Kelsey Plum-Jewell Loyd deal.
There was speculation that Bueckers might not want to play in Dallas, leading many to wonder if she'd spend another season in Connecticut. Bueckers never publicly said she didn't want to suit up for the Wings. She was asked where she wanted to begin her WNBA career (subscription required) during Final Four weekend, to which she answered, "Wherever I end up."
Bueckers will be taken under the wing of her fellow backcourt partner in Dallas, Arike Ogunbowale. The Wings hosted a draft party tonight, and Ogunbowale is in attendance. She's ecstatic about Bueckers joining her in Texas, as are fans. Dallas missed the playoffs the last two seasons, but that won't be the expectation in 2025 after a busy offseason.
The Paige Bueckers effect will be felt immediately in Dallas. The 2026 season will be the Wings' final one in UT Arlington's College Park Center, as they'll move to Memorial Arena at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center downtown. The star guard will be a big-name draw for a city still reeling from losing NBA star Luka Doncic.
The 2024 season was a historic one in the WNBA, with record attendance and viewership, largely thanks to Caitlin Clark. That hype will continue during Bueckers' rookie season. GM Curt Miller and Dallas will reap the rewards.