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Paige Bueckers' WNBA Salary Catches Attention After Draft
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

There was little doubt heading into Monday night about who would be the first player selected in the WNBA Draft. When the draft began, Paige Bueckers heard her name called—she's now headed to Dallas.

The former Minnesota high school phenom, who starred at UConn under Geno Auriemma, went out with a bang. She led the Huskies to the 2025 NCAA Tournament title with a dominant 82–59 win over South Carolina.

Bueckers boasts a long list of accomplishments from the season, but as she transitions to the WNBA, all eyes are on how she'll perform at the next level.

Fans took notice of her WNBA salary, which drew attention after it was released earlier this week. 

Here's a look at a couple of fan reactions. 

"Two things. She made more in college and will make enough for the W in endorsement deals. This was also apart of the leagues inaugural launch so it’s essentially a 2 year 350k but she only played 1"
-@rushy_grant19

"only right!! We need those numbers to keep going UP!!"
-@louville12

"Thats ridiculous. The off-season tournament shouldn't pay close to the same as the league. Do better WNBA."
-@wntrsldr_6

"Well this seems like an issue WNBA needs to figure out"
-@la_pd

"Hoping @unrivaledbasketball continues to grow"
-@caseyrhamm

"Embarrassing to the W that you can have this happen in a product which is essentially a social media engagement platform, focusing on the pre game outfits, with 3v3 watched by 800 fans. There is no way you can justify the salaries being paid , when you have 20,000 fans in a stadium watching teams , who are investing millions in practice facilities etc. CBA about to be rufffff……."
-@hoopgroupbball

"There needs to be a 30 for 30 on how poorly managed and operated the WNBA is."
-@jeremycash02

The top WNBA contract belongs to Arike Ogunbowale, who is signed to a 3-year deal worth $725,952. 

Next is Marina Mabrey, who also has a 3-year contract, valued at $620,000. Last season's top draft pick, Caitlin Clark, is tied for 30th in the league with a four-year deal worth $338,056.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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