Mar 10, 2025; Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) holds her “Most Outstanding Player” trophy as the team celebrates their Big East Championship win over the Creighton Bluejays at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'Change Is Coming': Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg Pay Gap Gets Lauren Holiday To Make A Bold Statement

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 1, 2025 9:48 AM ET

It’s 2025, and the pay disparity between the NBA and WNBA remains a hot-button issue—this time with Paige Bueckers and Cooper Flagg at the center of the conversation.

Flagg, projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $62.7 million. In stark contrast, Bueckers, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is looking at a rookie contract worth just $348,000 over four years.

While the numbers are staggering, not everyone sees this gap remaining for long. Lauren Holiday, former USWNT soccer star and wife of Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, reposted a breakdown from Boardroom to her Instagram story with a hopeful caption: “Change is coming.”

Boardroom’s breakdown further highlighted the marketability of Paige Bueckers, noting she boasts 2.4 million Instagram followers, over 25 brand partnerships, and a $1.5 million NIL valuation—outshining many of her male counterparts in terms of visibility and influence.

Adding to the momentum, the WNBPA has officially opted out of its current Collective Bargaining Agreement in pursuit of higher salaries. With the current deal set to expire after the 2025 season, over 85% of the league’s players are on one-year contracts. The strategic move? Flexibility. Many are hoping for a significant salary cap increase in 2026.

Building chemistry off the court, Paige Bueckers attends Kendrick Lamar concert with Dallas Wings teammates

As Paige Bueckers preps for her highly anticipated rookie campaign with the Dallas Wings, she’s also focusing on building chemistry off the court.

Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg Pay Gap Gets Attention From Satou Sabally 10 Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers on the orange carpet before the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, she shared that she and her teammates attended the Kendrick Lamar and SZA concert at AT&T Stadium.

“Yeah, it was very fun, just getting to be around each other as a team, hanging out, and do some cool stuff,” Bueckers told reporters Tuesday. “I’m a big Kendrick and SZA fan, so that concert was obviously great.”

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers reacts after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

With a revamped roster that includes DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris, NaLyssa Smith, rookies like Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly, Aaronette Vonleh, and their top pick in Bueckers, the Wings are all-in on creating both a contender—and a culture.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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