WNBA Star Paige Bueckers Announces Next Public Appearance

Paige Bueckers’ Breakout Rookie Year

Bueckers’ announcement comes on the heels of a historic rookie campaign that placed her in elite WNBA company. Selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Minnesota native immediately proved she belonged among the game’s best.

She averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 88.8% from the free-throw line. She not only led all rookies in scoring and assists but also ranked inside the league’s top 10 in multiple categories, including fifth in points per game and sixth in steals.

Her standout performance on August 20 against the Los Angeles Sparks made headlines across the league. That night, she poured in 44 points, setting a WNBA rookie single-game scoring record and becoming the first player in league history to score 40 or more points while hitting at least 80% of her shots.

Despite the Wings finishing the season with a 10–34 record, Bueckers provided constant highlights and gave fans reason to believe in a brighter future.

The WNBA officially announced Bueckers as the 2025 Kia Rookie of the Year earlier this week. She became the first Wings player to receive the honor since Allisha Gray in 2017 and joined a legendary list of past winners that includes Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart.

She also embraced her new home in Dallas, attending local sports events, hosting clinics for young players and connecting with the community. After the team’s season finale on September 11, she told fans that “the results are coming.” 

What’s Next for Paige Bueckers?

While her Saturday appearance gives fans a chance to celebrate her rookie-year success, Bueckers is also preparing for a busy offseason. She signed on to play in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league launching its second season in Miami this January.

For now, though, Bueckers is focused on rest, recovery and recharging after what she described as a whirlwind year, from winning a national championship at UConn in April to becoming the WNBA’s top rookie just months later.

Fans who line up at Dick’s House of Sport will not just be meeting the Rookie of the Year; they’ll be meeting a player many already believe could become the future face of the WNBA.