Paige Bueckers' reported $350K Unrivaled contract may be just the beginning. Paige Bueckers was drafted no. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft Monday night (April 14), but her new three-year deal with Unrivaled was still a big topic of conversation.

Especially since Bueckers will earn more in her first year with the 3-on-3 league than her entire four-year rookie WNBA contract—a financial flex that has basketball fans buzzing.

"She's set to earn at least $400K in her first year with Unrivaled, this is insane," noted one fan on social media after calculating the numbers. Meanwhile, as the top pick in the WNBA draft, Bueckers will make just $78,831 in her rookie season with a total four-year value of $348,198.

Unrivaled's Pay Structure
Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled isn't playing small ball when it comes to compensation. In its inaugural season, which wrapped in March with Angel Reese's Rose Basketball Club taking the championship, the league allocated over $8 million in player salaries.

The numbers tell a story that's changing women's basketball economics:

• Minimum salary: $100,000 guaranteed for all players
• Average salary: $220,000 per player (nearly matching the WNBA maximum)
• Tournament bonuses: $250,000 for winning the one-vs-one tournament
• Championship bonus: $50,000 per player on the winning team

When Angel Reese secured the championship with Rose BC, her $50,000 bonus alone represented more than half her entire WNBA rookie contract.

Top Earners From Season One
While specific salary figures aren't publicly disclosed for all players, reports suggest the league's top stars commanded the highest salaries in the inaugural season:

• Sabrina Ionescu: Reportedly earning comparable to Bueckers' projected $350K+ in 2025
• Angel Reese: Base salary plus $50,000 championship bonus
• Brittney Griner: Among the marquee talents with likely top-tier compensation

The Business Behind It All
The league's financial success has surprised even its founders. Unrivaled generated over $27 million in revenue in its first season—more than double initial projections. This success came from a lucrative media deal with TNT, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and late-season merchandise that brought in $1.4 million despite limited availability.

"We almost broke even in the first year," Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler told Front Office Sports. "We know there's more that we can do."

With viewership numbers averaging 221,000 during regular season and playoffs, and the championship game drawing 364,000 viewers, Unrivaled is proving women's basketball can be profitable while paying players what they're worth.

JuJu Coming Soon?
With Bueckers locked in for three years, Unrivaled has its sights set on more star power for season two. League executives are likely pursuing USC phenom (and Unrivaled investor) JuJu Watkins, and can try again for other big names like WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and Indiana's Caitlin Clark for next season.

“We are really changing the outlook of the ecosystem holistically,” Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell said to SB Nation before the first season. “You’re seeing more leagues bumping up their pay because that’s where the space is now.