Paige Bueckers Signs NIL Deal with Nike, Marking Another Milestone in Her Basketball Career
Paige Bueckers, the standout guard for the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team, has recently signed an exciting new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with global sports apparel giant Nike. This partnership is set to elevate her profile both on and off the court, as she becomes a key figure in promoting Nike’s GT Hustle sneaker campaign.
Bueckers, who has been recovering from a torn ACL that kept her off the court for the entire 2022-23 season, expressed her excitement about the deal. “Joining the Nike family is a childhood dream come true,” Bueckers said. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together on and off the court”
This deal adds to Bueckers’ impressive roster of endorsements. In November 2021, she made headlines by signing with StockX, becoming the first college athlete to ink an NIL deal with Gatorade shortly after. These endorsements reflect her marketability and influence as one of college basketball’s most prominent athletes
Bueckers’ partnership with Nike not only highlights her athletic prowess but also her potential to become a major marketing force. The deal aligns her with a brand known for its strong presence in basketball and sports culture. As part of the campaign, she will promote the GT Hustle sneaker, designed with advanced Nike Basketball technology to help athletes perform at their peak
On the court, Bueckers’ return is highly anticipated. She was named the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, with UConn coach Geno Auriemma noting that she has returned even better than before her injury. Her comeback is expected to significantly boost UConn’s chances of competing for a national championship this season
As Bueckers continues to recover and prepare for the upcoming season, her new Nike deal underscores her status as a rising star in the world of basketball. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she will leverage this partnership and her enhanced skills to make a substantial impact both on and off the court.