Paige Bueckers has had quite the year and now she’s capping it off with a recognition as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 sports figures for 2026.
Some highlights in a jam-packed 2025 for Bueckers include an NCAA Championship with UConn to close out a stellar college career, her selection as the top pick in the WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings and winning WNBA Rookie of the Year.
In its profile, Forbes also mentions Bueckers’ successes in the business world, including her equity stake in the three-on-three league Unrivaled, her Nike deal, her creative director role with DoorDash and even her reported upcoming starring role in an Apple Original Film called Jess & Pearl.
Bueckers has been nearly ubiquitous since joining the Wings, making appearances at numerous sporting events in the area, including the Red River Rivalry, a Cowboys game, a Mavs game and more. She’s also announced partnerships with Fanatics and CarMax and even appeared in a holiday ad for Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Sports Roundup
Joining Bueckers, Texas Tech softball star NiJaree Canady and San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama are two other Texas sports figures who also feature on Forbes’ 2026 list. Now in its 15th year, the 30 under 30 list is “spotlighting the country’s brightest young entrepreneurs,” according to Forbes.
The WNBA collective bargaining agreement was set to expire Sunday night before another extension.
The two sides had announced a 30-day extension just before the Oct. 31 deadline and now announce another extension to Jan. 9.
With no consensus No.1 pick, it’s not clear who could join Paige Bueckers in Dallas.