The fast-paced nature of Unrivaled is “brutal,” according to Paige Bueckers, who admitted to feeling winded at the start of games after getting accustomed to the WNBA
17:30 ET, 15 Jan 2026Updated 17:30 ET, 15 Jan 2026
Paige Bueckers has admitted that Unrivaled is “brutal” for fitness(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Paige Bueckers has admitted that Unrivaled is “brutal” compared to the WNBA as she’s feeling winded by its fast-paced nature.
Bueckers, 24, made her Unrivaled debut earlier this month after committing to the new 3-on-3 basketball league during her senior season with UConn. Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has begun its second season after a successful inaugural campaign in 2025.
While Unrivaled has failed to lure Caitlin Clark to the league despite a $1 million contract offer, Bueckers has helped boost exposure through her popularity. Despite a stunning rookie season in the WNBA and an impressive start to life in Unrivaled, Bueckers has admitted that it’s been tougher than expected.
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Bueckers and fellow Dallas Wings teammate Li Yueru featured on the debut episode of the new podcast, Aari and Rachel: Unfiltered at Unrivaled. The podcast is hosted by WNBA veterans and first-time Unrivaled players Aari McDonald and Rachel Banham.
When discussing their first impressions of Unrivaled, Bueckers admitted that the league is extremely demanding. “The conditioning aspect of it was pretty brutal,” she said.
“Like, you know when you start a game, and you’re just gassed, you’re winded. And then by the time the fourth quarter came, you’re still gassed, and you’re still winded.
Bueckers has made a bright start to life since joining Unrivaled(Image: 2026 Leonardo Fernandez)
“But it was fun. Very competitive, very physical.”
Rather than the 5-on-5 format in the WNBA, which features four 10-minute quarters and a 24-second shot clock, Unrivaled is a lot more demanding on players. Not only is it a 3-on-3 format, but there is also an 18-second shot clock, increasing the pace of the game.
There are three 7-minute quarters in Unrivaled, with a decisive fourth quarter being played until a target score is reached. Despite the physical demands, Bueckers is still performing well for Breeze BC.
Bueckers has invested in Unrivaled after making an early commitment to the league(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Bueckers has played in all three games this season, averaging 18.3 points in 19.3 minutes. Bueckers is also averaging 8 rebounds and 7.3 assists, as her WNBA dominance has transitioned into Unrivaled.
The Wings star has been a rising star for some time and was poached by Unrivaled before she led the Huskies to the national championship in 2025. Bueckers was then selected first overall by Dallas during the 2025 WNBA Draft, and while she committed to Unrivaled, she also became an investor.
“I mean, investments in women’s sports — I feel like the return on investment has been amazing,” Bueckers said. “Even the first year [of Unrivaled], the numbers were shocking.
“They just blew it out of the water. And just to invest so much in women’s sports, it’s growing at an all-time high, and it’s just a great time to be in women’s sports.”