Paige Bueckers Makes History as First NIL Athlete to Launch Nike Player Edition Sneaker
UConn star Paige Bueckers has once again etched her name into the history books. On Monday, Nike announced that Bueckers is the first-ever NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) athlete to design and release her own player edition sneaker. The highly anticipated Nike G.T. Hustle 3, designed in collaboration with Bueckers, made its official debut on Saturday.
“It’s incredibly motivating to wear my own shoe,” Bueckers said in a statement. “I grew up wearing Nikes — all the signature shoes — so it’s surreal to now have a player edition of my own. I just want to show out in it.”
The sneaker features several personal touches that reflect Bueckers’ journey. The left tongue showcases the area codes of Storrs, Connecticut, where UConn is located, and Bueckers’ hometown in Minnesota, marking a symbolic intersection of her roots. Additionally, a text bubble with the phrase “Be You, Be Great” appears on the left heel, representing the encouragement she receives from her father before each game. The right heel proudly displays “Bueckers” as a tribute to her legacy.
Bueckers first signed an NIL deal with Nike in September 2023, adding the sportswear giant to her roster of major partnerships with brands such as Gatorade, Dunkin’, Bose, and Chegg. This latest collaboration with Nike marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, which has already seen her break barriers on and off the court.
In August, Bueckers further expanded her influence by signing an NIL deal with Unrivaled, a new winter 3×3 professional league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. As part of the deal, Bueckers became the first NCAA athlete to receive ownership equity in a professional league. She is also expected to compete in the league next year.
Bueckers’ future in basketball has been the subject of much speculation, especially following the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery in November. The Dallas Wings won the lottery, giving them the chance to select Bueckers as the No. 1 pick if she chooses to declare for the draft. Though Bueckers is a redshirt senior and could return to UConn for another season (thanks to an extra year of eligibility granted because of the COVID-19 pandemic), she has expressed that she plans to make this season her final one at UConn. She also shared on social media that she participated in her last UConn media day this fall.
Bueckers’ new sneaker design places her among a growing group of women’s basketball players who have had a hand in designing Nike footwear. WNBA stars like Jewell Loyd and Jonquel Jones unveiled player-exclusive sneakers this past season, while Sabrina Ionescu already has a popular signature sneaker. A’ja Wilson’s signature line is expected to launch in 2025, and Caitlin Clark, after signing an endorsement deal last spring, is also set to receive her own signature sneaker.
Through six games this season, Bueckers has been playing at an elite level, averaging 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. UConn remains undefeated and will next face Holy Cross on Tuesday before taking on Louisville in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center on Saturday.
Bueckers’ Nike G.T. Hustle 3 marks a new chapter in her growing influence in the world of basketball, fashion, and beyond, solidifying her role as one of the most prominent athletes of her generation.
