Brands have always come running for Paige Bueckers. Even before she laced up for a single WNBA game, she was already the main character. Back in college, she owned the NIL era. Millions in deals, magazine covers, and somehow making sure everyone in her circle was winning too. And now, even while sitting out with a concussion, she’s back in the spotlight again.
Do you remember that fashion-filled WNBA Draft night? The one where Coach dropped their big multiyear collaboration with the league and turned the orange carpet into a luxury runway. They dressed five of the most hyped rookies – Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen. It wasn’t just for the vibes either. The brand pulled in a whopping $1.6 million in media impact value.
And leading the charge? You already know…it was Bueckers. The WNBA’s Insta post of her bespoke three-piece suit with crystal embellishments pulled in $145,000 in MIV in just two days. While the others brought heat too – Van Lith in silk tulle and chiffon, Morrow in leather, Citron rocking a tailored jacket and miniskirt, and Iriafen with a gold Mini Tabby – it was Paige’s presence that got the most buzz.
The collab didn’t stop at the draft. Coach rolled out a full campaign featuring all five rookies and just this week, Paige dropped another update on IG. A smooth little video of her shooting hoops in full Coach gear, captioned: “Just be real — and let everyone else think what they want @Coach #CourageToBeReal #CoachxWNBA #CoachPartner.” Is she teasing a new deal?
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Well, this all comes after Coach officially became the WNBA’s luxury handbag partner in April. A big-time deal for a brand that pulled $5.1 billion in net sales last year. And their goal is to champion courageous self-expression through basketball and beyond. Well, Paige is basically the walking definition of that.
Now, as for what’s happening on the court… it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. Paige got off to a killer start with the Dallas Wings this season. Through six games, she was putting up 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds – basically leading all 2025 rookies in the stats race. First in points, assists, and steals. But unfortunately, she’s now missed two straight games due to a concussion. The Wings have dropped three in a row as they fell to the Seattle Storm 83-77.
Gabby Williams popped off for 18, Nneka Ogwumike sealed it with a big second half, and just like that Dallas found itself in a bit of a slump. The good news is Paige is set to be re-evaluated after Tuesday’s game, and let’s hope she gets that green light soon. WIngs really need her. While Paige was off the court, one of her fellow draft-night fashionistas was out there making noise.
Kiki bags a big honor while Paige Bueckers rests
The WNBA had to pick a Rookie of the Month for May. So on Wednesday, the league handed the honor to none other than Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics. She averaged 13.9 points on 47.4% shooting, snagged 10.1 rebounds a game, and even threw in an assist per night.
That’s a double-double rookie debut, and only the sixth time in WNBA history a rookie’s done that through their first eight games. The funny thing? Kiki didn’t even know Rookie of the Month was a thing. She told The Washington Post she was “definitely surprised” but called it “so fulfilling and rewarding.”
The Mystics drafted her No. 4 overall out of USC and expected big things but probably not this big this soon. With injuries to Aaliyah Edwards, Shakira Austin, and Georgia Amoore out for the season, Kiki’s been holding it down like a vet. She’s been grinding every minute, and now she’s seeing the fruits of her labor. Now look, neither rookie is leading a powerhouse team right now. The Mystics went 3-4 in May.
May 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) controls the ball in the first half against the Indiana Fever at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images
The Wings went just 1-5. So while Kiki’s been solid, some fans still feel like Paige – who’s leading rookies in major categories – deserved a nod too. However a different section believes Iriafen indeed deserves more attention that Wings stars.
But all in all, if this is how strong the 2025 class looks already, imagine what’s coming next. Until then, we’re watching. And waiting for Paige Bueckers to be back. For more electric moments on the court and maybe her next Rookie of the Month moment.
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