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UConn guard Paige Bueckers has recently made waves with her impressive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation, which now stands at $1.4 million. This significant figure places her among the top earners in college sports, but she's not the only one from UConn making headlines for financial success.
Longtime Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma, a 38-year veteran, is also securing his spot as one of the highest-paid coaches in the NCAA.
During a bonus episode of "A Touch More," hosted by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Bueckers touched on the growing conversation around her NIL valuation.
"Coach always makes sure to humble me that he's making more money than I am," she noted. "Like you're old man I know you got more money than me".
Auriemma, who has led UConn to 11 NCAA championships, recently extended his contract through the 2028-29 season, a deal worth $18.7 million.
This extension ensures that Auriemma will earn $3.34 million for the season, with his salary increasing to $4.14 million by the final year of the contract. His compensation now places him ahead of other top women's basketball coaches, such as LSU's Kim Mulkey and South Carolina's Dawn Staley.
Bueckers' sponsorship deals
On the other hand, Bueckers' NIL success comes from deals with prominent brands such as Gatorade, Crocs, and Topps.
She's also set to become a signature athlete with Nike and recently made history by securing an NIL deal with the new women's basketball league, Unrivaled, which includes ownership equity. Furthermore, Bueckers has partnered with beauty brand Madison Reed, alongside her UConn teammates Azzi Fudd, Ice Brady, and Morgan Cheli.
This partnership with Madison Reed, a company founded by UConn alumna Amy Errett, coincides with the launch of their new demi-permanent hair color, ColorWonder. Bueckers and her teammates will engage in various promotional events in Los Angeles as the season approaches.