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A year ago, the question surrounding women’s college basketball superstar Caitlin Clark was simple – jump to WNBA as the surefire No. 1 pick in the draft, or staying in college and capitalize on NIL deals. Ultimately, Clark made the move to the WNBA and is still benefit from huge brand deals.
But fast forward one year year and the same question is facing star players such as UConn’s Paige Bueckers, the prohibitive No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, and teammate Azzi Fudd. But Bueckers, Fudd, and several other college stars face an additional piece of the puzzle to address.
Colin Salao of Front Office Sports reports that players are weighing the benefits of remaining in school until 2026, when a new media rights deal and collective bargaining agreement kick in for the WNBA. Should Bueckers enter the 2025 draft and go No. 1, she would be in line for a four-year contract worth less than $350,000 in total. That number could well skyrocket with a new media rights deal worth more than three times as much as the current deal.
“That’s the plan,” Bueckers said in June of 2024. “I’ve learned not to speak on the future, you never know what could happen. But as of right now that’s the plan.”
She reaffirmed that plan after a loss to Tennessee last month. But Fudd, a projected top-10 pick, was less sure of her choice.
“I think I have to sit down and talk with my family, with the people closest to me, and just talk through the decisions, options,” Fudd told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou on Saturday. “I’m a big pros and cons list-er to kind of get the emotions out, the feelings out, and just write down the facts. So I think a pros and cons list is in my near future.”
UConn coach Geno Auriemma said he expects a decision from Fudd in the near future. But whichever path she choices will come with both its pros and its cons as the WNBA explores new territory financially.