Paige Bueckers: 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Shatters Records in Historic Season!

After an impressive regular season, Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings has been named the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Bueckers, the top pick in April’s draft, received 70 out of 72 votes from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters. Only Sonia Citron from the Washington Mystics received the remaining votes.

Bueckers had an outstanding college career at UConn, finishing with a national championship. Her transition to the WNBA has been remarkable. She became the fastest rookie in the league to reach 500 points and 100 assists. This season, she averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, shooting nearly 48% from the field. Notably, she was also selected as a starter in the All-Star Game, a significant achievement for any rookie.

“I am very grateful for everyone who voted for me,” Bueckers said. “This award reflects my teammates and coaches as much as it does me.”

Interestingly, her impact goes beyond individual performance. Despite the Wings finishing last in their division, they achieved record merchandise sales, showcasing her influence on the team’s brand and its reach, with products sold in 25 countries.

Bueckers’ impressive stats put her in a rare category. She and Candace Parker are the only players in WNBA history to average at least 19 points, five assists, and shoot over 47%.

One standout moment this season was her phenomenal 44-point game against the Los Angeles Sparks, where she shot an astonishing 81% from the field. This performance set a new standard in the league for efficiency among high-scoring games.

Looking at the broader picture, the rise of Bueckers comes at a time when women’s sports are gaining more recognition. A recent survey by the Sports Marketing Agency found that 48% of fans are now following women’s sports more closely than in previous years. This shift could enhance the visibility and support for players like Bueckers.

As for Citron, she had a notable rookie season too, averaging nearly 15 points per game and excelling in three-point shooting with a league-best 44.5%. Expect both Bueckers and Citron to be recognized as part of the WNBA’s All-Rookie team later this month.

In a league known for its fierce competition, Bueckers’ achievements illustrate not just her talent but also the growing excitement surrounding women’s basketball.

For more on Women’s Basketball and its growing impact, check out the Women’s Sports Foundation.

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Dallas Wings, WNBA