Geno Auriemma Believes UConn Star Paige Bueckers is the ‘Poster Child’ for How NIL Should Work
As the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era continues to reshape college athletics, few players have navigated the new landscape with as much success and integrity as UConn’s star guard, Paige Bueckers. While NIL has created opportunities for athletes across the country to profit from their personal brands, it has also sparked debates about how the system should work. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, who has seen firsthand the impact of NIL on his program, believes that Bueckers is the perfect example of how NIL should function within college sports.
“Paige is the poster child for how NIL should work,” Auriemma stated recently, highlighting the maturity and professionalism Bueckers has displayed in embracing the opportunities afforded to her through NIL deals. “She’s not just capitalizing on her talent and fame; she’s doing it in a way that benefits everyone involved. She represents what NIL was meant to be.”
Bueckers, who was already a household name before even stepping onto the court for her freshman season at UConn, quickly became a beacon for NIL success in the women’s sports space. As a highly marketable player, she landed deals with major brands like Gatorade, Nike, and various others, solidifying her place as one of the highest-profile athletes in college basketball. But it’s not just the financial windfall that has impressed Auriemma and others. It’s the way Bueckers has handled her newfound fame and responsibility.
In a world where some athletes may be overwhelmed by the flood of opportunities or distracted by the financial benefits, Bueckers has remained grounded. Her focus on the game and commitment to her team have never wavered, despite the many distractions that NIL presents. Auriemma points out that Bueckers has managed to keep a balance between leveraging her NIL opportunities and staying focused on her academics and basketball career. She is not only excelling on the court but is also maintaining a strong presence in her community and beyond.
“Paige is doing everything right,” Auriemma continued. “She is a role model for young athletes, showing them how to handle success with class and integrity. She’s using her platform to elevate others, whether that’s advocating for women’s sports or supporting causes that are important to her.”
What stands out to Auriemma is Bueckers’ ability to handle the complexities of NIL without letting it overshadow her primary focus: being the best player she can be for UConn. As one of the most accomplished players in college basketball, Bueckers’ leadership extends beyond her on-court performances. She has used her NIL platform to advocate for women’s sports, often speaking out on the disparities in pay and visibility between men’s and women’s athletics. For Auriemma, this is exactly the type of role model that NIL was intended to create—athletes who are empowered to use their influence to make a positive impact.
Bueckers’ success in the NIL era is a testament to how athletes can use their names and likenesses responsibly. She has demonstrated that NIL isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a brand that can support causes, amplify voices, and create lasting change. Her handling of NIL deals serves as a model for other athletes navigating this new terrain.
As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, Paige Bueckers’ approach stands as a blueprint for how athletes can balance the opportunities for financial gain with their commitment to their teams, education, and values. Geno Auriemma’s endorsement of Bueckers as the “poster child” for NIL is a powerful affirmation of her professionalism and maturity, qualities that will continue to serve her well in the years to come.
