The No. 4 recruit, Caitlin Clark, made her debut for the Hawkeyes at the perfect time – when the NIL rules changed. By the time she was in her senior year, she was already the top earner in women’s basketball. However, despite all these accomplishments, she failed to achieve what Paige Bueckers did.

On July 31st, Sole Retriever revealed that “Paige Bueckers is getting her own GT Hustle 3.” This means that the senior guard will be the first collegiate basketball player to receive her own player-exclusive edition. Although the deal has been inked, the $120 shoe will drop a month and a half later on September 12th this year.

Well, the deal was inked last year, but the revelation of her own edition came today. “I am blessed and honored to announce my partnership with Nike,” said Bueckers. According to ESPN, Bueckers inked a multiyear commitment with Nike that might extend to her pro career. “Joining the Nike family is a childhood dream come true. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together on and off the court,” said the senior guard.

Bueckers, who turns 23 in October, missed the 2022 season due to an ACL tear. But the 2021 National Player of the Year reaffirmed herself as an elite talent. And now, she’s predicted to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA draft. Currently, the UConn standout averages an impressive 21.9 points with a shooting accuracy of 53% from the field. However, Caitlin Clark is no less when it comes to NIL deals.

Clark’s on the cusp of breaking records

Clark’s collegiate career ended with her selection as the 2024 WNBA draft pick by the Indiana Fever. All the NIL deals she had didn’t just disappear. Instead, Clark raked in endorsements to increase her payout through her WNBA salary. Even when her NIL deal expired at the end of her collegiate career, she re-inked a contract worth $28 million with Nike.

As per this contract, $110.30 valuation giant, Nike signed Clark for a span of eight years with a signature shoe collection. Apart from this, Clark also received offers from Under Armour for $16 million and Adidas for $6 million. These offers seem less until you compare them to her collegiate NIL earnings of a mere $3 million.

But above all this, Clark is considered a boon for the WNBA. Since her arrival in the league, WNBA arenas have recorded a season-high 94% fill-up rate. This might unlock more opportunities for Clark this season. Quite evidently, both players are neck and neck when it comes to NIL deals. But the real comparison will start when Bueckers makes it to the 2025 WNBA draft. What do you think? Who’s better? Comment down below!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.