UConn star senior Paige Bueckers is reportedly set to make history this upcoming season.
No, we aren't talking about breaking records — but the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft might do that, too.
Bueckers will receive her own Nike "Player Exclusive" (PE) sneaker, according to sneaker news outlet Sole Retriever.
What makes this news historic is that Bueckers' PE will be released to the public, making her the first-ever NCAA athlete with a personalized shoe available for purchase.
For more information on Bueckers' upcoming shoe and the significance behind the deal, The Sporting News has you covered below.
Paige Bueckers set to make NCAA history with 'Player Exclusive' sneaker available for purchase
Bueckers is set to receive her own PE of Nike's "GT Hustle 3" model, per Sole Retriever's Steve Janconetta.
This marks a historic moment in the NCAA's new age of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), as Bueckers will become the first-ever college athlete to have a Player Exclusive shoe available for purchase by the public.
The "available for purchase by the public" is the key thing to note here.
For example, USC star Bronny James rocked a few pairs of LeBron "NXXT Gen" PEs last season, but they were never for sale.
Bueckers' PEs will reportedly be available for purchase at select retailers online and in-store once they are released.
She will have a "multi-color theme" that includes a few personal details, per Sole Retriever. The sneakers will have the area codes 860 and 612, which represent Storrs, Conn., where she plays at UConn, and her hometown of Edina, Minn., respectively.
Bueckers' PEs will also include her "personal mantra and her nickname" on the sockliner, both of which are to be determined. (Although the nickname "Paige Buckets" has to be in consideration).
You can find a picture of the GT Hustle 3s below to give you an idea of the silhouette Bueckers' PEs will be working with.
FIRST LOOK: The Nike GT Hustle 3, the brand’s new sneaker for the Paris Olympics. pic.twitter.com/wo0dAn4RH4
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 11, 2024
Paige Bueckers sneaker release date
- Release date: Sept. 12, 2024
- Price: $190
As mentioned above, Bueckers' GT Hustle 3 PE is expected to be available for purchase at select retailers online and in-store. They will be available in both men's and women's sizes — which will become more common with the recent explosion of women's basketball star's signature sneakers like Sabrina Ionescu.
