Paige Bueckers’ star will shine even brighter amid new venture originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paige Bueckers has long had inherent marketability. One of the highest-earning athletes in the NCAA, Bueckers starred at the University of Connecticut before entering the WNBA as the #1 draft pick of the Dallas Wings — increasing her fame and reach as she entered the pro ranks.
Bueckers has a long history of brand partnerships and has continued to expand her portfolio into her professional career. Now a multimillionaire, the All-Star guard and future franchise player in Dallas is setting out for a new vista: the movies.
Big-screen Bueckers
Deadline on Wednesday reported that Bueckers is taking her talents to Hollywood. The WNBA’s Rookie of the Year will make her acting debut in the sports film “Jess & Pearl,” which is in development from Apple Original Films.
“Jess & Pearl,” set in the ecosystem of women’s college basketball, follows “two phenoms who forge an extraordinary bond as teammates until fame, competition and the ruthless business of college athletics” threaten to put a strain on their relationship. The film is based on an original idea from “Scandal” writer Zahir McGhee.
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The venture into film is set to enhance Bueckers’ stardom even more as she enjoys her first full offseason as a WNBA player. Though her Wings struggled to a 10-34 record in 2025, Bueckers averaged 19.2 points and 5.4 assists on her way to second-team All-WNBA honors.
Bueckers will enter her second WNBA season playing for a new head coach in Jose Fernandez — and a film credit on her IMDb page.
