$1.5M NIL-valued Paige Bueckers unveils her Nike signature shoe: “It’s surreal”

Paige Bueckers is one of the highest NIL-valued players in college basketball with an estimated value of $1.5 million, according to On3. On Monday, she made a major announcement on a NIL deal she signed with Nike.

With a post on Instagram, she revealed the first pair of Nike shoes designed for her. The shoes will be released to the public on Dec. 7, as Bueckers will don them throughout the 2024-25 season with the UConn Huskies.

"It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe," Bueckers said in the announcement video. "I grew up wearing Nikes — all the signature shoes — so it’s surreal to have this Player Edition model. I just want to show out in it.

"Blessed from the 612 to the 860 – my PE of the Nike GT Hustle 3 will be available on December 7. From the PB Bucket design to the text bubble from my dad to the colorway, every part of this shoe aligns with the player and person I am. Can’t wait for you to check it out," Bueckers captioned.

What Paige Bueckers' shoes will feature

Paige Bueckers' shoes, the Nike G.T. Hustle 3, will have many details that showcase details about her background and identity.

Firstly, its main colors, baby blue and lavender, are Bueckers' favorite. Following that are the area codes of UConn and her hometown of Edina, Minnesota, which can be seen on the left tongue.

Additional features include an embroidered bucket on the right tongue of the shoe, a play on her nickname "Buckets," which can also be seen on the right heel. Last but not least, the quote "Be You, Be Great" is on the left heel as those words are said by her father before every game she plays.

“There are so many details that make this shoe special to me," Bueckers said. "This is the perfect colorway for me: I love baby blue and lavender, and the Radial Knit makes me feel fly. My favorite detail is the message from my dad, and the tribute to both of my homes is so meaningful for my first Player Edition model."

Paige Bueckers is averaging 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals on 62.7% shooting, including 46.4% from beyond the arc. This has helped No. 2-ranked UConn get off to a 6-0 start.

The Huskies will play their next game at home on Tuesday against Holy Cross at 7 p.m. ET.