Paige Bueckers was the second consecutive white player selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, following Caitlin Clark. The Dallas Wings star has a substantial fan base, which the league hopes will aid in its growth. Despite playing only one preseason game, expectations remain high for fan engagement in the regular season. While Bueckers and Clark are seen as the most popular players, their recognition has sparked conversations about race in media coverage. Both Bueckers and Clark noted the prevalence of ‘white privilege’ in sports, acknowledging that opportunities differ significantly for white women compared to their Black counterparts.
Bueckers emphasized her awareness of this inequality during an interview, affirming her intention to address it through her career. Despite being compared to Clark, Bueckers maintains that they possess vastly different playing styles and are not rivals, although the media often seeks to create that narrative. The WNBA is experiencing increased interest, illustrated by record preseason viewership, particularly during games featuring Clark. If Bueckers can help attract a similar audience, it could signify continued growth for the league.
