Paige Bueckers Probably Isn’t the Hobby’s Next Caitlin Clark, but Her Market Shows Promise

While Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise has sent her trading cards, signed memorabilia and NIL-era products into uncharted territory, collectors are beginning to notice another name creeping into price guides and auction results: Paige Bueckers. The UConn star — once dubbed “Paige Buckets” for her scoring prowess — has endured injuries and the intense spotlight of a storied program, yet her appeal within the hobby remains resilient and, in some areas, quietly growing.

Over the past six months, Bueckers’ limited-run college cards and on-card autographs have begun selling at higher averages on eBay and at niche card shows. Dealers point to a combination of factors: her return to full health, UConn’s perennial title contention, and her strong social media following. “Paige’s market isn’t Clark’s market — nobody’s is right now — but she has a loyal base that’s buying when prices are still reasonable,” said one Midwest card shop owner.

Unlike Clark, who entered the WNBA amid massive television ratings and mainstream attention, Bueckers remains an amateur under NIL rules. That means her collectibles are mostly limited to unlicensed or collegiate-branded products rather than full-fledged professional releases. Yet scarcity can be a virtue for collectors, and some early parallels are being drawn to how Steph Curry’s Davidson cards became coveted once he turned into an NBA superstar.

Analysts caution that the women’s basketball collectibles sector is still volatile. A deep tournament run or a healthy, dominant senior season could boost Bueckers’ profile dramatically; another setback might slow it. Still, the numbers show that demand exists. PSA and BGS have both reported an uptick in submissions of her rookie-year cards for grading, and several NIL-era memorabilia companies are rolling out new limited editions ahead of the 2024–25 season.

For hobbyists looking beyond the frenzy surrounding Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers represents a different kind of play: a talented athlete with a proven brand but still room to grow. Her market today may be measured in hundreds of dollars rather than thousands, but the potential upside — especially if she delivers on-court and transitions smoothly to the pros — keeps collectors watching closely.