Paige Bueckers is all the craze in the WNBA world right now. The UConn Huskies star is expected to be drafted first overall in 2025, as Caitlin Clark was this year. However, there will most likely be a twist in her story, setting her apart from Clark’s Indiana Fever journey. If reports are to be believed, Bueckers is the favorite to join the Golden State Valkyries, a team that would be as new as her in the WNBA in 2025. But the GSW’s ‘sister team’ wouldn’t be alone in vying for her elite services.

Bueckers has been the standout performer for UConn. In the 2023-24 season, the Huskies Point Guard averaged 21.9 points, 5,2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and an impressive 53% shooting from the field. She defines the new era in college athletics. As per ESPN, the Los Angeles Sparks, which added 3 rookies, namely Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and McKenzie Forbes, in 2024, might get the number 1 pick in the 2025 Draft. This makes the Bueckers to Sparks the highest probability move.

However, Bueckers’ decision to return to UConn for another year in 2024 over launching her WNBA career could cost the Sparks big. The new addition of the Golden State Valkyries could throw a spanner in the works. Moreover, Bueckers also called the Valkyries’ colorway the “prettiest colorway ever”, which sent the rumor mill into overdrive.

This Sparks v/s Valkyries debate has now intensified after Bueckers’ latest Instagram post from Los Angeles, where she attended an NFL game. Bueckers has been traveling all over the place since her 2023-24 basketball season ended in April. Though hitting the gym and getting her shots in still tops her activity list, she has been playing golf, fulfilling her NIL deal commitments, and touring cities like Miami, New York, and the latest – Los Angeles. The 6’ft UConn star posted a carousel of photos of her enjoying the Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers NFL game.

“Better days🤍”, read the post caption, and so did her t-shirt. Sparks Forward Rickea Jackson, who averaged 13. 4 points in her rookie season, was quick to comment “LALALALALALALA”, doubling down on Bueckers’ potential Sparks arrival.

Paige Bueckers’ NFL outing in Los Angeles draws hilarious ‘tampering’ from Rickea Jackson

Fans were even quicker in the replies as one of them playfully accused Jackson of tampering with the Valkyries’ pursuit: “@r.ickea tampering! @valkyries fight back!”

There were a bunch of others who were more than happy to echo and welcome Paige Bueckers to LA. One was especially surprised at what could be a historical team-up of Bueckers, Jackson, and Brink. They said: “Future teammates let it be ohh let it be!!!!”

Another Instagram user prayed alongside Jackson for the Sparks to sign the Huskies star. After all, ending the 2024 season dead last with an 8-32 run took its toll on all LA fans. “Speak it into existence”, was their mantra. While one wished for Bueckers’ arrival, another just knew: “Love the foreshadowing 😂”, they said.

Bueckers’ fashion also received some compliments, with 2x Olympic gold medallist Sunisa Lee calling her “the flyest”. However, the focus remained on Bueckers to LA. “We winning that b— in 2 years. 2026 champions 😂”: read another passionate LA fan’s message.

If the Minnesota native indeed joins the LA Sparks, she could have the Caitlin Clark-like effect on the team. They are already in the process of rebuilding with head coach Curt Miller departing. If they sign an experienced coach and add Paige Bueckers to their youthful roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they qualify for the playoffs in 2025. But a lot of this hinges on what the Golden State Valkyries can do to prevent it.