WNBA Star Paige Bueckers to Star in Apple Film ‘Jess & Pearl’ – Some Facts
WNBA rookie sensation Paige Bueckers is taking her talent from the court to the camera. Fresh off a record-breaking debut season with the Dallas Wings, the 24-year-old point guard is set to star in the upcoming Apple Original Films drama Jess & Pearl — her first major acting role.
The film, created by Scandal writer Zahir McGhee, will explore the powerful bond and rivalry between two women’s basketball phenoms whose friendship is tested by fame, ambition, and the harsh realities of college athletics. Produced by David Bernad (The White Lotus) under his Middle Child Pictures banner, Jess & Pearl marks Bueckers’ official crossover into Hollywood.
Bueckers will not only star in the movie but also serve as executive producer, offering insight into the life of a modern female athlete. For fans who have followed her journey from Minnesota to UConn and beyond, the film feels like a natural extension of her story — one of perseverance, spotlight, and self-belief.
Who is Paige Bueckers?
Born in Edina, Minnesota, Bueckers grew up surrounded by sports. Her father, Bob Bueckers, a former point guard and software engineer, became her earliest coach and mentor. Her mother, Amy Fuller, ran track and cross country at the University of St. Thomas.
When Paige was just three, her parents divorced — a pivotal moment that shaped her independence and drive. She stayed in Minnesota with her father while her mother relocated to Montana. Despite the distance, family and faith remained her foundation.
By high school, Bueckers was already a local legend. At Hopkins High School, she dominated the court, leading her team to state championships and earning national honors like Gatorade National Player of the Year, Morgan Wootten Player of the Year, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year (all in 2020). She also represented the U.S. in multiple FIBA tournaments, bringing home three gold medals — a rare feat for a teenager.
Must Read: ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Actor Floyd Roger Myers Jr. Death at 42
Facts About Paige Bueckers
| Full Name | Paige Madison Bueckers |
|---|---|
| Born | October 20, 2001 (age 24), Edina, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) / 141 lb (64 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Current Team | Dallas Wings (WNBA) |
| College | UConn (2020–2025) |
| WNBA Draft | 2025, Round 1, Pick 1 (Dallas Wings) |
| Career | 2025–present |
| Major Awards | WNBA Rookie of the Year (2025), NCAA Champion (2025), 3× Big East Player of the Year, 3× Unanimous First-Team All-American, Naismith College Player of the Year (2021), Honda Sports Award (2025), TIME100 Next (2025) |
| Nickname | Paige “Buckets” Bueckers |
| Philanthropy | Paige Bueckers Foundation, Cash App Partnership for Social Justice |
| Notable Endorsements | Nike, Gatorade, StockX, Crocs, Bose, Nerf |
| Relationship | In a relationship with former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd |
The Paige Buckets Era
When Bueckers joined the UConn Huskies in 2020, expectations were sky-high — and she exceeded every one of them. Her freshman season was electric, earning her the Naismith College Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year, and John R. Wooden Award, all as a first-year student.
Throughout her college career, she battled injuries but continued to shine, leading UConn to four Final Fours and a national championship in 2025. Nicknamed “Paige Buckets” for her scoring finesse, she redefined the point guard role — equal parts scorer, playmaker, and leader.
Off the court, her calm demeanor and unshakable faith made her a fan favorite. “My confidence comes from God,” she has said, crediting her faith for her strength under pressure.
The WNBA Breakthrough
In 2025, the Dallas Wings made Bueckers the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular:
- 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game
- A career-high 44 points in a single game (a new rookie record)
- Named WNBA Rookie of the Year and a WNBA All-Star
Though the Wings struggled overall, Bueckers’ leadership and composure turned her into the face of a franchise and one of the league’s most marketable stars.
Her dominance continued beyond the WNBA — she also signed an NIL deal with the upcoming 3-on-3 league “Unrivaled”, where she holds both a player and ownership stake.
Beyond Basketball: Activism, Faith, and Philanthropy
Bueckers’ influence extends far beyond sports. A devoted Christian, she frequently speaks about her faith guiding her success and decisions.
She’s also a passionate advocate for racial justice and gender equity. After the killing of George Floyd in her home state of Minnesota, Bueckers participated in marches and used her platform to support the Black Lives Matter movement — inspired in part by her biracial half-brother, Drew, whom she calls her best friend.
Her 2021 ESPY Awards speech, where she honored Black women athletes for their underrecognized excellence, was widely praised for its sincerity and courage.
Through her Paige Bueckers Foundation, she supports underprivileged youth, food security, and social justice initiatives. Partnering with Cash App and Goodr, she has hosted grocery pop-ups for college students and opened free stores in her hometown of Hopkins to fight hunger.
The Business of “Buckets”
Paige Bueckers is also a trailblazer in the business world. Represented by Lindsay Kagawa Colas of Wasserman, she became one of the first major faces of the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) revolution.
She’s signed endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, StockX, Crocs, Bose, and Nerf, making her one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports. In 2023, she even debuted her own Nike shoe colorway, becoming the first college athlete to do so.
Her Instagram following surpassed one million while still at UConn, solidifying her status as a cultural influencer as much as an athlete.
A Global Role Model
In recognition of her influence, Bueckers was included in the 2025 TIME100 Next list, Fortune 40 Under 40, and Marie Claire’s Changemakers list — all celebrating her commitment to social impact, faith, and leadership.
Her hometown, Hopkins, Minnesota, even declared “Paige Bueckers Day” on her WNBA debut in 2025 — a tribute to how deeply she has inspired a generation.
As she steps into her new Hollywood role, she joins the ranks of athlete-actors like Ray Allen, Lisa Leslie, and Diana Taurasi, bridging sports and storytelling.
A New Chapter from Hardwood to Hollywood
For Paige Bueckers, Jess & Pearl is more than a film — it’s an evolution. It represents the same themes that have defined her life: competition, sisterhood, resilience, and faith.
From a Minnesota gym to national arenas, and now to a major Apple Original Film, Bueckers continues to show that greatness has many courts — some hardwood, some Hollywood.
At just 24, her journey has only begun. And as both fans and filmmakers would agree — Paige Buckets is far from done scoring.
