Dallas Wings rookie and former UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers has once again addressed the lack of media attention given to Black women in sports, reigniting a conversation that many say has been long overdue. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Bueckers reflected on the imbalance in coverage, stating that racial disparities continue to persist daily in the sports world.
“It’s still an issue, every single day. There’s never equal coverage,” said Bueckers, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She went on to acknowledge the unspoken advantages that come with being a white athlete, calling it a form of daily privilege she both witnesses and benefits from.
The 22-year-old athlete emphasized that while she is grateful for her talent and the opportunities she’s been given, she is also fully aware of how race plays a role in who receives visibility and support. “Even when it comes to marketability, there seems to be a preference toward white individuals — whether male or female,” she said. “It should be an even playing field, but it’s not. I recognize that and try to counteract it in how I carry myself and use my platform.”
This isn’t the first time Bueckers has used her platform to amplify Black voices. During her acceptance speech at the 2021 ESPY Awards for Best Female College Athlete, she highlighted the invaluable contributions of Black women to sports, culture, and society. She urged sports media and sponsors to broaden their narratives and offer recognition where it’s due. “They don’t get the coverage they deserve, despite everything they give to the sport and the community,” she had said at the time.
According to Time, Bueckers’ upbringing was deeply influenced by her Black half-brother and the strong presence of Black women in her life. These personal experiences have shaped her understanding and dedication to fairness in media representation. Now playing at the professional level, she continues to challenge the norms, using her voice to demand equity in a space that often overlooks the very athletes who drive its success.
