Paige Bueckers Wins 2026 WNBA Community Leadership Award

The WNBA announced Thursday that Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is the recipient of the 2026 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.

The award was established in 2008 and named after Hall of Fame player and coach Dawn Staley.

It recognizes a current WNBA player whose leadership, charitable work and commitment to serving others reflect Staley’s example.

Bueckers is the first Wings player to win the award.

The honor comes after her second season in the league.

Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

In her rookie year, the Wings missed the playoffs.

In her sophomore season, she led the team back to the postseason.

The Wings finished the 2026 regular season with a 27-17 record.

They secured the seventh seed in the playoffs.

They lost in the first round to the eventual champion Golden State Valkyries.

Bueckers averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists across 42 regular-season games.

She also shot 31 percent from three-point range and averaged one steal per game.

She earned her second consecutive All-WNBA Second Team selection.

She also made her first All-Star start during the 2026 season.

But the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is about what happens away from the court.

Bueckers has made community involvement a priority since entering the league.

In her home state of Minnesota, she partnered with Gatorade to renovate a basketball court.

She donated $25,000 to Athletic Committed Enlightened Scholars, a program that supports student-athletes.

She organized a free basketball camp for 95 girls.

Through her partnership with Goodr, a company focused on reducing food waste, she funded a free grocery store at Hopkins West Junior High School.

In Dallas, Bueckers participated in the Wings’ Unified Game with Special Olympics of North Texas.

She mentored young athletes through the team’s Dream Team program.

She also supported local charitable initiatives in the North Texas area.

Bueckers spoke about the award in a statement released by the WNBA.

“With every partnership I take on, it’s really important to me to include a charity or community engagement component,” Bueckers said.

“I’ve been fortunate to have so many people and communities invest in me throughout my life, and I want to pay that forward by using my platform to create opportunities for the next generation.”

She continued: “Whether that’s through sports, education, food security or mentorship, I want to make sure people have access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

“Sports have given me so much, and I think they can be such a powerful way to bring people together, build community and create opportunity.”

Dawn Staley also released a statement about Bueckers winning the award named after her.

“Paige Bueckers embodies the spirit of what this award, established in my name, represents,” Staley said.

“Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to service, Paige uses her platform to uplift communities and inspire the next generation.”

“I’m proud to honor her for making a difference that reaches far beyond basketball.”

As part of the recognition, the WNBA will donate $10,000 to Good Sports, a nonprofit selected by Bueckers.

Good Sports provides sports equipment, apparel and footwear to children in underserved communities.

Bueckers chose the organization because of its focus on removing barriers to youth sports participation.

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is considered one of the WNBA’s most prestigious off-court honors.

Past winners include players like Elena Delle Donne, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings.

The award has been given annually since 2008.

It recognizes players who represent a spirit of leadership, love for the game, charitable efforts and inspiration.

Bueckers’ win comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing record growth in attendance and viewership.

The league expanded to 14 teams in 2026 with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries.

Bueckers is widely considered one of the faces of the league’s new generation of stars.

Her on-court performance in 2026 solidified her status as an elite guard.

But those close to the league say her off-court work is what sets her apart.

Bueckers has often said that community service is a core part of her identity as an athlete.

She has spoken in past interviews about growing up in Minnesota and understanding the importance of giving back.

Her work in Dallas has already made an impact on local youth sports programs.

The Wings’ Dream Team program, which she participated in, connects players with young athletes for mentorship and skill development.

The Unified Game with Special Olympics of North Texas is an annual event that pairs WNBA players with athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Bueckers has also been active in food security initiatives.

The free grocery store she funded at Hopkins West Junior High School provides food to students and their families at no cost.

The store is run in partnership with Goodr, which works to redirect surplus food to communities in need.

In Minnesota, the basketball court renovation with Gatorade created a new community space for youth sports.

Bueckers’ $25,000 donation to Athletic Committed Enlightened Scholars supports college preparation for student-athletes.

The free basketball camp she organized for 95 girls gave young players access to training and mentorship.

Bueckers’ work reflects a broader trend among WNBA players who prioritize social impact.