Paige Bueckers wins 2026 WNBA Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award

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

The award, established in 2008 and named after the Hall of Fame player and coach, recognizes WNBA players who represent a spirit of leadership, love for the game, charitable efforts, and inspiration.

Bueckers was selected by a committee of WNBA and NBA leadership members.

This is not an on-court honor.

It is based entirely on community service and off-court impact.

Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has made community involvement a priority since entering the league.

Her work spans two regions: her home state of Minnesota and her new home in North Texas with the Dallas Wings.

In Minnesota, Bueckers partnered with Goodr to fund a free grocery store at Hopkins West Junior High School in her hometown of Hopkins.

She made a $50,000 donation to the Hopkins Education Foundation.

She also donated $25,000 to Athletic Committed Enlightened Scholars.

In August, Bueckers teamed with Gatorade to refurbish a basketball court in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

She has hosted free basketball camps for girls in the area.

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

She mentored 12 players on the Dallas Wings Dream Team.

She supported the Dallas Wings Community Foundation's fundraising efforts.

She also helped with the team's Kicks for a Cause celebration.

Bueckers spoke about the honor 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."

"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 herself also spoke about Bueckers' victory.

"Paige Bueckers embodies the spirit of what this award, established in my name, represents," Staley said in a statement.

"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 award, the WNBA is planning to make a $10,000 donation to Good Sports, a nonprofit selected by Bueckers.

Good Sports creates opportunities in sports and physical activity for children in high-need communities.

The organization provides athletic equipment and apparel to underserved youth.

Bueckers' community work is notable because it began before she was a professional athlete.

She has spoken publicly about the importance of giving back, citing her own experience growing up in Minnesota.

On the court, Bueckers had a stellar sophomore season in 2026.

She averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1 steal per game.

She shot 31% from three-point range across 42 games.

Her play led the Dallas Wings to the WNBA playoffs.

The Wings were eliminated by the eventual WNBA champion Golden State Valkyries.

Bueckers has already been named a two-time WNBA All-Star.

This award, however, is different from her on-court accolades.

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is one of the league's most prestigious off-court honors.

It was first awarded in 2008.

The award is named for Dawn Staley, who won three Olympic gold medals, played in the WNBA, and coached the University of South Carolina to multiple national championships.

Staley is known for her own extensive community work.

The award recognizes players who demonstrate leadership, charitable efforts, and a commitment to inspiring others.

Previous winners include some of the WNBA's most respected figures.

Bueckers joins that list now.

Her selection reflects a pattern of service that goes beyond one-time appearances.

She has consistently partnered with organizations focused on food security, education, and sports access.

The free grocery store at Hopkins West Junior High School is a concrete example of that work.

It provides food to families in need in her hometown.

The court renovation in St. Louis Park gives young athletes a place to play.

The camps she hosts give girls access to basketball instruction they might not otherwise receive.

In North Texas, her involvement with Special Olympics and the Dream Team program shows a commitment to inclusion.

Bueckers has said she wants to use her platform to create opportunities for the next generation.

The award committee clearly agreed that she has done exactly that.

The $10,000 donation to Good Sports will further that mission.

Good Sports will use the funds to provide equipment to children in underserved communities.

It is a fitting partnership for a player who prioritizes access to sports.

Bueckers' community work is not done.

She has indicated she plans to continue expanding her efforts.

The award is a recognition of what she has already accomplished.