Paige Bueckers Wins 2026 WNBA Dawn Staley Leadership Award

Paige Bueckers is adding another honor to her growing basketball résumé, but this one has little to do with what she does on the court.

The Dallas Wings guard has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.

The award, established in 2008, recognizes WNBA players who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to making a difference outside the game.

It is named after Hall of Famer and current University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA legend.

Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers has made community involvement a priority.

Her efforts have included hosting free basketball camps for girls.

She helped renovate a basketball court in Minnesota.

She has supported programs focused on education and food insecurity.

She has carried that commitment to North Texas.

There she participated in the Wings’ Unified Game with Special Olympics of North Texas.

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

She has supported local charitable initiatives.

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

Good Sports provides athletic equipment and apparel to children in underserved communities.

For Bueckers, the recognition is a reflection of work that has continued well beyond the basketball season.

“With every partnership I take on, it's really important to me to include a charity or community engagement component,” Bueckers said in a statement released by the WNBA.

“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 also praised Bueckers in a statement.

“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.”

On the court Bueckers had a stellar sophomore season.

She averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 31% from 3 in 42 games.