Panini Launching Paige Bueckers Rookie Season 1/1 Card Auction

Panini America is releasing one of the most exclusive collectibles of the WNBA season: a one-of-one Paige Bueckers card honoring the Dallas Wings guard’s rookie campaign.

The company announced Thursday that a Panini WNBA Instant Access Auto 1/1 card featuring Bueckers with the inscription “1st All Star Game” will be auctioned beginning Friday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Dutch Auction will open at $15,000 and drop gradually until the card sells. Panini will also release a limited run of 30 additional Bueckers Instant cards at the same time.

As the WNBA’s exclusive trading card partner, Panini uses its Instant line to capture milestones as they happen. The latest release ties directly to Bueckers’ All-Star debut and her historic 44-point performance this week, which set a new rookie single-game scoring record.


Paige Bueckers’ Rookie Year is Worth Collecting

The No. 1 overall pick has delivered on every expectation. Bueckers became the first rookie in WNBA history to score at least 40 points while shooting over 80 percent from the field, finishing with 44 on 17-of-21 shooting in Wednesday’s narrow loss in Los Angeles.

That game also placed her at the top of the Wings’ record book. She tied the franchise mark for most field goals in a game, became the rookie leader in double-digit scoring outings with 29, and joined Arike Ogunbowale with two 35-point games in a debut season.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Photo Credit: Panini

More broadly, Bueckers has emerged as one of the most complete players in the league. She ranks fifth in scoring (19.7 points per game), ninth in assists (5.3), and fourth in steals (1.7). This makes her the only WNBA player ranked in the top 10 in all three categories.

Head coach Chris Koclanes said her poise sets her apart.

“She takes what the defense is giving her all over the floor,” he said. “She just plays at her own pace. You can’t speed her up. It’s really impressive for a rookie in this league to be able to maintain her own speed and tempo.”

Demand Rising for WNBA Cards

The auction highlights the growing demand for women’s basketball memorabilia. In recent years, the market for WNBA stars has surged, particularly with the emergence of young talents like Bueckers and 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark.

Panini’s Dutch Auction format, which starts high and gradually decreases, is expected to draw strong competition among collectors seeking to own a unique piece of Bueckers’ first season. The limited /30 release will provide additional opportunities for fans to secure part of the moment.

The Paige Bueckers Instant cards will be available beginning Friday at 3:00 p.m. ET exclusively through Panini’s official website.

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