You’re going to have to wait for the first Paige Bueckers rookie card until she reaches the pro ranks of the WNBA. But the wait won’t be long as the UConn Huskies star is projected by many to be the first overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Bueckers began her collegiate career by getting UConn to the Final Four in 2021. She was also the season’s National Player of the Year. Her star was born as a freshman and all signs pointed to a legendary school run. However, injuries cost Bueckers much of her sophomore season and recovery from an ACL operation meant she missed her junior year.
But everyone loves a good comeback story. That’s exactly what Bueckers did in 2023-24, showing that she’s one of her generation’s top women’s college basketball players.
Although the first Paige Bueckers card came out in 2021, things really took off in 2023-24. At this point, NIL rules enabled card companies to include active college athletes in products. Topps did included the point guard in multiple sets under the Bowman banner. Autographs and other chase cards are part of those initial offerings.
Paige Bueckers Rookie Cards: When to Expect Them
Her collegiate cards are the first, but you won’t find a traditional Paige Bueckers rookie card until she has basketball cards as a pro in the WNBA. That will likely happen some time in the second half of 2025. At this point, it’s unknown which sets will have them.
Paige Bueckers Rookie Card Primer
For those who go by traditional definitions, the first Paige Bueckers rookie card won’t arrive until she turns pro and appears in a WNBA set. However, with evolving preferences and the emergence of fully licensed NIL products, there are lots of popular collegiate Paige Bueckers cards. Here’s a breakdown of her key early cards.
2021 Sports Illustrated for Kids Paige Bueckers #963
The first Paige Bueckers card didn’t come in a pack. It wasn’t an online exclusive, either. You have to tear it out of a magazine. Since the 1980s, Sports Illustrated for Kids has been a key source for early cards from a lot of athletes who aren’t a part of the mainstream sports scene — at least early in their careers. The 2021 Sports Illustrated for Kids Paige Bueckers was included in the May/June issue. She’s the top-center spot on the nine-card sheet meaning three of the edges have perforations. If they don’t, they’ve been cut and are considered trimmed.
SI for Kids cards aren’t exactly high quality to begin with. The perforations make for easy tearing and paper loss. The stock is thin and easily bent. There’s also the simple wear and tear that comes with being an insert in a publication aimed at children. Not surprisingly, finding top-condition copies can be tough and command a significant premium.
2023 Leaf Metal Autographs Paige Bueckers #MBA-PB1 #’ed/199
It was two years after her Sports Illustrated for Kids debut that the next Paige Bueckers cards came along. Leaf signed her to a deal and released several cards including her first autograph cards. Available for a very short time in October, 2023, each of the special packs guaranteed a signature from the UConn standout. The base version has 199 copies with additional Blue (#’ed/25) and Gold (1/1) parallels randomly inserted. The one-of-one Gold card is also inscribed, “1st Card Ever.”
Parallels: Blue (#’ed/25), Gold (1/1)
2023 Leaf Metal Continuum Autographs Paige Bueckers #MC-233 #’ed/55
In December, Leaf dropped another Paige Bueckers autograph card as part of their evolving weekly Continuum release. Printed to order after a short sales window, this card has just 55 copies. So while it might not have the distinction of being first, there’s the added appeal of rarity.
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Paige Bueckers #90
This is the first mainstream fully licensed Paige Bueckers card. Boasting the “1st Bowman” notation, there’s a lot of prospecting history behind the brand, particularly in baseball. Topps has been pushing it with the addition of NCAA sports to their list of licenses. It’s also offered a major inroad for women’s sports. Over the long term, it remains to be seen how Bueckers’ collegiate cards will hold up to her eventual pro rookie cards if/when she heads to the WNBA. Until that time, this is the closest thing collectors have to a traditional Paige Bueckers rookie card.
While the base version is not hard to find, collectors have 25 different Refractor parallels to chase as well. The vast majority of these come serial numbered.
Parallels: Refractors, Pink Refractors, Purple Shimmer Refractors, X-Fractors, Purple Refractors (#’ed/399), Purple Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/399), Aqua Refractors (#’ed/299), Aqua Wave Refractors (#’ed/299), Blue Refractors (#’ed/199), Blue RayWave Refractors (#’ed/199), Fuchsia Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/150), Pink Wave Refractors (#’ed/125), RayWave Refractors (#’ed/100), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Green Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/99), Green Wave Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Refractors (#’ed/5), Black Shimmer Refractors (1/1), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University 2007-08 Bowman Paige Bueckers #07B-23
The 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball checklist has a lot of Paige Bueckers cards beyond just her base card. This insert is fashioned after 2007-08 Bowman Basketball. The original is not exactly an iconic release but it is a dip into the past. One of the more common inserts in 2023-24 Bowman Chrome, the 30-card set carries odds of 1:6 hobby and 1:7 blaster packs.
Parallels: X-Fractors, Aqua Refractors (#’ed/150), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University 2007-08 Bowman Autographs Paige Bueckers #07BA-PB #’ed/99
The standard Bowman insert gets an autograph makeover as well. The key factor here is rarity. With 99 copies for the standard version and 26 total between the two parallels, this is Bueckers’ second rarest autograph overall in 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Big Kahuna Paige Bueckers #BK-16
If you’re a fan of tough inserts with big designs — even if they don’t make a ton of sense — then there’s Big Kahuna. Landing 1:289 hobby and 1:13 breaker packs, this is one of the tougher Bowman Chrome inserts. It’s hard not to get Kaboom vibes from both the name and text. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if you like your cards more on the fun side.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Big Kahuna Autographs Paige Bueckers #BKA-PB #’ed/150
This is another one of Bueckers’ inserts that has a signature version. Oddly, despite its upgraded appeal and serial number, Big Kahuna Autographs are easier to pull out of hobby packs than unsigned (1:179 for autographs versus 1:289 for regular).
Parallels: Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Image Variations Paige Bueckers #90
At first glance, this looks like a base Refractor. But it’s much tougher. Image Variations are SSPs that change out one photo for another. In this instance, Bueckers is getting ready to shoot versus the much more common dribbling base card. Variations are scarce at 1:300 hobby, 1:567 blaster and 1:10 breaker packs. Ten cards make up the set.
An autographed version of the card has just 25 copies plus a one-of-one Superfractor.
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Prospect Autographs Paige Bueckers #BCPA-PB
Similar to 1st Bowman base cards, there’s a lot of historical prestige behind Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs. While it might not be the most valuable autographed Paige Bueckers card, it’s arguably the most important to day given the brand recognition. That may change with her WNBA cards, but it’s likely this will still hold up well.
Parallels: Refractors (#’ed/250), Lava Refractors (#’ed/199), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/5), Red Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Prime Signatures Paige Bueckers #PCS-PB #’ed/50
Prime Signatures are somewhat overlooked due to their rarity. However, this one shouldn’t be. Not only is it scarce with just 50 copies (76 when combined with parallels), but it’s the first Paige Bueckers autograph card boasting on-card ink. No stickers here. Instead, it looks clean and carries a larger, more freed up signature.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome Sapphire University Paige Bueckers #90
The 2023-24 Bowman Chrome Sapphire University Paige Bueckers is basically Bowman Chrome Plus. Released separate as a more limited and premium online-exclusive, it’s the same general card only done with blue and the patterened background. Sapphire also has a lot fewer parallels, all of which are numbered to 99 and under.
Parallels: Green Sapphire (#’ed/99), Yellow Sapphire (#’ed/75), Gold Sapphire (#’ed/50), Orange Sapphire (#’ed/25), Black Sapphire (#’ed/10), Red Sapphire (#’ed/5), Padparadscha Sapphire (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome Sapphire University Basketball Sapphire Selections Paige Bueckers #SAS-7
Sapphire Selections has become a staple for all Sapphire releases, highlighting the best of the best names. The inserts are exclusive to the set and not in standard Bowman Chrome. With odds of 1:141 packs and a 12-card set, the odds suggest the base version has just 50 copies.
Parallels: Orange Sapphire (#’ed/25), Black Sapphire (#’ed/10), Red Sapphire (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome Sapphire University Basketball Sapphire Selections Autographs Paige Bueckers #SA-PB #’ed/50
A Paige Bueckers autograph appears on a Sapphire Selections card. Besides the modest print run, there are a couple of things worth noting here. First, the image is different from her standard insert. More important is the signature itself. It’s one of only a few on-card autographs the point guard has in 2023-24 products.
Parallels: Black Sapphire (#’ed/10), Red Sapphire (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Paige Bueckers #87
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Parallels: Refractors, Speckle Refractors, Blue Refractors (#’ed/150), Pink Lava Refractors (#’ed/100), Green Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Geometric Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Teal Geometric Refractors (#’ed/15), Red Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Lava Refractors (#’ed/5), White Geometric Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Best of 2023 Autographs Paige Bueckers #B23-PB #’ed/125
Collectors can chase several Paige Bueckers autographs in 2023-24 Bowman Best University. Best of 2023 is the main one. Numbered to 125, the base version is fairly limited. That said, there are ten different parallels that more than double the overall number.
Parallels: Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Geometric Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Teal Geometric Refractors (#’ed/15), Red Refractors (#’/10), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Lava Refractors (#’ed/5), White Geometric Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Bowman Masterpieces Autographs Paige Bueckers #BMA-PB #’ed/75
While the point guard doesn’t have a standard Bowman Masterpieces insert, she does have an autograph. The idea is to present the player to a work of art, hence “masterpiece.” With just 75 copies, it’s not an easy card to track down already. This is similar to many of Bueckers’ other autographs in the product.
Parallels: Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Geometric Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Bowman U Buckets Die-Cuts Paige Bueckers #BUB-5
This one’s a standout due to its die-cut shape that takes the buckets concept literally. The base version, which is actually pretty hard to find despite its lack of numbering, is joined by a handful of parallels.
Parallels: Geometric Refractors, Speckle Refractors, Gold Refractors (/50), Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Bowman U Buckets Autographs Paige Bueckers #BDA-PB #’ed/75
The die-cut design returns with an autographed version. Not only does it stand out visually, but it has an on-card signature. Most of Bueckers’ early autograph cards use stickers.
Parallels: Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Geometric Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Dual Autographs Paige Bueckers / Stephon Castle #DA-PS #’ed/25
This dual autograph pairs Bueckers with fellow Huskie, Stephon Castle. The small guard was taken fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, pairing him alongside Victor Wembanyama. With just 25 copies, this is one of the rarest college autographs for both players.
Parallels: Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Elements of the Game Paige Bueckers #EG-6
Basketball is a science according to 2023-24 Bowman Best University Basketball. The busy design breaks down various playing attributes as though they’re part of the Table of Elements. The theme is debatable but the relative rarity of this card really isn’t. The base version is a tough find.
Parallels: Geometric Refractors, Speckle Refractors, Gold Refractors (/50), Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Flight Club Paige Bueckers #FC-20
This insert plays of a famous film’s title (but we’re not here to talk about it) and combines it with an airline vibe. Compared to most of the other 2023-24 Bowman Best U inserts, the end result is mellow and distinct, a visual standout with its relative simplicity. It’s also scarce with cards from the 20-card set landing 1:187 hobby packs.
Parallels: Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Greatness Awaits Autographs Paige Bueckers #GAA-PB #’ed/75
The 2023-24 Bowman Best University Greatness Awaits Paige Bueckers autograph comes with a dual-image look reminiscent of the Flair Showcase sets from the late 1990s. That makes for an attractive card but the big draw that really makes it stand apart is the on-card signature. This is one of just a few Paige Bueckers cards with this distinction put out by Topps in 2023-24.
Parallels: Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Geometric Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Mirror Image Fusion Paige Bueckers / Caitlin Clark #MIF-10
When it comes to basketball cards, it’s hard to upstage Paige Bueckers. But that’s the case here. The double-sided card pairs the UConn star with Caitlin Clark. Exclusive to Bowman Best U’s breaker configuration, rarity is another thing to consider. This card is tough.
Parallels: Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Prospect Jumbo Relic Autographs Paige Bueckers #PJR-PB
This is the only 2023-24 Paige Bueckers memorabilia card. It also happens to carry her autograph. The jumbo swatch and die-cut image design make for an attractive card but it’s important to note that the uniform piece isn’t game-worn. It’s simply from something worn by the point guard.
Parallels: Honor Roll (#’ed/49), Valedictorian (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Triple Autographs Paige Bueckers / Caitlin Clark / Angel Reese #TA-CAP #’ed/10
If all three players on this card live up to their potential, this should be one of the greatest women’s basketball cards of all-time. Such a term could be tossed around with hyperbole, but that’s not the case here. It brings together signatures from three of the biggest names the sport has ever seen thus far, particularly at the college level. Between the base version and its four parallels, it still only has 31 total copies.
Parallels: Orange Geometric Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Refractors (#’ed/5) Red Geometric Refractors (#’ed/5) Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Best University Victory Vibes Paige Bueckers #VV-12
If Bowman Chrome’s Big Kahuna insert wasn’t wild enough, Bueckers’ Victory Vibes card might take the trophy. It’s colorful, corny and the set’s banner across the top channels Spongebob vibes as well. It does seem a little disappointing that it shares the same photo as Big Kahuna.
Parallels: Geometric Refractors, Speckle Refractors, Gold Refractors (/50), Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2024 Bowman U Now March Madness Paige Bueckers #3
2024 Bowman U Now March Madness was a limited online offering highlighting some of the top players in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Bueckers helped the Huskies reach the Final Four, falling just a basket short against Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Unlike most “Now” sets from Topps, these weren’t sold as singles. Rather, it got a premium pack format with each delivering both a parallel and an autograph.
Parallels: Black (#’ed/99), Blue (#’ed/49), Purple (#’ed/25), NCAA Logo (#’ed/24), Red (#’ed/10), Orange (#’ed/5), Gold (1/1)
2024 Bowman U Now March Madness Autographs Paige Bueckers #3A
Numbered to 99, this is one of the more plentiful Paige Bueckers autographs from the 2023-24 season. Still, that doesn’t mean there are a lot to go around. The design sticks with the one used for the base set.
Parallels: Blue (#’ed/49), Purple (#’ed/25), Red (#’ed/10), Orange (#’ed/5), Gold (1/1)
2024 Bowman U Now March Madness Dual Autographs Paige Bueckers /Caitlin Clark #DA-BC #’ed/49
One of the top cards in 2204 Bowman U Now March Madness, this one pairs up signatures from the Final Four opponents. Clark might be the big draw right now but with Bueckers poised to be a superstar and household name, her presence isn’t dragging anything down.
Parallels: Purple (#’ed/25), Red (#’ed/10), Orange (#’ed/5), Gold (1/1)
2024 Leaf Metal Anime Nation Paige Bueckers #ANB-108 #’ed/270
2024 Leaf Metal Anime is a multi-sport release that was sold by Leaf through their website. The image is drawn by Shion Minabe, an artist from Japan. It landed with an open print run that was determined by the chromium card’s short sales window. Bueckers sold 270 copies.
