Probably the most unique occasions on this yr's sporting calendar got here to Dallas final month as Spain and France confronted off in a titanic World Cup semifinal conflict.
Former l star s obtained tickets to hitch a capability crowd of 70,649 at Dallas Stadium as a perk of her long-standing relationship with Nike. y, the tickets initially belonged to Victor Wembanyama, however after the France native and fellow Lone Star State star canceled late, Bueckers attended in his place.
"I'm not alien standing," Bueckers joked to The Athletic about her place on Nike's "pecking order."
Bueckers and Nike uniquely started their relationship whereas the star level guard nonetheless performed collegiate basketball for UConn, signing the Minnesota native to a multi-year dedication in 2023. The Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3 shoe was launched the next winter and marked the primary Nike Participant Version basketball shoe designed for an NIL athlete.
Wembanyama finally saved himself from a heartbreaking afternoon, as Spain's midfield, led by former , dictated tempo in a 2-0 win. La Roja went on to outlast Lionel Messi and Argentina 1-0 in additional time to safe the nation's second World Cup.
Dallas hosted 9 video games at this summer season's FIFA World Cup, probably the most of any host venue. Bueckers hopped on the hype prepare early, attending an entertaining 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands within the group stage.
"They requested us to return to a sport and all of us stated sure, after all. It was the primary World Cup expertise that we ever received to get pleasure from," Bueckers stated in June. "…To see the fan help from all internationally, it was actually cool."
Bueckers will now shift gears to take part within the FIBA Ladies's Basketball World Cup subsequent month, forming a brand new technology of American superstars with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese whereas becoming a member of fellow UConn alums Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The US' quest for a fifth-straight title will start subsequent Friday towards China at 8:15 a.m. ET.
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