NEW YORK — Just eight days after leading the UConn Huskies to their first national championship in nine years, Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point for both Bueckers and the WNBA, as the league looks to build on its recent successes and the Wings aim to return to the postseason, following a year out of the playoffs.
The Dallas Wings are poised for a transformative season as they prepare to transition from Arlington to a larger arena located in downtown Dallas ahead of the 2026 season. This move signifies the franchise's commitment to growth and enhancing the fan experience. Following a record-breaking year for the WNBA in terms of ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales, Bueckers’ arrival is seen as a catalyst for further expanding the league’s popularity.
“I’m coming in and wanting to give everything I have to that organization,” Bueckers expressed after her selection, highlighting her dedication to the franchise and its goals.
Paige Bueckers made a significant impact on college basketball from her very first game with the Huskies. She made history by becoming the first freshman woman to win the Naismith Player of the Year award and received first-team All-American honors three times. Bueckers left UConn as the program’s all-time leading scorer in NCAA Tournament history and was the fastest player to reach 2,000 career points.
Although she had achieved numerous accolades, it wasn't until UConn triumphed over South Carolina in the 2025 national championship that Bueckers secured her first national title. Despite being the projected top pick, she admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness after her selection. “It’s nerve-wracking. You have a level of excitement, nervousness,” she shared, reflecting on the bittersweet end of her journey at UConn.
The 2025 WNBA Draft, held at The Shed at Hudson Yards, was a highly anticipated event, with fans attending in person for the second consecutive year. Last year’s draft had already set records for attendance and viewership, and this year’s event also saw sold-out general admission tickets. The excitement surrounding the WNBA is palpable, particularly for the Wings, who have sold out their season ticket inventory for the second straight year.
General Manager Curt Miller views drafting Bueckers as a monumental step for the franchise. He described her as “one of the most efficient players the collegiate game has ever seen.” The Wings have made strategic moves in their roster, including the recent trade of former All-WNBA forward Satou Sabally and the addition of last year’s Most Improved Player, DiJonai Carrington. Bueckers will join forces with four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, creating a formidable backcourt.
As the Wings embark on what they hope will be a foundational year, Miller emphasized that first-round picks historically change the trajectory of franchises. With Bueckers’ remarkable skills and leadership, the Dallas Wings are optimistic about the future. “We had a very successful free agency … and now we’re off to a great start with the draft,” Miller noted.
For Bueckers, this new chapter represents the culmination of her college goals and the beginning of her professional journey. As she steps onto the WNBA stage, there are new aspirations to pursue, and fans eagerly await the impact she will have on the league.
In other notable selections from the draft, Van Lith was picked by the Chicago Sky, reuniting her with Angel Reese, a former teammate at LSU. The draft celebrated UConn's legacy, with multiple Huskies players being selected, including Kaitlyn Chen by the Valkyries and Aubrey Griffin by the Lynx. However, the most talked-about absence was TCU’s Sedona Prince, whose injury history and associated allegations raised doubts about her draft prospects.
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings as they aim for success and strive to make their mark in the league.
