As the NCAA tournament wraps up, the next significant event on the women’s basketball calendar is the WNBA Draft. This prestigious occasion allows teams to infuse their rosters with fresh college talent as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 season. Notably, this year’s draft marks a historic moment with the inclusion of the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years, the Golden State Valkyries, participating in their inaugural draft. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect.
This year's WNBA Draft will take place at The Shed in New York City on Monday night, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the picks live, making it a must-watch event for fans and analysts alike. For those who prefer streaming, the draft can also be viewed on ESPN+ and the ESPN App.
All eyes are on the Dallas Wings as they prepare to make the first overall selection. There is a strong consensus that the Wings will choose Paige Bueckers, the standout guard from UConn who recently led her team to its 12th NCAA women’s championship. Bueckers has had a remarkable college career, culminating in a stellar performance during the 2025 NCAA tournament, where she averaged an impressive 24.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
As the all-time leading scorer in UConn women’s basketball history and third overall in NCAA women’s basketball history, Bueckers has proven her worth on the court. Despite missing the entire 2022 season due to a torn ACL, she has rebounded magnificently and is set to make an immediate impact in the professional league. Attending the draft in person, Bueckers is not only a favorite for the No. 1 pick but also a strong contender for the upcoming Rookie of the Year title, much like Caitlin Clark did last season.
Beyond Bueckers, the WNBA Draft is filled with intriguing prospects. One of the most exciting players is Dominique Malonga, who, despite never playing in the NCAA, has become a highly sought-after talent. At just 19 years old, Malonga averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game for ASVEL Féminin in France in 2024. Her impressive skills and a viral video showcasing her dunking at 16 have propelled her up mock draft boards. Standing at 6-foot-6, Malonga possesses a unique combination of size, agility, and ball-handling skills that could make her a valuable asset in the WNBA.
Another noteworthy prospect is Kiki Iriafen, who shone during her time with the USC Trojans. As a forward with a perfect blend of size and ball skills, Iriafen is seen as a prototypical wing player. She fits the mold of some of the WNBA’s most influential stars, including three-time MVP A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, making her a likely top pick in the first round.
Aneesah Morrow is also a player to keep on your radar. Having excelled as an all-around player for the LSU Tigers, Morrow averaged nearly 21 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals during the postseason. Her scoring ability and size make her an ideal candidate for a winning team in the WNBA.
Here’s the complete order for the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft:
Dallas WingsSeattle Storm (via Los Angeles Sparks)Washington Mystics (via Chicago Sky)Washington MysticsGolden State ValkyriesWashington Mystics (via Dallas Wings via Atlanta Dream)Connecticut Sun (via New York Liberty via Phoenix Mercury)Connecticut Sun (via Indiana Fever)Los Angeles Sparks (via Seattle Storm)Chicago Sky (via Connecticut Sun)Chicago Sky (via Minnesota Lynx)Dallas Wings (via Phoenix Mercury)With so much talent on the horizon, the 2025 WNBA Draft promises to be an exciting event that could reshape the future of women's basketball. Be sure to tune in and witness the next wave of basketball stars making their way to the professional ranks.
