The 2025 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for many teams, with franchise-altering prospects and strategic roster moves on the horizon. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what each squad needs and how they might approach their selections:
Atlanta Dream
- Draft Picks: No. 18, 36
- Needs: Bench scoring, depth at guard
- Outlook: Without a first-round pick, the Dream will need to find value in later rounds. Their biggest concern is offensive production off the bench, especially after losing veteran scorer Tina Charles in free agency. Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada will need to step up, but a strong shooter in the second round could help.
Chicago Sky
- Draft Picks: No. 10, 16, 22
- Needs: Guard depth, playmaking
- Outlook: After securing Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in last year’s draft, Chicago now turns its attention to the backcourt. If Georgia Amoore is available at No. 10, she could be an ideal fit, bringing scoring and passing ability from Kentucky.
Connecticut Sun
- Draft Picks: No. 7, 8, 25
- Needs: Rebuilding core, perimeter shooting
- Outlook: The Sun lost their entire starting lineup and coach in free agency, making this draft crucial for their future. North Carolina State’s Aziaha James, a strong perimeter shooter, could be a great pick at No. 7. They may also look internationally, possibly selecting Slovenian point forward Ajsa Sivka.
Dallas Wings
- Draft Picks: No. 1, 12, 14, 27, 31
- Needs: Franchise cornerstone, wing depth
- Outlook: The Wings hold the No. 1 pick and are expected to select UConn star Paige Bueckers, a generational talent who just led her team to an NCAA championship. With multiple picks, they can also add depth at the wing and bolster their bench.
Golden State Valkyries
- Draft Picks: No. 5, 17, 30
- Needs: Foundational pieces, defensive versatility
- Outlook: As an expansion team, the Valkyries need players who can define their identity. They selected Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at No. 5, a versatile defender with international experience. Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers, picked at No. 17, brings all-around production.
Indiana Fever
- Draft Picks: No. 9, 24
- Needs: Complementary pieces for Caitlin Clark, frontcourt depth
- Outlook: With Clark leading the team, Indiana needs players who can complement her skill set. A strong wing or defensive-minded forward would be ideal.
Las Vegas Aces
- Draft Picks: None (first-round pick rescinded)
- Needs: Depth, future assets
- Outlook: The Aces lost their first-round pick due to league violations, limiting their ability to add young talent. They may focus on undrafted free agents.
Los Angeles Sparks
- Draft Picks: No. 2, 19
- Needs: Scoring, defensive presence
- Outlook: The Sparks originally had the No. 1 lottery odds but ended up with the second pick, which they traded to Seattle. They’ll need to maximize their later selections.
New York Liberty
- Draft Picks: No. 36
- Needs: Depth, future development
- Outlook: The defending champions have only one pick, the final selection of the draft. They’ll likely take a developmental prospect.
Phoenix Mercury
- Draft Picks: No. 6, 20
- Needs: Youth, defensive upgrades
- Outlook: The Mercury need fresh talent to support their aging core. A defensive-minded wing or versatile forward would be a strong choice.
Seattle Storm
- Draft Picks: No. 3, 11
- Needs: Playmaking, scoring
- Outlook: Seattle traded for the No. 2 pick, giving them a chance to land a top-tier prospect. They’ll likely target a guard or wing who can contribute immediately.
Washington Mystics
- Draft Picks: No. 4, 7, 8
- Needs: Rebuild, foundational pieces
- Outlook: With three first-round picks, the Mystics are in full rebuild mode. They’ll look to add multiple impact players to reshape their roster.
