The 2025 WNBA Draft was a night of excitement, surprises, and franchise-altering decisions. Held at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, the event saw 38 players hear their names called, each ready to make their mark on the league.
A Star is Born in Dallas
As expected, the Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. The UConn superstar, fresh off leading her team to a national championship, now joins a backcourt featuring Arike Ogunbowale. With her elite scoring ability and leadership, Bueckers is expected to be a game-changer for the Wings.
Seattle Storm Goes International
The Seattle Storm made waves by selecting Dominique Malonga, a talented center from France, with the No. 2 pick. Malonga has drawn comparisons to fellow French phenom Victor Wembanyama, and her defensive presence could be a major asset for Seattle.
Washington Mystics Load Up
The Mystics entered the draft with three picks inside the top six and made the most of them. They selected Sonia Citron (Notre Dame) at No. 3, Kiki Iriafen (USC) at No. 4, and Georgia Amoore (Kentucky) at No. 6. These additions signal a full rebuild for Washington, as they aim to construct a new core for the future.
Golden State Valkyries Make Their Mark
In their first-ever WNBA Draft, the expansion Golden State Valkyries picked Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at No. 5. They later added Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers and UConn’s Kaitlyn Chen, setting the foundation for their inaugural season.
Chicago Sky Reunites Stars
One of the most intriguing picks came at No. 11, when the Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith (TCU). This move reunites her with Angel Reese, her former LSU teammate, creating a dynamic duo that could electrify the league.
Las Vegas Aces Left Out
The Las Vegas Aces were notably absent from the first round, as their pick was rescinded due to league violations. Without a first-round selection, they had to rely on later picks and free agency to bolster their roster.
Looking Ahead
With the draft complete, teams now turn their focus to training camp and the upcoming season. Will Bueckers live up to the hype? Can Malonga dominate in the paint? And how will the Valkyries fare in their debut season? The answers will unfold soon.
