Breaking down the 2025 WNBA Draft
With promising players stepping into the spotlight, the league gains not just athletes but future icons
UConn guard Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings at the WNBA Draft. (John Mac/Wikimedia Commons)
The 2025 WNBA Draft, held on April 14 in New York City, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the league.
With a mix of elite National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) talent and promising international prospects, the night signaled both a fresh wave of stars and the continued evolution of a global game.
All eyes, however, were on Paige Bueckers — the generational University of Connecticut (UConn) guard taken number one overall by the Dallas Wings.
This marks the second straight year Dallas held the top pick, and this time the team used it on Bueckers, who returned from injury to lead the UConn Huskies to their 12th national title.
Averaging over 19 points per game, she reasserted herself as one of the most complete guards in college basketball. For a Wings team that finished 9–31 last season, Bueckers offers leadership, scoring, and the kind of on-court presence that can anchor a rebuild.
At number two, the Seattle Storm looked overseas, selecting 6’6” French-Congolese centre Dominique Malonga. Just 20 years old, Malonga’s size, agility, and shot-blocking instincts make her a long-term investment, adding a potential future all-star to Seattle’s developing core.
The Washington Mystics capitalized on three picks in the top six, choosing Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron (number three), University of Southern California’s Kiki Iriafen (number four), and Georgia Amoore from the Kentucky Wildcats (number six).
Citron brings tenacity and defense, Iriafen adds athleticism and rebounding, while Amoore is a shifty playmaker with great floor vision. With basketball player Elena Delle Donne retired, Washington is clearly building around youth, depth, and grit.
Between those picks, the Golden State Valkyries — the WNBA’s newest franchise — made their debut selection, drafting 19-year-old Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at number five. Already seasoned from her time with LDLC ASVEL Féminin in Europe, Jocytė combines maturity, playmaking, and scoring. Her poise makes her a natural candidate to become the face of the franchise as the Valkyries begin their journey in the San Francisco Bay Area.
At picks seven and eight, the Connecticut Sun focused on versatility, grabbing Louisiana State University’s Aneesah Morrow and North Carolina (NC) State’s Saniya Rivers. Morrow’s rebounding and scoring prowess pairs well with Rivers’ speed and defensive edge. Both players are set to inject energy into an already competitive roster.
The Los Angeles Sparks made a surprise selection at number nine, drafting Alabama Crimson Tide’s Sarah Ashlee Barker, a sharp-shooting wing who climbed draft boards late in the season.
Chicago followed with back-to-back picks at 10 and 11, choosing Slovenian forward Ajša Sivka and polarizing guard Hailey Van Lith, who transferred to Texas Christian University for her final college year. Van Lith’s career has seen ups and downs, but her confidence and media appeal could prove valuable if she adjusts to the pro level.
The first round closed with NC State’s Aziaha James heading to Dallas, giving the Wings yet another offensive weapon as they continue to stack their backcourt.
The 2025 Draft underscored a few central themes — the league’s increasing international reach, bold rebuilding strategies, and a standout class of guards. From NCAA legends to overseas prodigies, the WNBA is tapping into a wider talent pool than ever before.
With Bueckers, Citron, Jocytė, and Malonga all stepping into the spotlight, the league gains not just athletes but future icons.
As new franchises rise and veterans pass the torch, the 2025 WNBA Draft doesn’t just represent a changing of the guard — it’s the start of something much bigger.
