The WNBA’s future isn’t on the horizon – it’s already on the court. A new generation of stars is here to stay, and they’re doing more than just filling highlight reels. They’re winning games, breaking records, and turning heads on a nightly basis.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese lit the spark in their sophomore campaigns. This summer, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen kept the fire burning with All-Star appearances. And Dominique Malonga? At just 19 years old, she’s making history with every shot she takes.
This is not just about youth-it’s about dominance. Six All-Stars under 25, the most since 2011, underline a seismic shift. The draft classes of 2024 and 2025 have already delivered more elite talent than the three previous years combined. And now, ESPN has put it all into perspective with their ranking of the 25 best players under 25.
Clark, Bueckers, and Boston: The New Icons
At the top sits Caitlin Clark. Even while battling injuries, her averages (16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds) tell the story of a player capable of changing everything around her. Beyond the numbers, she’s the biggest draw in women’s basketball and the symbol of Indiana’s revival.
Close behind is Paige Bueckers. The Dallas rookie has lived up to the hype, showcasing deadly efficiency and explosive scoring. Her 44-point night at 80% shooting didn’t just make headlines – it made history.
Aliyah Boston completes the trio. Already the anchor of the Fever, she continues to add layers to her game. At 6-foot-5, she’s dominating the paint while expanding her offensive arsenal.
Dominique Malonga, the teenager from Cameroon, has WNBA fans dreaming. Her size, athleticism, and touch make her a potential MVP in waiting. Angel Reese, meanwhile, has transformed her game – not just dominating the boards but becoming one of the best passing forwards in the league.
The Full ESPN 25 Under 25
- Caitlin Clark – Indiana Fever
- Paige Bueckers – Dallas Wings
- Aliyah Boston – Indiana Fever
- Dominique Malonga – Seattle Storm
- Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
- Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics
- Kamilla Cardoso – Chicago Sky
- Rickea Jackson – Los Angeles Sparks
- Cameron Brink – Los Angeles Sparks
- Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics
- Leïla Lacan – Connecticut Sun
- Saniya Rivers – Connecticut Sun
- Monique Akoa Makani – Phoenix Mercury
- Jordan Horston – Seattle Storm
- Iliana Rupert – Golden State Valkyries
- Te-Hina Paopao – Atlanta Dream
- Janelle Salaün – Golden State Valkyries
- Aneesah Morrow – Connecticut Sun
- Aaliyah Edwards – Connecticut Sun
- Diamond Miller – Dallas Wings
- Aziaha James – Dallas Wings
- Carla Leite – Golden State Valkyries
- Awak Kuier – Dallas Wings
- Makayla Timpson – Indiana Fever
- Laeticia Amihere – Golden State Valkyries
From Promise to Reality
This list isn’t about potential anymore. These players are already changing games, filling arenas, and rewriting what it means to be young in the WNBA. International talents like Lacan, Salaün, and Rupert show how global the league has become, while names like Reese, Citron, and Iriafen prove that the college-to-pro pipeline has never been stronger.
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