As the 2025 WNBA preseason kicks off, the energy is already palpable. With the regular season set to begin in just weeks, attention has quickly shifted to the league’s exciting rookie class, which is poised to redefine the future of women’s basketball.
While preseason games are limited, they offer a critical window for first-year players to adjust to the physical demands and lightning-fast pace of the professional game.
Among the standout newcomers is Paige Bueckers, who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft. In her preseason debut against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, Bueckers logged 10 points in 22 minutes of action.
Despite the Wings’ 112-78 loss, Bueckers gave fans a taste of what’s to come, hitting two three-pointers and showing poise beyond her years. Her performance underscored her potential to quickly become a key player in Dallas’s rebuilding efforts.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm’s highly anticipated rookie, Dominique Malonga, is still awaiting her first appearance in a WNBA uniform. Drafted second overall, the 19-year-old forward/center from France arrived in the United States just one day before the Storm’s preseason matchup against the Connecticut Sun. As a result, the team has ruled her out for their only exhibition game.
Malonga’s arrival signals a new Era in Seattle
Despite not yet taking the court, Dominique Malonga has been one of the most talked-about prospects in years. Standing 6’6″ with a rare combination of length, agility, and finesse, she first rose to global prominence at age 16 with a viral dunk during a youth game in France.
Comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, a fellow French phenom, have followed her ever since. Her physical attributes and polished game draw parallels to Wembanyama’s blend of skill and size.
In her most recent season with Lyon in France’s top women’s league, Malonga averaged 15.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 53% from the floor. With those numbers, she showcased not only her scoring touch but also her impact on the boards. As Seattle looks to return to championship contention, Malonga’s development will be a crucial storyline throughout the season.
The Storm were also without several veterans during the preseason, including Ezi Magbegor, Gabby Williams, and injured guard Katie Lou Samuelson, making Malonga’s absence even more notable. Seattle fans will now have to wait until May 17, when the Storm face the Phoenix Mercury on the road, for a possible glimpse of the team’s future centerpiece.
Beyond individual performances, this year’s WNBA preseason marks a significant step forward in visibility. All preseason games are being broadcast or streamed, reflecting a broader surge in global interest. Fans from nearly 30 countries have already purchased tickets, demonstrating the league’s growing international reach.
With rookies like Bueckers and Malonga drawing massive attention, the 2025 season promises to usher in a new generation of stars ready to elevate the WNBA to unprecedented heights.
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