With the 2025 WNBA Draft just around the corner, excitement is building as fans and analysts anticipate where top prospects will land.
While UConn star Paige Bueckers is expected to be the first pick for the Dallas Wings, the rest of the draft holds many surprises, especially when it comes to international talent.
International stars set to join WNBA
In recent years, international players have become more visible in the league, as teams look beyond American college stars to find long-term value and upside from overseas.
Although this year’s international class isn’t quite as stacked as 2024’s, it still features several notable names, including French center Dominique Malonga and Slovenian forward Ajsa Sivka.
While these players might not be chosen in the top few picks, both have strong résumés and meet the specific criteria that allow them to enter the draft without ever having played in the NCAA.
According to WNBA rules, an international player is eligible for the draft if she is born and resides outside of the United States, has never played college basketball in the U.S., and will turn at least 20 years old during the calendar year of the draft.
Both Malonga and Sivka were born in 2005, which makes them draft-eligible for 2025 under these guidelines, so long as they haven’t used NCAA eligibility.
Sivka, originally from Slovenia, chose a development path in Europe rather than opting into the American college system.
After early exposure with national teams, she made a strategic move to France, playing for clubs like Schio and Tarbes.
Her performances there, highlighted by sharp shooting and wing, versatility cemented her status as one of Europe’s top young prospects.
Malonga followed a similar route.
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, she made waves with her dunking ability at a young age.
Her transition to first-division play, including a loan stint at Tarbes and a return to Lyon, showcased her growth on both ends of the floor.
Despite some concerns about national team commitments possibly affecting her WNBA availability, her upside remains high.
Because neither player has played college basketball in the U.S., and both meet the age requirement, they are officially eligible for this year’s draft, setting the stage for another strong international showing on Monday night.
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