As the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament winds down, attention quickly shifts to the next big milestone on the basketball calendar: the WNBA Draft.
With the college championship game wrapping up on April 6, top prospects are ready to take their talents to the professional stage just eight days later.
When and where is the 2025 WNBA Draft?
The 2025 WNBA Draft will be held on Monday, April 14 at The Shed in New York City, continuing the tradition of hosting the league’s marquee offseason event in a major cultural hub.
For the second straight year, fans will be in attendance, adding excitement and energy to the live experience.
Broadcast coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a pre-draft “WNBA Countdown” show starting at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN will carry all three rounds of the draft.
Adding some flair to the occasion, the league will roll out its “Orange Carpet” ceremony, where draft hopefuls will showcase their fashion and personality before hearing their names called.
A star-studded future
The WNBA Draft has rotated venues over the years, from its early days in Secaucus, New Jersey, to Spring Studios and Brooklyn Academy of Music in recent editions.
Now at The Shed in Hudson Yards, the draft continues to grow in prestige, just as the league itself experiences a surge in popularity.
The 2025 WNBA season tips off on May 16, meaning rookies will have just over a month to adjust to their new teams and systems.
With more televised games and increased national attention, this year’s class is entering a league that is evolving rapidly on and off the court.
WNBA first-round draft order
Here’s the official order for the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft (note: the Las Vegas Aces forfeited their No. 10 pick due to a league rules violation):
- Dallas Wings
- Seattle Storm (via Los Angeles)
- Washington Mystics (via Chicago)
- Washington Mystics
- Golden State Valkyries
- Washington Mystics (via Atlanta through Dallas)
- Connecticut Sun (via Phoenix via New York)
- Connecticut Sun (via Indiana)
- Los Angeles Sparks (via Seattle)
- Chicago Sky (via Connecticut)
- Minnesota Lynx
- Dallas Wings (via New York via Phoenix)
Top prospects to watch
Paige Bueckers (UConn) is widely considered the top prospect in this year’s draft and is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings.
The 2021 National Player of the Year has battled through injury but remains one of the most polished and marketable players in college basketball.
With Olivia Miles surprisingly opting out of the draft and entering the transfer portal, other top prospects have an opportunity to move up the board. These include:
- Kiki Iriafen (USC) – A dominant forward with strong rebounding and scoring abilities.
- Sonia Citron (Notre Dame) – A versatile guard who can shoot and defend.
- Dominique Malonga (France) – A rising international star with great size and potential.
- Shyanne Sellers (Maryland) – A dynamic floor general known for her court vision.
- Aneesah Morrow (LSU) – A powerful, athletic forward with pro-ready skills.
With teams already finalizing their boards, the 2025 draft class is poised to bring major talent and star power into the WNBA.
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