After the NCAA tournament, the next major moment in women’s basketball is the WNBA Draft, an annual event that brings rising stars to the professional stage.
This year, all eyes turn to The Shed in New York City, where the 2025 WNBA Draft will unfold tonight, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. With teams seeking to reload their rosters for the new season, this event offers a rare blend of sports, style, and spectacle-and it all starts on the Orange Carpet.
Best dressed at the WNBA’s Orange Carpet
Georgia Amoore
Hailey Van Lith
Paige Bueckers
Aziah James
Kiki Iriafin
Azzi Fudd
Sonia Citron
Nika Mühl
Stars shine at the WNBA’s iconic Orange Carpet
Far from your typical red carpet imitation, the WNBA’s Orange Carpet has become a signature element of draft night.
It’s where fashion meets fire and personality takes center stage, giving fans a first glimpse at the players who are about to reshape the league.
Originally a stylish add-on, it’s now a highly anticipated kickoff that sets the tone for the entire night.
This year’s event is being hosted by ESPN’s Hannah O’Flynn and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, a former Orange Carpet standout herself.
Sixteen elite prospects are slated to make their entrance tonight, bringing not just talent, but serious fashion energy.
Headlining the list is UConn guard Paige Bueckers, projected to go No. 1 overall after her standout college career.
She’s joined by names like USC’s Kiki Iriafen, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, and TCU’s Hailey Van Lith, each expected to turn heads before even stepping onto the draft stage.
Also expected are international talents like Ajsa Sivka of Slovenia and Dominique Malonga of France, adding global flair to an already electric lineup.
Before the draft picks roll in, prospects will walk the carpet straight into the heart of The Shed’s multi-level setup.
Fans can watch the Orange Carpet festivities starting at 4:30 p.m. ET via the WNBA YouTube channel and app, while exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage will roll out across social media.
From designer fits to unforgettable moments, the Orange Carpet isn’t just a prelude, it’s a declaration of arrival.
And with the league preparing to welcome the Golden State Valkyries and the 29th season tipping off on May 16, tonight’s just the beginning.
Read the full article here
