The WNBA continues its rise as a sports and media phenomenon, and the 2025 Draft was the latest proof that the future of women’s basketball is bright. After a record-breaking season in terms of viewership and popularity, the league welcomed a new generation of stars, led by UConn sensation Paige Bueckers, selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings.
Bueckers, who led the Huskies to the NCAA championship, heard her name called first on a historic night for the WNBA and women’s sports as a whole. The point guard is already being compared to legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi and is seen as a future face of the league.
First Round
- Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers (UConn)
- Seattle Storm – Dominique Malonga (France)
- Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron (Notre Dame)
- Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen (USC)
- Golden State Valkyries – Juste Jocyte (Lithuania)
- Washington Mystics – Georgia Amoore (Kentucky)
- Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow (LSU)
- Connecticut Sun – Saniya Rivers (NC State)
- Los Angeles Sparks – Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama)
- Chicago Sky – Aja Sivka (Slovenia)
- Chicago Sky – Hailey Van Lith (TCU)
- Dallas Wings – Aziaha James (NC State)
Second Round
- Las Vegas Aces – Aaliyah Nye (Alabama)
- Dallas Wings – Madison Scott (Ole Miss)
- Minnesota Lynx – Anastasiia Olairi Kosu (Russia)
- Chicago Sky – Maddy Westbeld (Notre Dame)
- Golden State Valkyries – Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)
- Atlanta Dream – Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina)
- Indiana Fever – Makayla Timpson (Florida State)
- Indiana Fever – Bree Hall (South Carolina)
- Los Angeles Sparks – Sania Feagin (South Carolina)
- Chicago Sky – Aicha Coulibaly (Texas A&M)
- Washington Mystics – Lucy Olsen (Iowa)
- Minnesota Lynx – Dalayah Daniels (Washington)
- Connecticut Sun – Rayah Marshall (USC)
Third Round
- Las Vegas Aces – Aaliyah Nye (Alabama)
- Dallas Wings – Madison Scott (Ole Miss)
- Minnesota Lynx – Anastasiia Olairi Kosu (Russia)
- Chicago Sky – Maddy Westbeld (Notre Dame)
- Golden State Valkyries – Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)
- Atlanta Dream – Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina)
- Indiana Fever – Makayla Timpson (Florida State)
- Indiana Fever – Bree Hall (South Carolina)
- Los Angeles Sparks – Sania Feagin (South Carolina)
- Chicago Sky – Aicha Coulibaly (Texas A&M)
- Washington Mystics – Lucy Olsen (Iowa)
- Minnesota Lynx – Dalayah Daniels (Washington)
- Connecticut Sun – Rayah Marshall (USC)
Social media exploded with excitement after Bueckers was selected first overall, solidifying her status as one of the most influential athletes of her generation. And she wasn’t the only one to spark reactions-players like Dominique Malonga and Just Jocyt also captured attention as high-upside international picks.
Additionally, the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest expansion team, made their historic first-ever draft selection, choosing Jocyt at No. 5 overall. The Bay Area franchise is already beginning to build its identity with young European talent.
This draft not only represents a generational shift within the WNBA but also the consolidation of a league that is growing both globally and commercially. With high-profile names joining the ranks and teams refreshing their rosters, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting in league history.
Read the full article here
