2025 WNBA Draft Recap: Full Top 10 Picks, Team Fits, and Rookie Reactions

7 hours ago
5 11 minutes read

New York City (WE) —The 2025 WNBA Draft is officially in the books, and it’s safe to say this one lived up to the hype. Held in front of a packed crowd at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and aired live on ESPN, this year’s draft featured a deep and diverse class, headlined by generational talent Paige Bueckers.

From UConn legends to international stars, and from NIL giants to gritty veterans, the 2025 class marks an exciting new chapter for the WNBA. Moreover, this year’s draft promises an influx of talent, while simultaneously bringing greater entertainment and growth, both on and off the court.

Let’s break down the top 10 picks, team fits, reactions, and all the buzz.

Top 10 Picks: 2025 WNBA Draft

1. Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers (UConn)

No surprise here. The Dallas Wings made it official by selecting Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. One of the most decorated college players in recent history, Bueckers brings elite court vision, a lethal jumper, and unmatched leadership.

After a stellar comeback from injury, Bueckers led UConn deep into the 2025 NCAA Tournament and silenced any doubters. Her arrival in Dallas pairs her with superstar forward Satou Sabally and scoring machine Arike Ogunbowale, instantly turning the Wings into a must-watch squad.

Off the court, Bueckers already has lucrative NIL deals with Nike, Gatorade, and StockX — and now steps into the national spotlight as the new face of the league.

2. Seattle Storm – Dominique Malonga (France)

Seattle Storm fans were thrilled to see the franchise go international, selecting French-Cameroonian center Dominique Malonga. At just 19, Malonga has been tearing up European leagues with her 6’4″ frame, mobility, and polished low-post game.

Malonga has drawn comparisons to a young Sylvia Fowles, and her defensive prowess should complement Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike on a rapidly retooling Storm roster.

3. Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron (Notre Dame)

The Washington Mystics opted for versatility with Sonia Citron from Notre Dame. Citron is a crafty 6’1″ guard who can defend, rebound, and shoot from deep — a perfect complement to Elena Delle Donne and the Mystics’ new youth movement.

Citron also showed strong leadership during her time in South Bend, and her calm demeanor under pressure could make her a future franchise cornerstone.

4. Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen (USC)

With their second pick in the top 5, Washington doubled down by selecting Kiki Iriafen, the 6’3″ forward who transferred from Stanford to USC for her breakout year.

Iriafen’s athleticism, rebounding, and rim protection were crucial to USC’s Pac-12 title run. Her combo-forward skillset gives the Mystics flexibility and grit.

5. Golden State Valkyries – Justė Jocytė (Lithuania)

The WNBA’s newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, made a splash with their first-ever draft pick: 19-year-old Justė Jocytė, a Lithuanian sensation already starring in EuroLeague play.

Jocytė is a 6’2″ guard with elite passing, deep shooting range, and the kind of calm-under-fire you can’t teach. She’s already played for LDLC ASVEL Féminin, the same club once backed by Tony Parker, and has FIBA experience beyond her years.

6. Washington Mystics – Georgia Amoore (Virginia Tech)

Mystics again! Their third top-10 selection went to Aussie point guard Georgia Amoore from Virginia Tech. Known for her deep threes, quick decision-making, and clutch gene, Amoore is a plug-and-play floor general.

Pairing her with Citron creates one of the most intriguing young backcourts in the league.

7.Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow (LSU)

The Connecticut Sun struck gold with their selection of power forward Aneesah Morrow from LSU. Morrow’s relentless rebounding, defensive tenacity, and strong offensive game make her one of the most complete players in the 2025 draft class.

Morrow’s dominant presence in the paint and her ability to score both inside and on the perimeter will make her a key asset for the Sun. She’s poised to help elevate Connecticut’s already formidable frontcourt, which includes standout players like DeWanna Bonner. Morrow’s toughness and work ethic should fit perfectly into the Sun’s winning culture.

8. Connecticut Sun – Saniya Rivers (NC State)

The Connecticut Sun doubled down on their frontcourt by adding small forward Saniya Rivers from NC State. Rivers is a dynamic and athletic player who adds another layer of versatility to an already deep Connecticut roster.

Rivers is known for her ability to defend multiple positions and contribute offensively; as a result, she is an ideal fit for the Sun’s well-rounded system. Moreover, her speed and agility on the wing will not only help elevate Connecticut’s transition game but also provide them with another strong option on both ends of the floor.

9. Los Angeles Sparks – Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama)

The Los Angeles Sparks bolstered their backcourt by selecting shooting guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, from Alabama. Barker’s combination of scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and leadership will help strengthen the Sparks’ perimeter defense.

Barker’s time at Alabama saw her develop into one of the most reliable all-around players in the NCAA, and her energy and hustle will be infectious on the Sparks’ roster. Her ability to score in bunches, along with her defensive intensity, gives the Sparks another potent weapon on both ends of the floor as they look to return to the playoffs in 2025.

10. Chicago Sky – Ajša Sivka (Slovenia)

The Chicago Sky rounded out their first-round picks with Slovenian power forward Ajša Sivka. Sivka’s international experience and physicality in the paint make her a valuable addition to the Sky’s frontcourt.

Standing at 6’3″, Sivka brings a strong inside game, rebounding ability, and solid post moves that will complement the Sky’s current roster.

Her experience playing against high-level competition in Europe will help her make an immediate impact in the WNBA. The Sky will rely on her to provide rebounding depth and physicality in their pursuit of another championship.

2025 WNBA Draft: Full Top 10 Recap

WNBA Expands Global Reach with Diverse Class

The 2025 class may be remembered not only for its on-court potential but for its global diversity. With players from Lithuania (Jocytė), Brazil (Cardoso), Australia (Amoore), and Cameroon (Malonga), this draft reflects the WNBA’s increasing international appeal.

In particular, Justė Jocytė and Dominique Malonga bring with them years of experience in top European leagues and FIBA tournaments, suggesting that the future of women’s basketball is not just American — it’s global.

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📅 Upcoming WNBA Games

WNBA Schedule – Central Time

Date Time Team 1 Team 2
May 26:00 PMDallas WingsLas Vegas Aces
May 27:00 PMBrazil National TeamChicago Sky
May 312:00 PMWashington MysticsIndiana Fever
May 45:00 PMConnecticut SunSeattle Storm
May 45:00 PMBrazil National TeamIndiana Fever
May 66:00 PMMinnesota LynxChicago Sky

Orange Carpet: WNBA Players Turn Heads in NYC

Beyond the action on the court, the 2025 WNBA Draft in Brooklyn became a full-blown cultural event. Cameras flashed as fans crowded the entrance of the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Clearly, this night belonged as much to fashion as it did to basketball.

Paige Bueckers: A Fashion Icon Arrives

No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers arrived in a custom-tailored, all-white Prada pantsuit. She paired it with silver heels and understated diamond accents. Vogue analysts described her look as “polished, powerful, and poised.”

Her outfit symbolized her clean game and cool leadership style. The moment quickly went viral, trending on X (formerly Twitter) under #BueckersGoesPro.

Angel Reese: Red Carpet Royalty

Angel Reese wasn’t about to be outshined. She made a grand entrance in a shimmering, floor-length Balmain gown. The dress featured silver-and-white beading and a dramatic train that stole the show.

Elle and The Cut praised her red carpet appearance. It solidified her status as one of the most marketable athletes in women’s sports. Reese topped off the look with a $50,000 Reebok custom sneaker clutch and glittering jewelry from Pandora.

Other Impressive Looks: Cardoso, Jocytė, and Amoore

Kamilla Cardoso added international flair in a two-piece green satin ensemble. Designed by Brazilian fashion house FARM Rio, it blended tropical prints with a classic silhouette. The look paid tribute to her roots in Montes Claros, Brazil. “This night is about who we are — not just what we do,” Cardoso said during her ESPN interview.

Justė Jocytė impressed with a black-and-gold gown by Lithuanian designer Robert Kalinkin. It featured a sleek, minimalist design that matched her quiet confidence.

Georgia Amoore chose a bold alternative. She rocked a sleek jumpsuit by Australian label Zimmermann. The look reflected her laid-back personality and edgy energy.

WNBA’s Met Gala Moment

Stylists, makeup artists, and branding teams surrounded players on the orange carpet. It set the tone for what the WNBA has become — a league where fashion, culture, and performance intersect.

Style magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and GQ are planning full features on the event. Meanwhile, fans on social media have already dubbed it “the WNBA’s Met Gala moment.”

NIL to WNBA: How Off-Court Deals Will Evolve

With the name-image-likeness (NIL) era in full swing over the past few years, the transition from college stardom to WNBA stardom has never been more commercially complex — or lucrative.

Top draftees like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Justė Jocytė come into the league already having earned six- to seven-figure incomes from NIL deals during their college years. Bueckers had long-standing partnerships with brands like Nike, Gatorade, and StockX, while Reese inked high-profile deals with Amazon, Reebok, Coach, PlayStation, and even Tampax.

This raises a key question: how will the WNBA — with its historically modest rookie pay scale — adapt to accommodate players who already carry major financial clout?

While the current WNBA rookie scale offers first-round picks salaries in the range of $75,000–$85,000 per year, some incoming stars were earning double or even triple that in college. That means the WNBA must lean harder into media partnerships, national advertising, and off-court exposure to help players maintain their value.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the issue directly during the post-draft media session:

“We’re seeing a generation of athletes who already know their brand, their value, and their voice. The WNBA is ready to support that — with bigger deals, global opportunities, and stronger infrastructure. We’re growing the pie.”

The league is reportedly working on an updated marketing agreement system that will allow franchises and league sponsors to offer additional off-court income through media, speaking engagements, and digital content. Think ESPN+ features, YouTube series, branded TikTok campaigns, and even possible Netflix docuseries.

Reese and Bueckers are both expected to launch personal YouTube vlogs documenting their rookie seasons, while Jocytė is already in talks with EuroLeague TV and FIBA media to create a bilingual mini-documentary.

As players transition out of NIL, it’s clear the future of women’s basketball economics is hybrid — blending contracts, endorsements, social media, and content creation into a multi-revenue career path.

Team-by-Team Rookie Fits & Projections

Dallas Wings

Drafting Paige Bueckers isn’t just a win — it’s a franchise-shifting move. Bueckers gives the Wings the ultimate floor general who can run the offense, score in the clutch, and uplift teammates. She’s the kind of talent that turns casual fans into diehards. Her partnership with Arike Ogunbowale should form one of the league’s deadliest backcourts, with Satou Sabally continuing to provide frontcourt balance.

Seattle Storm

Dominique Malonga will need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the WNBA, but her footwork, shot-blocking, and rim-running ability make her a perfect long-term project. With Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith anchoring the backcourt, Malonga’s role will be focused on interior defense and vertical spacing — and fans are ready for her development.

Washington Mystics

Three top-10 picks?! The Mystics walked away as the night’s biggest winners. Sonia Citron offers shooting and maturity, Kiki Iriafen brings post scoring and hustle, and Georgia Amoore provides pace and shooting. This trio gives Washington a youthful core with playoff potential as early as 2026.

Golden State Valkyries

The new franchise made a bold statement by selecting Justė Jocytė, a global phenom with playmaking vision and shooting touch. She’s a potential franchise face and global ambassador who’s already being embraced by the Bay Area. The Valkyries’ first season might be bumpy, but with Jocytė, they’re building the right way.

Indiana Fever

Adding Aaliyah Edwards to a core of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston is almost unfair. Edwards thrives on hustle plays, defense, and toughness — exactly what Indiana needs. Her chemistry with Clark during their USA Basketball stints should translate quickly.

Los Angeles Sparks

Angel Reese instantly becomes the face of the franchise. She’s a dominant rebounder, vocal leader, and media magnet. With the Sparks in rebuild mode, expect Reese to start from Day 1 and post double-double averages by midseason.

Chicago Sky

Charisma Osborne is a gritty guard with big-game experience and defensive chops. She may not fill up highlight reels, but she’ll be a coach’s favorite — a stabilizing presence for a team in flux.

Connecticut Sun

Kamilla Cardoso fits the Sun’s defensive identity perfectly. With her size, she’ll eat up minutes protecting the rim and crashing the boards. She could be the missing piece to get Connecticut back to the WNBA Finals.

What’s Next: Training Camps and Season Kickoff

Now that the draft is behind us, attention shifts to the 2025 WNBA Training Camps, which begin April 28 across the league. Rookies will report, medical evaluations will start, and position battles will begin heating up.

Preseason games tip off the first week of May, giving fans their first look at how these rookies blend with veterans. Teams like the Golden State Valkyries will be in the spotlight, while matchups featuring Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark could sell out arenas even in exhibition play.

The regular season officially tips off on May 17, with games airing on ESPN, CBS Sports, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also stream games via the WNBA League Pass or through the official WNBA App.

The WNBA also announced a full international media plan this year, with games airing live in Brazil, Australia, France, and the Philippines, expanding the league’s global footprint just as this class begins to shine.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Now

What the 2025 WNBA Draft made crystal clear is that the league’s future is not just bright — it’s blazing. Paige Bueckers is here. Angel Reese is louder than ever. Justė Jocytė is going global. And Dominique Malonga is just getting started.

We’re entering an era of superstars who are both athletes and cultural icons, who command media attention, define fashion trends, build brands, and bring international fanbases to the WNBA.

For fans, this means more access. For the league, it means more eyes, sponsors, and investment. And for young girls watching at home, it means seeing their future in high-def.

If you’re not watching the WNBA in 2025 — whether for the highlights, the hustle, the outfits, or the international flair — you’re missing one of the most dynamic shifts in modern sports history.

7 hours ago
5 11 minutes read
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