Everything to Know About the 2025 WNBA Draft

The WNBA Draft is just a few days away, and soon, the top prospects will learn where they’ll begin their professional careers. This past Sunday, the UConn Huskies dominated the South Carolina Gamecocks to win their first National Championship since 2016, capping off a storybook ending to Paige Bueckers' collegiate career. As the event nears, key narratives are emerging, including potential franchise-altering picks and their implications across the league. Here are several key things to consider ahead of the draft.

Draft Date and Location:  

The 2025 WNBA Draft is scheduled for Monday, April 14th, at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York City. The coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a pre-draft show starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. Following the draft, training camps will commence on April 27th, and the regular season begins on May 16th. This year's draft marks the inaugural event at The Shed, and for the fourth consecutive year, the draft will be held in New York City with fans in attendance.

Draft Order: 

First Round -  

1. Dallas Wings 

2. Seattle Storm - from Los Angeles Sparks

3. Washington Mystics - from Chicago Sky 

4. Washington Mystics  

5. Golden State Valkyries  

6. Washington Mystics - from Atlanta Dream

7. Connecticut Sun - from New York Liberty

8. Connecticut Sun - from Indiana Fever

9. Los Angeles Sparks - from Seattle Storm

10. Chicago Sky - from Connecticut Sun 

11. Minnesota Lynx  

12. Dallas Wings - from New York Liberty

Second Round -  

13. Las Vegas Aces - from Los Angeles 

14. Dallas Wings 

15. Minnesota Lynx - from Chicago  

16. Chicago Sky - from Washington  

17. Golden State Valkyries  

18. Atlanta Dream  

19. Indiana Fever - from Phoenix 

20. Indiana Fever 

21. Los Angeles Sparks - from Seattle 

22. Chicago Sky - from Las Vegas 

23. Washington Mystics - from Connecticut

24. Minnesota Lynx 

25. Connecticut Sun - from New York 

Third Round - 

26. Seattle Storm - from Los Angeles 

27. Dallas Wings  

28. Los Angeles - from Chicago 

29. Seattle Storm - from Washington 

30. Golden State Valkyries 

31. Dallas Wings - from Atlanta

32. Washington Mystics - from Phoenix 

33. Indiana Fever 

34. Seattle Storm  

35. Las Vegas Aces 

36. Atlanta Dream - from Connecticut 

37. Minnesota Lynx 

38. New York Liberty 

Top Prospects:  

UConn’s Paige Bueckers had an outstanding final season, averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and shooting an impressive 53.4% from the field. Her stellar play helped lead UConn to their 12th National Championship, cementing her legacy as one of the best to ever wear a Husky uniform. Over her career, Bueckers accumulated 2,439 points, ranking third on UConn's all-time scoring list. She is regarded as one of the greatest of all time in NCAA women’s basketball after finally winning a championship. Bueckers is expected to be the number one overall pick in this year’s draft, with the Dallas Wings poised to select her as a cornerstone for their franchise.

Dominique Malonga, the six-foot-six French phenom, began her professional career at just 16 years old with a French club, showcasing her immense talent from a young age. Now playing for Lyon, she is averaging 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. Known for her impressive athleticism and versatility, Malonga excels on both ends of the floor, contributing significantly as a scorer and defender. Her ability to dominate in the paint, coupled with her skill in transitioning to the perimeter, makes her a complete player with immense potential.

Kiki Iriafen, who played three seasons at Stanford, transferred to USC for her final year of eligibility, making an immediate impact in her new environment. This season, she averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, showcasing her all-around game. Known for her versatility and ability to contribute to multiple areas, Iriafen’s adaptability on both ends of the floor has solidified her as one of the most promising prospects in this year’s draft. She is projected to be a top-10 pick in the draft.

LSU's Aneesah Morrow, a six-foot-one forward, dominated the college game this season, leading the nation in rebounding with 13.5 boards per game. She also added 18.7 points, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game, showcasing her all-around game and dominance in the paint. Morrow’s relentless energy and physicality have made her a standout player, and her ability to control the glass and score efficiently has drawn attention. One general manager praised Morrow, calling her a "dawg" and highlighting the tenacity she plays with. Her tough, competitive nature is expected to translate seamlessly to the league.

Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron, a six-foot-one guard, has been a steady and reliable presence for the Fighting Irish this season, averaging 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Known for her versatility, Citron excels in every facet of the game, contributing both offensively and defensively. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, or facilitating for teammates, she does it all with ease. Her well-rounded game and consistent performance throughout the season have solidified her status as one of the top prospects. Citron is expected to be a lottery pick in this year’s draft, where her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor will be highly coveted.

This draft is among the deepest we've seen in recent years, making it intriguing to anticipate where each of these talented players will be selected. Teams are looking to make impactful selections, and with a generational talent like Paige Bueckers, the future of the league is looking bright. As teams look to build for both the present and the future, the draft will be a crucial moment in shaping the next wave of stars. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see which players will make an immediate impact in the WNBA.