Teams Vie for Top Pick in 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery
This year, four teams participated in the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery. Representing the Los Angeles Sparks was Rickea Jackson, while Maddy Siegrist stood for the Dallas Wings. Aaliyah Edwards represented the Washington Mystics, and Angel Reese was the face of the Chicago Sky. With the best season record, the Sparks had the highest chance of securing the first draft pick. However, the Wings also had strong odds due to their ability to swap their first-round pick with the Sky's first-round pick. This added an extra layer of anticipation to the event. It's also noteworthy that in 2023, the Aces had their first-round draft pick rescinded due to a league rules violation.
During the draft lottery broadcast, it was revealed that the Dallas Wings secured the first overall pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft. The Los Angeles Sparks will pick second, followed by the Chicago Sky at third, and the Washington Mystics at fourth. One of the most anticipated prospects for the top pick is Paige Bueckers from the University of Connecticut. Initially expected to join the Sparks, she is now likely to be picked by the Wings. Prior to tonight’s event, it had been confirmed that the Golden State Valkyries would select fifth in the upcoming draft.
After the season ended, all four teams in the draft lottery parted ways with their head coaches. So far, only the Chicago Sky have secured a replacement, hiring Tyler Marsh from the Las Vegas Aces. With the WNBA Expansion Draft less than a month away on December 6th, there are growing concerns about the teams without head coaches. Existing WNBA teams can only protect six players, and the Golden State Valkyries are eager to fill their roster. The Valkyries can select only one player who is not designated as a core player. Notable free agents like Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and Kelsey Mitchell have recently attracted attention, although they are expected to stay with their current teams.
As the WNBA gears up for a new and exciting chapter, the future expansion draft is set to shift dynamics dramatically. With the expansion draft coming up, the moves WNBA teams make will be super important, not just for their own future but also for the future of the Golden State Valkyries. Fans and analysts are on the edge of their seats, ready to see how everything plays out and what the shake-up will bring to the table. There’s never been a more thrilling time to follow the WNBA.
