The 2025 WNBA Draft, held on April 14th, 2025, at The Shed in New York City, marked a major milestone for women’s basketball. UConn’s Paige Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, leading a talented and diverse group of 38 athletes ready to shape the league’s future.
Bueckers, a standout guard and recent national champion, headlined a night that featured top NCAA stars and promising international players. France’s Dominique Malonga was picked second by Seattle, and Lithuania’s Justė Jocytė was selected fifth by the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. In total, 33 of the 38 picks came from Division I college programs, with South Carolina, Alabama, Notre Dame, and UConn each contributing three players. The SEC led all conferences with ten players drafted.
Franchises like the Washington Mystics used their draft positions strategically, selecting three times in the top six to build a foundation for the future. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky brought together former LSU teammates Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, hoping to channel their collegiate chemistry into WNBA success.
“This isn’t just a moment for the WNBA, it’s for all women’s sports,” said Coach Sami, head coach of the Hidden Valley High School girls varsity basketball team. “These athletes have always deserved this stage, it’s just that now the world is watching.”
What set this year’s draft apart wasn’t just the talent—it was the attention. With over 1.25 million viewers, it surpassed the ratings of both the NHL and MLB drafts. For many in the basketball community, it was a long-overdue spotlight. That visibility is already inspiring the next generation.
Hidden Valley varsity player Dotti Dorlini says, “Seeing so many amazing women get drafted was super inspiring. I’ve watched these women build their careers throughout college and to see all their hard work pay of is incredible.”
With rising talent, smart team building, and growing fan support, the 2025 WNBA Draft wasn’t just about who went where, it was a sign that women’s basketball is growing rapidly, and people around the world are finally paying attention.
