The WNBA Draft took place April 14 at The Shed in New York City’s Hudson Yards, marking a significant moment for the league as it welcomed a new class of talent. The event, attended by fans and broadcast live on ESPN, featured the iconic “Orange Carpet,” where top prospects showcased their style before the draft.
The WNBA Draft operates like many other professional sports drafts, serving as the primary mechanism for teams to acquire new talent entering the league. Eligible players, typically graduating college athletes, are available for selection in a predetermined order. This order is usually inverse to the previous season’s standings, meaning teams with the poorest records get the first opportunities to pick the highest-rated players. Through 3 rounds of elections, each of the 12 WNBA teams gets a chance to add new players to their roster, aiming to build competitive teams for the seasons ahead.
Top Pick
The University of Connecticut’s standout guard, Paige Bueckers, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. Bueckers, who led the Huskies to their 12th national championship, has been a prominent figure in women’s basketball, overcoming injuries to average 19.9 points per game in her final season. Her selection continues the tradition of UConn guards making a significant impact in the WNBA.
Notable First-Round Selections
Dominique Malonga (No. 2, Seattle Storm): The 6’6, 19-year-old French national team member brings international experience and athleticism to Seattle.
Juste Jocyte (No. 5, Golden State Valkyries): Also at 19, the Lithuanian guard becomes the first-ever draft pick for the expansion team.
Aneesah Morrow (No. 7 Connecticut Sun): The Louisiana State University standout is known for her rebounding and inside scoring.
Hailey Van Lith (No. 11 Chicago Sky): The Texas Christian University guard is recognized for her competitiveness and scoring ability.
Notably, the Las Vegas Aces did not have a first-round pick due to league sanctions. Those sanctions, announced in 2023, penalized the team for impermissible player benefits and respect in the workplace violations, specifically resulting in the forfeiture of their 2025 first-round selection.
Washington Mystics’ Strategic Moves
The D.C. team initially entered the draft Nos. 4 and 6. However, the Mystics traded Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky to obtain the No. 3 selection as well, giving them three out of the top six picks of the 2025 draft. The Mystics also traded guard Karlie Samuelson — one of their top players — to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, likely setting their sights on rebuilding and securing valuable assets for the future. Some potential No. 1 picks for the 2026 WNBA Draft likely include Lauren Betts (center, University of California Los Angeles), Flau’jae Johnson (guard/forward, Louisiana State University), Ta’Niya Latson (guard, Florida State University) and Kiki Rice (guard, UCLA).
The Mystics’ selections in the 2025 draft indicate a commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season. Their first-round picks were:
Sonia Citron (No. 3): A versatile guard from Notre Dame, Citron is known for her defensive skills and basketball IQ.
Kiki Iriafen (No. 4): A forward from the University of Southern California, Iriafen brings athleticism and scoring ability to the court.
Georgia Amoore (No. 6): A dynamic point guard from Kentucky and Australian professional player, Amoore is praised for her playmaking skills and leadership on the court.
These additions aim to improve the Mystics’ roster with a blend of defense, versatility, and offensive power.
Late-Round Steals
Kaitlyn Chen (No. 30, Golden State Valkyries): The Princeton and UConn alumna became the first person of Taiwanese descent to be drafted into the WNBA, marking a historic moment for the league.
Harmoni Turner (No. 35, Las Vegas Aces): The Harvard standout, named Ivy League Player of the Year, brings a strong academic and athletic background to the Aces. Her leadership and skills could prove valuable as she transitions to the professional level.
Notably Undrafted Players
One of the most talked-about stories of the night was the absence of Texas Christian University’s center from the draft selections, Sedona Prince. Despite a strong collegiate performance, off-court issues, including multiple allegations of sexual assault and abuse, likely influenced teams’ decisions to pass on her. Prince has denied all allegations and remains eligible to pursue professional opportunities through WNBA tryouts or overseas leagues.
In addition to Prince, other notable players went undrafted:
Diamond Johnson (Norfolk State): A versatile and decorated guard, Johnson showcased scoring and leadership across multiple conferences.
Deja Kelly (Oregon): Known for her mid-range game, Kelly performed well in big moments and brings strong playmaking and defensive skills.
Alyssa Ustby (North Carolina): A multi-faceted forward, Ustby holds North Carolina’s rebound record and was the only player nationwide to meet a unique all-around statistical benchmark last season.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season, these draft decisions will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the league. Fans can look forward to seeing how these talents integrate into their respective teams and contribute to the evolving landscape of the WNBA.
By Kiran Singh