The 2024 WNBA season had its fair share of standout teams and struggling ones, but the beauty of the WNBA Draft is that it can flip a team’s fortunes overnight. With the 2025 class featuring exciting names like Paige Bueckers and Aneesah Morrow, this draft could be a chance for several teams to rebuild and bounce back.
Let’s take a look at five teams that could make serious noise with a smart draft-day move and flip their fortune this year.
Top 5 Teams Positioned To Benefit Most From 2025 WNBA Draft
1) Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings had the worst record in the league last year, and it showed. They lacked a true point guard, had no bench depth, and struggled when Teaira McCowan wasn’t on the floor. But with five picks in this draft, including No. 1 overall, Dallas has the tools to build a real foundation.
Bueckers is widely expected to go first. Her arrival gives Dallas the floor general they’ve lacked since Skylar Diggins-Smith. Add South Carolina’s Sania Feagin at No. 12 for frontcourt depth, and a hustler like JJ Quinerly or Sarah Ashlee Barker at No. 14, and this team finally looks balanced with stars, structure, and the spark they desperately need.
2) Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics were stuck in injury limbo all season and lost two key pieces — Ariel Atkins and Julie Vanloo. They now hold three top-six picks, which puts them in a rare position to completely rebuild their identity.
They need perimeter defense, shooting, and scoring versatility. Sonia Citron, Saniya Rivers, and Te-Hina Paopao all check those boxes. Add a late-round stash like Lithuania’s Justė Jocytė, and suddenly, Washington’s future looks fast and deep. They ended up ninth in the WNBA league last season, but this year, they can make a strong comeback.
3) Golden State Valkyries
Expansion teams rarely win early, but the Golden State Valkyries aren’t your typical startup. With a new arena, big-market backing, and three picks, they just need one name to build around. Kiki Iriafen fits that mold.
She’s a frontcourt force with the kind of off-court marketability that builds fanbases. Add a bucket-getter like Shyanne Sellers or Lucy Olsen, and Golden State suddenly has both identity and upside to make a strong case in the 2025 season.
4) Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun need everything. They ended the 2024 season on a positive note, finishing third, but they still need to rebuild fast. All five starters from opening night are gone, including Alyssa Thomas, DiJonai Carrington, Ty Harris, Brionna Jones, and DeWanna Bonner. They’ve got cap space but not much else. Fortunately, picks No. 7 and 8 give them a chance to reload quickly.
Morrow, one of the best rebounders in recent college history, is a perfect fit next to veterans like Tina Charles. Combine that with a wing like Rivers, and the Sun might be right back in the playoff mix.
5) Chicago Sky
Chicago missed the playoffs last season despite having major firepower in Angel Reese. With their offseason addition of Atkins, they’re clearly aiming to get back in. What they still need is floor spacing and perimeter firepower.
Paopao, who boasts incredible long-shot abilities, could be the ideal pick. Add a tough shot-creator like Georgia Amoore, and the Chicago Sky might go from fringe to firm playoff team in just one draft.