When Caitlin Clark stepped onto the court as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, few could have predicted the seismic shift she would trigger across women’s basketball. The Iowa phenom who shattered the NCAA Division I scoring record with 3,951 career points and averaged an astonishing 31.6 points per game in her final collegiate season didn’t just join the league, but she transformed it.
Her electric play style and marketable persona helped the WNBA achieve unprecedented viewership milestones with an all-time record of 54 million unique viewers across ABC, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, ION, and NBA TV. Now, as the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, Clark’s immense impact is being felt in a new way.
Rise in 2025 WNBA Draft Ticket Prices
The 2025 WNBA Draft, scheduled to take place on April 14 at The Shed in Hudson Yards (New York City) is already generating massive buzz. Last year’s WNBA Draft was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with general admission tickets priced at a modest $49.99.
But this year’s move to “The Shed” — a more prominent venue, with all eyes glued to it — comes with a new energy and a new price tag for the same tickets. The $99 tickets reflect a growing demand and a newfound spotlight on women’s basketball.
While Clark’s impact is undeniable, there’s another key reason for the draft’s elevated hype: the rise of Paige Bueckers.
After battling injuries for two seasons of her college career, Bueckers came back in full force during the 2024-25 NCAA season with UConn. Not only did she lead the Huskies with clutch performances and consistent scoring but she also guided them to their 12th national title by scoring 17 points in the championship final on April 6 during an 82-59 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Bueckers’s presence brought UConn back to its championship form and reignited fan excitement around one of the sport’s most iconic programs. The final game also became the third most-watched women’s championship game as it drew 8.5 million viewers.
The combination of Clark and Bueckers has created a perfect storm for women’s basketball popularity. Fans are more invested than ever and that energy is translating directly into demand for events like the WNBA Draft.
Top Players To Look for in the 2025 WNBA Draft
The 2025 WNBA Draft is set to commence on Monday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET at The Shed in New York City. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the selections live on ESPN, marking a pivotal moment for the league’s future stars.
Here are the top prospects to watch.
1) Paige Bueckers (UConn, Guard)
Bueckers is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, likely heading to the Dallas Wings. The 6-foot guard led UConn to a national championship, averaging 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game during the 2024-25 season.
Her efficient shooting of 41.9% from beyond the arc (this season), combined with her play-making abilities, make her a transformative talent and a player to watch.
2) Kiki Iriafen (USC, Forward)
Iriafen showcased her versatility at USC by scoring 18.0 points while grabbing 8.4 rebounds during this current season as a 6’3″ forward. She stands strong as a leading frontcourt talent because of her exceptional post-play and rebounding abilities.
3) Aneesah Morrow (LSU, Forward)
In January, Morrow achieved significant media attention when she passed 2,500 career points and that mark now sits at 2,852 points because of her reliable scoring ability and finesse around the rim. During her final season at LSU, Morrow achieved an average of 18.7 points alongside 13.5 rebounds per game, which proved her dual-court impact.
4) Hailey Van Lith (TCU, Guard)
Van Lith, a dynamic 5’9″ guard, averaged 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game during her senior year at Texas Christian University. Her strong leadership and innate scoring ability make her a valuable asset in the backcourt.
These four dynamic athletes are poised to make significant impacts in the WNBA, bringing talent and excitement to the league’s next chapter.