Another WNBA Draft is in the books, and while all eyes were on the top picks, there’s a deeper trend worth noticing. Beyond individual stars, it’s the college programs producing consistent talent year after year that tell you a lot about the future of the league.
So, which schools had the strongest presence in the 2025 WNBA Draft? Let’s just say a few familiar names popped up more than once — and some made some serious noise.
UConn, South Carolina, Alabama, and Notre Dame Shine With 3 Picks
UConn
UConn led the spotlight, and of course, it started with Paige Bueckers. The All-American guard was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, fulfilling years of expectations. But it didn’t stop there.
Kaitlyn Chen was also drafted 30th by the Golden State Valkyries, while Aubrey Griffin joined the Minnesota Lynx at pick 37.
With the latest NCAA championship title to its name and now three players in the WNBA draft pick, UConn once again proved it’s among the elite in producing next-level talent.
South Carolina
South Carolina, a regular feature in the WNBA Draft, had all three of its picks land in the second round. Te-Hina Paopao (No. 18) went to the Atlanta Dream, while Bree Hall (No. 20) will suit up for the Indiana Fever, and Sania Feagin (No. 21) will gear up to shine in a Los Angeles Sparks jersey.
That’s a solid draft haul for Dawn Staley’s program, which has become a consistent talent factory over the last few years.
Alabama
Alabama turned heads this year with three selections as well — a significant development for a program not traditionally seen as a WNBA pipeline. Sarah Ashlee Barker cracked the lottery at No. 9 to the Sparks, Aaliyah Nye followed at No. 13 to the Las Vegas Aces, and Zaay Green rounded things out at pick 32 to the Washington Mystics.
That kind of presence should give Alabama women’s hoops a recruiting boost.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame continued to build on its storied legacy. Sonia Citron went No. 3 overall to the Mystics, showcasing her polished game and upside. Maddy Westbeld was selected 16th by the Chicago Sky, and Liatu King went 28th to the Sparks.
It’s yet another draft where Notre Dame players prove they’re ready for the pros across multiple positions.
Several other schools made notable impressions, with two players each making the draft board.
NC State had a strong outing, with one player selected in the first round (Saniya Rivers) and another in the second (Aziaha James) — highlighting the balance of star power and depth. TCU and Southern California (USC) also saw two of their athletes picked across multiple rounds.
From established bluebloods like UConn and Notre Dame to up-and-comers like Alabama, the 2025 WNBA Draft offered a clear look at which programs are doing the best job at preparing players for the next level.