March Madness brought fireworks, and women’s basketball fans got an unforgettable finale. UConn dominated South Carolina in a stunning 82–59 win, clinching their 12th national championship. Paige Bueckers dropped 17 points and reminded everyone why she’s one of the most talked-about players heading into the pros.
But Bueckers isn’t the only one turning heads. Names like Te-Hina Paopao, Sonia Citron, and others are also ready to make the leap. With so many stars set to turn pro, fans are asking: How exactly does the WNBA Draft work — and who’s eligible?
WNBA Draft Eligibility: What Are the Rules?
Interestingly, the WNBA has stricter eligibility guidelines than the NBA. To enter the WNBA Draft, a player must meet one of the following criteria, per the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement:
- Will be at least 22 years old during the calendar year in which the draft is held
- Has graduated from a four-year college or university before the draft or is set to graduate within the three months following the draft
- Has attended a four-year college or university and is four years removed from high school graduation
Furthermore, WNBA Draft entrants must either have no remaining college eligibility or denounce their remaining eligibility.
For international players (those who were born and reside outside the U.S. and haven’t played college basketball in the U.S.), the rule is simpler: They must be at least 20 years old during the year of the draft. Players also must declare their intent to enter the draft at least 10 days before the event.
Also, those who participate in the NCAA Tournament have 48 hours after their last game or April 1 (whichever comes later) to opt in, giving athletes time to reflect on their decision after the season ends.
The draft itself consists of three rounds, with one pick per team per round (disregarding trades). With 13 teams in the WNBA in 2025, that equals 39 picks, though the Las Vegas Aces forfeited their first-round selection, leaving just 38 picks in 2025. Unlike the NBA, the WNBA Draft typically occurs shortly after the NCAA Tournament concludes, capitalizing on the momentum and visibility of March Madness.
The 2025 WNBA Draft Landscape
The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick in this year’s draft, positioning themselves to add another foundational piece after Arike Ogunbowale. Moreover, basketball analysts widely project Paige Bueckers from UConn as the likely top selection, following her dominant college career that showcased her elite skills.
“When you have that kind of a career at a place like Connecticut and you mean so much to so many people and you’ve given so much to our school, to our program, to her teammates,” said UConn coach Geno Auriemma about Bueckers after their 2025 championship win.
“For it to play out the way it did and to leave, playing your very last game in the national championship game and winning that game, I don’t think there could ever be a greater feeling that a player could have than walking off the court in your last game as a champion.”
The Wings and the Washington Mystics hold the most draft picks this year with five selections (each). This abundance of picks offers the teams a prime opportunity to accelerate their rebuilding efforts.
The 2025 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 14 and will air on ESPN. Understanding these draft mechanisms provides valuable context for fans following women’s basketball’s continued growth and the professional journeys of college stars transforming into WNBA professionals.