The future of women’s hoops is about to change — again. With the 2025 WNBA Draft around the corner, the next wave of talent is ready to follow in the footsteps of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
From viral highlight reels to national title runs, these stars have already made noise. But now it’s about who gets the call — and more importantly, who’s watching when it happens. There are plenty of highly anticipated names in this year’s class. Let’s take a look.
2025 WNBA Draft: When, Where to Watch
Here’s the deal: The 2025 WNBA Draft tips off Monday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, live from The Shed in New York City. If you’re wondering where to tune in, ESPN has you covered. The entire event will stream on ESPN and the ESPN App, so you’re locked in whether you’re on the couch or on the move.
Coverage starts early. “WNBA Countdown” kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern, setting the table with analysis, predictions, and (probably) a lot of Paige Bueckers talk. UConn’s golden girl is the name on everyone’s lips.
If you’re new here, the WNBA Draft features 38 picks across three rounds. And with the new expansion franchise—the Golden State Valkyries — jumping into the mix, things could get very spicy when the second pick hits the board.
What to Watch: Names, Teams, Chaos Potential
So, what’s the buzz? Paige Bueckers is likely the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, which holds the top spot. The franchise has been looking for a generational playmaker, and Bueckers fits the bill. Smooth jumper, floor vision, clutch factor? Check, check, and check.
But don’t sleep on the rest of the board. USC’s Kiki Iriafen, France’s 6-foot-6 tower Dominique Malonga, Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron and TCU’s dynamic scorer Hailey Van Lith are all expected to go in the first round. And yes, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow and Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers are firmly in that top-12 conversation, too.
Here’s how the first-round order shakes out:
1) Dallas Wings
2) Seattle Storm (from Los Angeles Sparks)
3) Washington Mystics (from Chicago Sky)
4) Washington Mystics
5) Golden State Valkyries
6) Washington Mystics (from Atlanta Dream)
7) Connecticut Sun (from New York Liberty)
8) Connecticut Sun (from Indiana Fever)
9) Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle Storm)
10) Chicago Sky (from Connecticut Sun)
11) Minnesota Lynx
12) Dallas Wings (from New York Liberty)
Watch out for Washington — the Mystics hold three of the first six picks. That’s rare. The franchise could flip its identity overnight with a new coach and GM. If anyone walks away as the biggest winner, it might not be who we expect.
This class might not have the viral dominance Clark brought last year, but it’s deep, talented, and ridiculously versatile. And once the names get called, it’s all about who shines next.
So set your alarms, charge your devices, and grab the popcorn. The WNBA’s next chapter is about to begin.