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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 15: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert poses with the draftees prior to … [+]
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The 2025 WNBA Draft will take place on April 14 at The Shed in New York City, with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announcing selections live on national television, the league announced today. The event will be broadcast on ESPN starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, preceded by a pre-draft show at 7 p.m. ET.
For the second consecutive year, the draft will be a ticketed event with fans in attendance. In 2024, tickets were sold out shortly after going on sale and fans packed the Brooklyn Academy of Music as names such as Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso were announced.
“At a time when the passion and excitement surrounding the WNBA has never been higher, we continue to focus on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The tremendous fan engagement we enjoyed at draft last year was a precursor to a season in which we ultimately set records for viewership, attendance, digital consumption and merchandise sales. Now, on the heels of an interesting free agency period and with draft serving as the official start to the upcoming WNBA season, we look forward to welcoming in a new set of WNBA rookies in a memorable way.”
Draft night festivities will begin with top prospects walking an orange carpet, highlighting both their fashion and personalities before one of the most significant moments of their careers. Earlier that day, draft prospects will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony celebrating the occasion.
Comprehensive draft coverage will be available across the league’s digital platforms, with a focus on behind-the-scenes content, player profiles, and team strategies. The league’s website will provide in-depth analysis, projected picks, and insights into how the selections could impact the upcoming season.
What’s At Stake
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 06: Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies dribbles the ball during … [+]
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The Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm at No. 2 and the Washington Mystics at Nos. 3 and 4. The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years, will select fifth. This draft class arrives amid growing interest in women’s basketball, fueled by record-breaking college viewership and increased media attention on top prospects.
Paige Bueckers is widely projected to be the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings to complete a roster that already counts on Arike Ogunbowale, TeairaMcCowan, and MyishaHines-Allen. A UConn superstar, Bueckers has the potential to elevate the Wings to a contender after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs last season. Boasting 19 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, all while shooting 53.6% from the field throughout her collegiate career, the point guard can be the glue that connects the Wings’ front and backcourt efficiently.
Olivia Miles is expected to be the second overall selection, with the Seattle Storm likely targeting the Notre Dame shooting guard as a foundational piece for their backcourt, especially since the departure of WNBA champion and All-Star Jewell Loyd. Miles has averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game during her time as a Fighting Irish and could fill the gap left by Loyd while providing a defensive boost.
Other players who might declare for the 2025 WNBA draft are Kiki Iriafen, Te-Hina Paopao, Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, and Aneesah Morrow.
