During the offseason, it was easy to spot the expected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, UConn star Paige Bueckers. While waiting for the upcoming basketball season, Bueckers was seen at various high-profile events and celebrity showcases across the country, including the ESPYs, New York Fashion Week, the U.S Open, and WNBA games. She even jokingly captioned one of her Instagram posts with “I still hoop, I swear.”
The Dallas Wings were fortunate to win the 2025 WNBA Draft lottery, giving them the opportunity to select Bueckers with the top pick in April. Anticipation is high in Dallas, and Bueckers’ impact may be felt sooner rather than later.
Bueckers’ potential arrival will have a significant influence on Dallas’ coaching search, marketability, and overall franchise direction.
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Dallas Wings score No. 1 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery
This year’s draft lottery had uncertainty surrounding three of the four teams involved, including the Wings, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Washington Mystics, who all parted ways with their coaches in the offseason. Bueckers’ impressive credentials bring added value to the coaching search for these teams.
“The coaching search has already generated a tremendous amount of interest,” stated new Wings general manager Curt Miller. “This is only going to increase it.”
Players like Bueckers have the potential to reshape a franchise, making coaching positions more attractive and generating increased fan interest. The Wings’ decision to hire a new coach becomes more straightforward with the prospect of coaching Bueckers.
Further, the arrival of Bueckers could elevate the Wings’ status and make them more competitive. Pairing her with existing star players like Satou Sabally and Arike Ogunbowale could propel the team to contention status. Bueckers brings versatility and skill to the team as a top scorer and excellent shooter.
The benefits of winning the draft lottery extend beyond the court for the Wings. The addition of a player like Bueckers could boost attendance, TV ratings, and business opportunities for the franchise, especially as they plan to move to downtown Dallas in the near future.
Bueckers’ college career has faced challenges, including injuries and tough losses, but she remains focused on achieving success both in college and at the professional level. Her dedication and drive are evident as she prepares for her final season in college.
While Bueckers has yet to confirm her draft declaration, the Wings are eager for the opportunity to have her on their team. Miller is optimistic about the impact that a No. 1 draft pick like Bueckers can have on a franchise.
(Photo: Joe Buglewicz / Getty Images)
