Key Points Summary:
- WNBA draft takes place April 14 in New York City at The Shed
- Paige Bueckers is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by Dallas Wings
- The draft includes 13 teams selecting 38 players over three rounds
- New team Golden State Valkyries will pick fifth overall in their debut
- ESPN will air the draft starting at 7:30 p.m. ET with an Orange Carpet show
- Top prospects include French phenom Dominique Malonga and Hailey Van Lith
- Bueckers spent five years at UConn and returns after overcoming injuries
The countdown is on. The bright lights of New York are calling, and the basketball world is buzzing with one big question: Will Paige Bueckers be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft?
After five unforgettable years at UConnโfilled with buzzer-beaters, awards, injuries, comebacks, and elite-level playโBueckers is ready to turn pro. And the Dallas Wings might just make her the face of their franchise.
The Paige Bueckers WNBA draft moment is finally here. The league is about to get its newest superstar, and fans are already placing bets, clearing space in their closets for new jerseys, and refreshing their feeds for every update.
Hereโs everything you need to know about Bueckersโ big night and whatโs at stake as the WNBA welcomes its next generation of icons.
The Big Night: When and Where Is the WNBA Draft?
Circle the date: Monday, April 14.
The 2025 WNBA Draft will be held at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York Cityโa trendy cultural center in the heart of Manhattan. For the second straight year, fans will be in attendance, making the night even more electric.
Draft coverage begins with a special โOrange Carpetโ fashion show at 7 p.m. ET, and the actual draft tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Expect glitz, glam, nerves, and nonstop action as 38 players are selected over three rounds by 13 WNBA franchises.
Will Dallas Make Paige Bueckers the No. 1 Pick?
All signs point to yes.
The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick, and Bueckers is the consensus favorite. The Wings are in prime position to build around a generational talent, and no one fits that billing better than the UConn guard.
Sheโs battled back from multiple injuries, starred on the biggest stages, and became one of the most recognizable names in womenโs sports.
โIโve dreamed about this moment my whole life,โ Bueckers said. โNow itโs here. Iโm ready.โ
Dallas would be foolish not to take her.
Why Paige Bueckers Is Draft Night Royalty
Letโs talk stats and star power. Bueckers isnโt just goodโsheโs game-changing.
- Former Naismith Player of the Year
- Three-time All-American
- NCAA Tournament MVP
- Elite shooting percentage, court vision, and leadership
- Massive social media following
- Marketability off the charts
Her combination of skill and charisma makes her a no-brainer No. 1 pick. And after a stunning NCAA title run, her stock couldnโt be higher.
What Makes This Draft Extra Special?
This is the 29th WNBA Draft, but itโs the most anticipated in years. Why?
For the first time in 17 years, thereโs an expansion team in the mix. Say hello to the Golden State Valkyries, who will make their debut draft selection at No. 5 overall.
With 13 franchises picking 38 players, the league is growingโand fast. The future is now.
And with the NCAA womenโs tournament breaking viewership records, the draft is expected to draw a record audience too.
How to Watch the WNBA Draft
- Date: Monday, April 14
- Orange Carpet: 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN app
- Live Draft Coverage: 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
- Streaming: WNBA.com, WNBA app, and league social channels
Fashion will be front and center before the picks start rolling in. Remember last year when Caitlin Clark showed up wearing Prada? Expect a red-carpet-level show from the players this year.
Other Top Prospects to Watch
While Bueckers is the headline, the 2025 class is packed with talent.
Dominique Malonga (France)
- A 6-foot-6 center from Lyon
- Starred in the 2024 Paris Olympics
- First French woman to dunk in a EuroCup game
- Expected top-5 pick, possibly to Washington or Seattle
Hailey Van Lith
- Has played for three different programs, including Louisville and TCU
- Helped TCU reach its first Elite Eight
- Bronze medalist in 3-on-3 basketball at the 2024 Olympics
- Could land in the top 10
Sonia Citron
- Notre Dame standout
- Elite defender and clutch scorer
- Projected to go in the first round
With some top names choosing to stay in college for NIL deals, this yearโs draft also has an international feelโand a few surprise stories waiting to unfold.
WNBA Teams and Draft Order
Hereโs how the first five picks are shaping up:
- Dallas Wings
- Seattle Storm
- Washington Mystics
- Washington Mystics (again)
- Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries, making their first-ever pick, could shake up the draft entirely. Expect them to go bold and pick an international name or a rising college star to headline their debut.
Bueckers vs. Everyone: The Leagueโs New Face?
Bueckers enters the WNBA with the kind of hype rarely seen in womenโs sports. And sheโs walking into a league already stocked with stars like Aโja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum.
But make no mistake: Bueckers will be a franchise centerpiece.
Sponsors are lining up. Fans are already buying her jersey. And if she goes to Dallas, she could turn that team into an instant contender.
โSheโs a once-in-a-generation player,โ said one WNBA executive. โAnd weโre lucky to have her.โ
What About Her Injuries?
Itโs trueโBueckers has battled injuries during her college career, including a torn ACL. But her comeback story is part of what makes her draft moment so powerful.
She played this past season with poise, resilience, and elite-level performance.
Her durability may be a question for some, but her work ethic and comeback strength have answered most doubts.
Whatโs Next After Draft Night?
After the picks are in, rookies will head to their teams for training camps in early May. The WNBA regular season kicks off shortly after, meaning fans wonโt have to wait long to see these stars in action.
Expect Bueckers to start immediately, sell out arenas, and light up the highlight reels from day one.
Paige Bueckers WNBA Draft Dreams Now Reality
The Paige Bueckers WNBA draft journey is entering its most exciting chapter. From UConn hero to WNBA No. 1 pick, her path has been filled with adversity, triumph, and nowโdestiny.
Will Dallas make the obvious move? Will a surprise team shake things up? One thingโs certain: Monday night in New York will be unforgettable.
So grab your popcorn, charge your phone, and get readyโbecause the next queen of the court is about to take her throne.
