Paige Bueckers with Holly Row at the 2025 WNBA Draft after being selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings

Paige Bueckers with Holly Row

Dominique Malonga at the 2025 WNBA Draft after being selected No. 2 by the Seattle Storm

Dominique Malonga at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Kiki Iriafen walking up the stage at the 2025 WNBA Draft after being drafted No.4 to the Washington Mystics.

Kiki Iriafen walking up the stage at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Georgia Amoore hugging Russell Westbrook at the 2025 WNBA Draft after being selected No. 6

Georgia Amoore hugging Russell Westbrook at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Ajša Sivka during an interview with Taylor Rooks at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Ajša Sivka at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Hailey Van Lith smiling at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Hailey Van Lith at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aziaha James and Holly Rowe at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aziaha James and Holly Rowe

Sarah Ashlee Barker hugging her mom at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Sarah Ashlee Barker hugging her mom

Saniya Rivers smiling during an interview at the 2025 WNBA Draft

WNBA DRAFT 2025 // Draft Photos

Aneesah Morrow hugging her former coach Kim Mulkey at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aneesah Morrow hugging her former coach Kim Mulkey

Madison Scott smiling during an interview at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Madison Scott at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Paige Bueckers at the 2025 WNBA Draft

The 2025 WNBA Draft Green Room

Hailey Van Lith sitting with her family at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Hailey Van Lith and her family at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Overview of the draft stage at the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York

Overview of the draft stage

Georgia Amoore during an interview at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Georgia Amoore at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Dominique Malonga's family celebrate her with their national flag after she is drafted No. 2 at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Dominique Malonga's family

Sania Feagin on stage after being drafted at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Sania Feagin at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Madison Scott hugging Holly Rowe at the 2025 WNBA Draft

The 2025 WNBA Draft stage when Paige Bueckers was announced the No. 1 pick

The 2025 WNBA Draft stage

A full view of the set at the 2025 WNBA Draft

The set at the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aziaha James possing during the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aziaha James during the 2025 WNBA Draft

WNBA_Draft_2025_SF_CMYK_DkBkgd (1)

2025-wnba-draft-ceremony-photo-gallery

Photos of the Night: 2025 WNBA Draft Ceremony

WNBA rookies are making their presence felt like never before. From opening night to the postseason, first-year players are stepping into key roles, shifting team dynamics, and helping drive success immediately. Last season, Caitlin Clark played a pivotal role in helping the Indiana Fever secure their first playoff appearance in seven years. Additionally to Clark, Angel Reese became a nightly double-double threat for the Sky, while Rickea Jackson gave the Sparks a true three-level-scorer that ascended in the second half of the season, and Aaliyah Edwards and Kate Martin emerged as reliable contributors during critical stretches.
This trend isn’t slowing down—and it’s made the WNBA Draft more crucial than ever. It’s no longer just about building for the future; it&#8217;s about finding players who can change a team’s trajectory immediately. With that in mind, let’s break down the rookies from this year’s draft who are poised to do just that in 2025.
<hr />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-197762" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42.png 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-42-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
Paige Bueckers &#8211; Dallas Wings
Paige Bueckers. Able to play both point guard and shooting guard, Bueckers brings the versatility needed to complement Arike Ogunbowale—a score-first guard known for her high shot volume. That volume may only grow with the offseason departure of Satou Sabally.
Bueckers, in contrast, is a natural facilitator who can still threaten from all three levels. Her playmaking instincts and ability to defer when needed make her an ideal backcourt partner for Ogunbowale. Dallas also has a strong frontcourt, with players like NaLyssa Smith and Myisha Hines-Allen expected to benefit from Bueckers’ proficiency in the pick-and-roll.
<hr />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-197761" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41.png 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-41-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
Georgia Amoore &#8211; Washington Mystics
The Mystics came away from the draft with a trio of impact players: Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen. While all three address key needs, Amoore stands out in terms of immediate roster fit. As the Mystics have invested draft capital into bigs the previous few seasons (Edwards, Austin), Amoore will give them a legit pick and roll dance partner at the one. 
Amoore will likely compete for the starting point guard role this season, and the idea of her orchestrating alongside fellow rookies and established post players like Shakira Austin, Aaliyah Edwards, and Stefanie Dolson is compelling. At Virginia Tech, she averaged 6.9 assists per game and consistently created open looks off screens and spacing.
Her transition to the WNBA should be smooth, largely due to how well her skill set matches the talent already in Washington’s frontcourt.
<hr />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-197763" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43.png 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-43-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
Hailey Van Lith &#8211; Chicago Sky
Speaking of guards who excel in space, Hailey Van Lith is one of the best among smaller guards at exploiting it. Last season at TCU, she shot 45.2% from the field and posted a career-high 5.2 assists per game—numbers that underscore her ability to generate offense in the pick-and-roll.
Now in Chicago, Van Lith will have the luxury of playing alongside Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Not only did she already share the court with Reese at LSU in 2023–24, but their established chemistry should serve as a foundation for the Sky’s revamped attack.
Cardoso will benefit from Van Lith’s court vision and willingness to create opportunities in the post and in screen actions. Van Lith also helps offset the departures of Chennedy Carter and Diamond DeShields, both of whom were not re-signed this offseason.
<hr />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-197764" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44.png" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44.png 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/Untitled-design-44-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
Te-Hina Paopao &#8211; Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream ended the 2024 season ranked last in overall shooting percentage (40.8%) and second-to-last in three-point shooting (30.8%). Enter Te-Hina Paopao, a career 40% three-point shooter from her time at South Carolina. It’s easy to see why Atlanta took a chance on her in the second round.
If Paopao earns a spot on the final roster, she could provide badly needed shooting off the bench and help stretch the floor for players like Haley Jones and Nia Coffey. New head coach Karl Smesko, known for emphasizing perimeter shooting during his tenure at Florida Gulf Coast, likely played a major role in drafting Paopao at 18th overall.
WNBA reporter Candace Pedraza writes columns on <a href="http://wnba.com/">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams

how-top-draft-picks-align-with-their-new-teams

A Perfect Fit: How Top Draft Picks Align with Their New Teams

Before stepping into the 2025 Draft, the wavy walls of the modern, multi-level building foreshadowed a new era of player style on the Orange Carpet. While last year's draft introduced style surprises, like Rickea Jackson’s suit change before her selection, this year's draftees are delivering new takes on show-stopping style.&nbsp;
League-certified stylists are quickly teaming up with the latest talent, like Golden with Saniya Rivers; Sydney Bordonaro with Aziaha James; and Marc Desir with Deja Kelly. While these stylists are known for elevating their players’ aesthetics, working with draftees provides a rare opportunity for greater experimentation. Other notable stylist notes include Madison Scott teaming up with Liatu King, a current Notre Dame Women's Basketball Player; and Sania Feagin, who proudly credited her mom with choosing her shiny, white gown.&nbsp;

Madison Scott, Saniya Rivers' purse, Hailey Van Lith, and Aneesah Morrow pictured on the 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet 

#1 DRAFT 2025 TRENDS

Madison Scott and Dominique Malonga pose on the 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet 

#2 DRAFT 2025 TRENDS

Tina Thompson pictured in her 1997 WNBA Draft outfit, alongside Allisha Gray, and Nika Mühl during the 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet.

#3 DRAFT 2025 TRENDS

Hailey Van Lith, Paige Bueckers, Aneesah Morrow and Sonia Citron pictured posing on the 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet

#4 DRAFT 2025 TRENDS

A selection of custom Coach looks confirms the role of a player’s draft outfit as the first piece of storytelling around their personality– even when players rock the same brand, the resulting carpet is extremely diverse. Organizing style at the 2025 Draft into three major trends, these looks introduce this class’ style staples and unique approaches to one-of-one customization. 1. FULL SUITS

Since Tina Thompson's gray suit at the inaugural 1997 WNBA draft, players have confirmed that a full suit is a timeless option. This year, Madison Scott modernizes an AMIRI suit with a custom #24 piece from Johnny Dang with the help of stylist Liatu King, a current Notre Dame Women's Basketball Player. Dominique Malonga utilizes her Louis Vuitton suit's construction to pay homage to her French heritage.Current players who also appeared on the Orange Carpet in suits include Allisha Gray and Nika Mühl, who represents her Croatian heritage with a suit by y/GIA. 2. STATEMENT PURSES

While past players have opted to keep their hands free from purses, this year's draft outfits expands upon the idea of a statement purse. Working with Russell Westbrook as her stylist, Georgia Amoore debuts an "H" shaped purse to finish her Honor the Gift look.Saniya Rivers catches everyone's attention with a hand-painted "THE WNBA BEEN POPPIN" message on a collaborative purse by Saturday House and her stylist, Golden. From the actual suit to the details, Golden envisioned something "one of one that was curated just for [Rivers].” Transforming carpet-ready sparkle into something more abstract, Sarah Ashlee Barker wears a metallic Cult Gaia purse.

3. CUSTOM BRAND LOOKS Orange Carpet looks are typically rooted in contemporary inspiration, but Hailey Van Lith stands out for bringing vintage glam to her custom Coach look. Stylist Victoria Jacobi adds that the dress features "20s inspired beading" and a "corset to enhance and modernize the vibe."Several draftees welcomed Coach's new partnership with the WNBA, but each player's custom look is highly reflective of their personality. Paige Bueckers wears a sparkly wool suit with an oversized bag; Aneesah Morrow wears a cropped black leather jacket with a dress; and Sonia Citron pairs her preppy set with white socks.

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

Before stepping into the 2025 Draft, the wavy walls of the modern, multi-level building foreshadowed a new era of player style on the Orange Carpet. While last year&#8217;s draft introduced style surprises, like Rickea Jackson’s suit change before her selection, this year&#8217;s draftees are delivering new takes on show-stopping style.&nbsp;
League-certified stylists are quickly teaming up with the latest talent, like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsgoldenpiecee/">Golden</a> with Saniya Rivers; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sbordonaro21">Sydney Bordonaro</a> with Aziaha James; and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcmogul/">Marc Desir</a> with Deja Kelly. While these stylists are known for elevating their players’ aesthetics, working with draftees provides a rare opportunity for greater experimentation. Other notable stylist notes include Madison Scott teaming up with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liatu.king/">Liatu King</a>, a current Notre Dame Women&#8217;s Basketball Player; and Sania Feagin, who proudly credited her mom with choosing her shiny, white gown.&nbsp;





A selection of custom Coach looks confirms the role of a player’s draft outfit as the first piece of storytelling around their personality– even when players rock the same brand, the resulting carpet is extremely diverse. Organizing style at the 2025 Draft into three major trends, these looks introduce this class’ style staples and unique approaches to one-of-one customization. 1. FULL SUITS



Since Tina Thompson&#8217;s gray suit at the inaugural 1997 WNBA draft, players have confirmed that a full suit is a timeless option. This year, Madison Scott modernizes an AMIRI suit with a custom #24 piece from Johnny Dang with the help of stylist Liatu King, a current Notre Dame Women&#8217;s Basketball Player. Dominique Malonga utilizes her Louis Vuitton suit&#8217;s construction to pay homage to her French heritage. Current players who also appeared on the Orange Carpet in suits include Allisha Gray and Nika Mühl, who represents her Croatian heritage with a suit by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/y_gia/">y/GIA</a>. 2. STATEMENT PURSES



While past players have opted to keep their hands free from purses, this year&#8217;s draft outfits expands upon the idea of a statement purse. Working with Russell Westbrook as her stylist, Georgia Amoore debuts an &#8220;H&#8221; shaped purse to finish her Honor the Gift look. Saniya Rivers catches everyone&#8217;s attention with a hand-painted &#8220;THE WNBA BEEN POPPIN&#8221; message on a collaborative purse by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/saturdayhouse/"> Saturday House</a> and her stylist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsgoldenpiecee/">Golden</a>. From the actual suit to the details, Golden envisioned something &#8220;one of one that was curated just for [Rivers].” Transforming carpet-ready sparkle into something more abstract, Sarah Ashlee Barker wears a metallic <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cultgaia/">Cult Gaia</a> purse. 



3. CUSTOM BRAND LOOKS Orange Carpet looks are typically rooted in contemporary inspiration, but Hailey Van Lith stands out for bringing vintage glam to her custom Coach look. Stylist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/countonvic/">Victoria Jacobi </a>adds that the dress features &#8220;20s inspired beading&#8221; and a &#8220;corset to enhance and modernize the vibe.&#8221;Several draftees welcomed Coach&#8217;s <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/coach-wnba-partnership">new partnership with the WNBA</a>, but each player&#8217;s custom look is highly reflective of their personality. Paige Bueckers wears a sparkly wool suit with an oversized bag; Aneesah Morrow wears a cropped black leather jacket with a dress; and Sonia Citron pairs her preppy set with white socks.



WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

the-w-in-designer-three-style-trends-at-the-2025-draft

The W in Designer: Three Style Trends at the 2025 Draft

NEW YORK (AP) — The <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-2025-draft-paige-bueckers-a28fac1f8159d889ce385339717ab987" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">WNBA draft</a> has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.
<a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-draft-paige-bueckers-geno-0fbfad69c93f09d6cb6e222928372cfc" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">Paige Bueckers</a> may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.
Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.
“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”
Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from, showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.
Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.
The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.
Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.
“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”
Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.
Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet. Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly embraced her Croatian heritage
“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said. “I had to bring Croatia with me.”
Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.
Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.
Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.
“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”
And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.
As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.

fashion-heritage-talent-wnbadraft25

Fashion, Heritage and Talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase

Paige Bueckers poses for a picture with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the WNBA after being drafted as first-round overall pick by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025, at The Shed in New York, New York 

Paige Bueckers and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Saniya Rivers reacts with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the eighth overall pick Connecticut Sun during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

Saniya Rivers and WNBA Commissioner Cathy

The 2025 draftee class poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert before the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

The 2025 Draftee Class

2025 WNBA Draft

Hailey Van Lith reacts to being selected with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Hailey Van Lith hugs her dad

Dominique Malonga poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City.

Dominique Malonga and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Georgia Amoore gets drafted by the Washington Mystics during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Georgia Amoore

Ajša Sivka is drafted by the Chicago Sky during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Ajša Sivka and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Dominique Malonga hugs family after being selected with the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Dominique Malonga hugs her mom

Holly Rowe interviews Sonia Citron after being drafted by the Washington Mystics during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at the Shed in New York City, New York. 

Sonia Citron gets interviewed by Holly Rowe

Kiki Iriafen poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics  during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

Kiki Iriafen and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Madison Scott reacts after being selected with the 14th pick in the second round by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

Madison Scott hug Coach Yo

Kaitlyn Chen gets drafted by the Golden State Valkyries during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Kaitlyn Chen and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Serena Sundell hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being picked 26th in the third round by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

Serena Sundell hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Georgia Amoore poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the sixth overall pick by the Washington Mystics during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Georgia Amoore poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner

Ashlee Barker is drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025, at The Shed in New York, New York 

Ashlee Barker with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Shyanne Sellers embraces Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the WNBA after being drafted by the Golden State Valkyries during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Shyanne Sellers embraces Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Sonia Citron and Sarah Ashlee Barker poses for a photo before the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Sonia Citron and Sarah Ashlee Barker

Sania Feagin poses for a picture with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the WNBA after being drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Sania Feagin poses for a picture with Commissioner Cathy

Paige Bueckers poses for photos during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York

Paige Bueckers poses for photos during the 2025 WNBA Draft

Aubrey Griffin gets drafted by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Aubrey Griffin gets drafted by the Minnesota Lynx

Kiki Iriafen after being drafted by Washington Mystics during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at the Shed in New York City, New York. 

Kiki Iriafen after being drafted by Washington

Aubrey Griffin embraces Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the WNBA after being drafted by the Minnesota Linx during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Aubrey Griffin embraces Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Aaliyah Nye poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 13th pick during the second round by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025, in New York City. 

Aaliyah Nye with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers pose for a photo during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers

Madison Scott gets drafted by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Madison Scott gets drafted by the Dallas Wings

Aneesa Morrow is drafted by the Connecticut Sun during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Aneesa Morrow is drafted by the Connecticut

Georgia Amoore, Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers and Sania Feagin smiles during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Georgia Amoore, Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers and Sania Feagin

Kaitlyn Chen hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 30th pick in the third round by the Golden State Valkyries during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Kaitlyn Chen hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Serena Sundell poses for a picture with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of the WNBA after being drafted by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Serena Sundell poses for a picture with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Hailey Van Lith poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Hailey Van Lith poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Ajsa Sivka poses for a picture after after being drafted the tenth overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York 

Ajša Sivka

Paige Bueckers poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Paige Bueckers poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Aziaha James and Shyanne Sellers react prior to the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Aziaha James and Shyanne Sellers

draft-25-draft-night-photo-gallery

Photos of the Night: 2025 WNBA Draft

Serena Sundell arrives prior to the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City.

Serena Sundell

Georgia Amoore arrives prior to the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. 

Aziaha James arrives prior to the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City.

Aziaha James

Saniya Rivers arrives prior to the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City.

Saniya Rivers

'The WNBA Been Poppin'

Nika Mühl, Paige Bueckers, and Aaliyah Edwards pose for a photo on the orange carpet.

Nika Mühl, Paige Bueckers, and Aaliyah Edwards

Nika Mühl attends the 2025 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2025 at The Shed in New York, New York.

Nika Mühl

Paige Bueckers walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

DiJonai Carrington walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

DiJonai Carrington

Aubrey Plaza walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Aubrey Plaza

Aziaha James walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Sania Feagin walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Sania Feagin

Kiki Iriafen walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Kiki Iriafen

Hailey Van Lith walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Madison Scott walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Aja Sivka

Shyanne Sellers walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Sarah Ashlee Barker walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Sarah Ashlee Barker

Dominique Malonga poses for a photo on the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Aneesah Morrow walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

No. 4 pick Kiki Iriafen walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby walks the orange carpet ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Dearica Hamby

draft-25-orange-carpet-photo-gallery

Photos of the Night: 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet

The NCAA tournament has officially ended, with the UConn Huskies reclaiming the throne from the South Carolina Gamecocks and winning a 12th title for the esteemed women’s college basketball program in Storrs, Connecticut. 
Now an NCAA Champion, star guard Paige Bueckers is set to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm and currently projected to go No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings. Bueckers’ entry into the draft is a long time coming, and she’s set to be one of the more closely watched rookies this season.
Outside of Bueckers, there are many standout players that fans are keen on seeing hit the stage and join a WNBA franchise, especially after some fabulous tournament performances from players like TCU’s Hailey Van Lith, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, and USC’s Kiki Iriafen, to name a few. Their departure from their respective college programs will have just as big of an impact as Bueckers’ departure will, which just goes to show how strong this incoming class is projected to be. 
Let’s dive into five names to watch for ahead of the Wings being on the clock. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-197383 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/PaigeB.png" alt="Paige Bueckers" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/PaigeB.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/PaigeB-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/PaigeB-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Paige Bueckers
Let’s start with Paige Bueckers, the senior guard out of UConn who has dazzled the basketball stage for several seasons. Under head coach Geno Auriemma and alongside teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, Bueckers has finally managed to secure the one piece of hardware she was missing from her mantel with just one week to go until she hears her name called during the draft &#8211; an NCAA championship.
Bueckers averaged 19.9 points per-game along with 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals in 2024. In the tournament, she averaged 24.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per-game in six games en route to the title. 
Bueckers’ accolades stretch beyond the stuffing the stat sheet, of course. She scored the most points of any UConn Husky in women’s basketball program history, passing Maya Moore for the honor, and is now third overall in women’s college basketball history in scoring during the NCAA Tournament with 477 total points. These records are all the more impressive when considering she missed the 2022 season with a torn ACL.  

The multi-time All-American, former AP Player of the Year, Big East legend, and now NCAA champion is set to enter the league as the favorite to land Rookie of the Year honors. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-197384 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/HaileyVL.png" alt="Hailey Van Lith" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/HaileyVL.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/HaileyVL-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/HaileyVL-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Hailey Van Lith
In a different path from Bueckers, Van Lith has gone through three college programs on her journey to the draft stage. Between her time with the Louisville Cardinals, LSU Tigers, and TCU Horned Frogs, Van Lith averaged 15.2 points per-game along with 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. At LSU, Van Lith departed from the norm and was the teams’ main on-ball facilitator. She used her last year of eligibility to play with TCU as a shooting guard once again. 
Her shooting was fairly consistent while with TCU in 2024-25, and she also averaged the most assists per-game she ever had in her final collegiate year with the Horned Frogs and while surrounded with some great shooting. 
Van Lith is entering the league at a time where guards, and specifically the art of passing first, is more appreciated than ever. Thinking of great point guards like Chelsea Gray, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Natasha Cloud, and others who elevate players around them with their facilitating, it’s fun to imagine what Van Lith will bring to the league with her passing skills. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-197385 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/KikiI.png" alt="Kiki Iriafen" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/KikiI.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/KikiI-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/KikiI-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Kiki Iriafen
Moving off guard talk, it’s time to give some flowers to future star forward Kiki Iriafen. The USC Trojan nearly put the team on her back in the NCAA Tournament with the loss of JuJu Watkins to an ACL tear during the second round, averaging 16.5 points per-game along with nine rebounds and 1.5 assists. 
Iriafen has been considered a top prospect for several years because of her footwork, ability to score in the post consistently, and her ability to defend the paint. She stood out for these reasons alongside Cameron Brink at Stanford University, where she began her collegiate career, and she’s going to be an invaluable piece to any teams’ frontcourt this season and beyond.
Thinking of bigs in the league similar to Iriafen like A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese, and Breanna Stewart &#8211; essentially, forwards that can create their own shot in the paint, have ball handling skills, and are defensive presences that seriously deter other teams from looking at the paint at all &#8211; it’s clear to see how she’ll find success in the league almost immediately. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-197387 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/DominiqueM.png" alt="Dominique Malonga" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/DominiqueM.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/DominiqueM-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/DominiqueM-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Dominique Malonga
When discussing a draft riser, you have to mention Dominique Malonga’s name. The silver medalist and rising French basketball star has both experience to offer a WNBA team looking to draft an untraditional rookie, and the skills to back up such a selection. The 6-foot-6 center averaged 15 points per-game along with 10 rebounds with Lyons in 2024. 
Malonga moves with the fluidity of a guard while knowing she has the height and strength of a center. For someone who will only be 19 years old by the time she heard her name called by commissioner Cathy Engelbert in this year’s draft, that’s extremely impressive. You have to respect Malonga’s jumper, paint presence, and ball handling. Think of how difficult it is to defend Las Vegas’ Wilson &#8211; that’s what teams might need to consider defensively when guarding Malonga very soon. 
Malonga, similarly to Iriafen, has a translatable bag of skills that’ll likely make her a contender for rookie of the year. Looking up any highlights of Malonga’s performances over the past year will leave you wondering how it’ll be possible to defend someone as surgical as her as she’s running to the rim. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-197386 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/AneesahM.png" alt="Aneesah Morrow" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/AneesahM.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/AneesahM-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/04/AneesahM-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Aneesah Morrow
Morrow is entering this year’s draft after an amazing NCAA Tournament run with the LSU Tigers in 2025. Despite being eliminated in the Elite 8, Morrow’s impact was felt throughout the teams’ four games in the tournament. She averaged nearly 21 points per-game along with 12.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals during the postseason. Her regular season stats were even more eye-popping &#8211; going for 18.7 points per-game along with 13.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.5 steals. 
The former standout at DePaul University is entering this draft as one of the best forwards in the class, and she certainly should be gone off the board for teams within the top 5 of the draft order. Her paint prowess as a rebounder and scorer, and her ability to defend players that could give her trouble with their size advantage over her, will make her a likely day one starter for whoever drafts her. 
Her scoring and footwork in the paint are almost one of one in this draft class. It’s hard to find a comparison for her to anyone currently in the league because she moves like a center but would be considered undersized for that label. Her skills are extremely transferable to the WNBA given her ability to tough out rebounds, score over bigger defenders, and her passing out of double and triple teams under the basket. 
She’s sure to power her way through the league this season, and likely remind fans why she was such a crucial transfer for LSU’s tournament hopes over the last two seasons.

2025-draft-prospect-previews

Prospect Previews: Five Players to Watch in the 2025 WNBA Draft

– ESPN to Air Draft on Monday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET,
Preceded by WNBA Countdown Presented by Google at 7 p.m. ET – 
– Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony to Be Followed by Iconic WNBA “Orange Carpet” Event and Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York –  
– Dallas Wings to Select First, Followed by Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics –
NEW YORK, April 11, 2025 – Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers, USC forward Kiki Iriafen, LSU forward Aneesah Morrow and TCU guard Hailey Van Lith headline the list of 16 prospects who will attend the WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm® on Monday, April 14 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The draft, along with a special edition of WNBA Countdown Presented by Google (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET), will also be available live on the ESPN App.
The other prospects who will be in attendance are guard Georgia Amoore (Kentucky), guard Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama), guard Sonia Citron (Notre Dame), forward Sania Feagin (South Carolina) guard Aziaha James (NC State), center Dominique Malonga (Lyon ASVEL/France), guard Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina), guard Saniya Rivers (NC State), guard-forward Madison Scott (Ole Miss), guard Shyanne Sellers (Maryland), forward Ajša Sivka (Tarbes Gespe Bigorre/Slovenia), and guard Serena Sundell (Kansas State).
As determined by the WNBA Draft Lottery 2025 presented by State Farm held on Nov. 17, the Dallas Wings own the top pick in the draft. The Seattle Storm has the second pick, and the Washington Mystics own the third and fourth selections. The league’s first expansion team in 17 years, the Golden State Valkyries, will select fifth.
The formal tip-off of the draft-night festivities will take place when the invited prospects showcase their personalities and unique fashion styles on the WNBA’s iconic “Orange Carpet.” Earlier that day, the prospects will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony to celebrate the draft.
Here is a closer look at the prospects who will be attending the WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm.
Georgia Amoore (Kentucky / Australia): A 5-6 guard from Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, Amoore joined Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu as the only players in Division I women’s history with 2,300 career points and 800 assists. She finished her college career at Kentucky this season after spending four years at Virginia Tech, where she helped the Hokies to the 2023 Final Four. Amoore is a two-time AP All-America pick, including Second Team honors this year, and was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard in 2024 and 2025. She ranked third in the country this season with 6.9 assists per game to go with 19.6 points per game on 42.3% shooting from the field, all career highs.
Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama): The 6-0 guard from Birmingham, Ala., was a semifinalist for the 2025 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the top shooting guard in the country and, for the second straight season, an All-SEC First Team selection after again pacing the Crimson Tide in scoring. She ranked eighth in the SEC this year with 18.2 points per game, equaled her career-high average of 6.3 rebounds and contributed 3.9 assists. Barker set the Alabama single-game scoring record with 45 points against Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in March.
Paige Bueckers (Connecticut): Bueckers capped her career by leading UConn to the 2025 national championship and was the winner of the Wade Trophy as the National Player of the Year. The 6-0 guard led the Huskies to the Final Four in each of the four seasons she played and to the national championship game in 2022. In 2020-21, she was the first freshman to earn the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year and USBWA Player of the Year honors. A three-time AP All-America First Team selection and three-time Big East Player of the Year (2021, 2024, 2025), Bueckers twice won the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard (2021, 2025). She finished her career averaging 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.
Sonia Citron (Notre Dame): A 6-1 guard, Citron was an AP All-America Honorable Mention choice this season, when she averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while helping the Irish reach the NCAA Sweet 16 for the fourth time in her career. The versatile Citron also was a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award as the nation’s best small forward and was named to the All-ACC First Team and the ACC All-Defensive Team. For her career, Citron averaged 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Sania Feagin (South Carolina): A 6-3 forward from Ellenwood, Ga., Feagin was an SEC All-Defensive Team selection this season and a semifinalist for the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s best power forward. She ranked seventh in the SEC with 1.5 blocks per game and contributed career-highs of 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. In her four-year career, Feagin played in four NCAA Final Fours and helped the Gamecocks to two national titles and an overall record of 144-7.
Kiki Iriafen (USC): A unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection and an AP All-America Third Team choice this season, Iriafen excelled in her first campaign at USC after three seasons with Stanford. The 6-3 forward from Los Angeles averaged 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game and shot 49.0% from the field while helping the Trojans win the Big Ten title and reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. She was a finalist for the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s best power forward this season after winning the award in 2024.
Aziaha James (NC State): A 5-10 guard from Virginia Beach, Va., James capped her career in 2025 by earning All-ACC First Team honors for the second straight season. In addition, she was an AP All-America Honorable Mention pick and was among the 15 players on the ballot for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year. James paced NC State in scoring in each of her final two seasons, averaging 16.8 points per game last year when she led the Wolfpack to the Final Four, and a career-best 17.9 this season when she also contributed 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Dominique Malonga (Lyon ASVEL / France): A 6-6 center who will turn 20 in November, Malonga was the youngest member of France’s 2024 Olympic team that earned a silver medal at the Paris Games. After becoming a viral sensation when she dunked at age 16, the Cameroon-born Malonga has gone on to play professionally in France, including this season with Lyon ASVEL of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball, the top French pro league, where she was a teammate of fellow 2025 draft prospect Justé Jocyté.
Aneesah Morrow (LSU): The 6-1 forward is a three-time AP All-America pick, including a Second Team selection this season. She won the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s top power forward this season after being a finalist for the 2024 Cheryl Miller Award as the best small forward. The Chicago native finished her career with two seasons at LSU, helping the Tigers to the Elite Eight both years, after previously starring at DePaul. Morrow twice led the nation in rebounds per game – with 13.5 this season and 13.8 in 2022. Morrow paced all Division I players in double-doubles (30) this season and was sixth in the SEC with 18.7 points per game. She ranks third in Division I history with 1,714 career rebounds and is one of only two players (Courtney Paris) to record at least 100 double-doubles.
Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina): A 5-9 guard from Oceanside, Calif., Paopao was a two-time All-Pac 12 First Team pick at Oregon before transferring to South Carolina, where she helped the Gamecocks win a national title in 2024 and reach the national championship game this season. In the 2023-24 season, her first at South Carolina, Paopao led all Division I players in three-point shooting percentage (46.8) and was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard.
Saniya Rivers (NC State): Rivers completed her career as an All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Defensive Team selection in both 2024 and 2025. The 6-1 guard from Wilmington, N.C., also was the 2023 ACC Sixth Player of the Year in her first season at NC State. After beginning her career at South Carolina, where, as a freshman reserve, she helped the Gamecocks win the 2022 national championship, Rivers guided NC State to the Final Four in 2024, when she averaged 12.5 points, 3.7 assists and a team-high 2.1 steals per game. In 2024-25, Rivers contributed 11.9 points and career highs of 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Madison Scott (Ole Miss): Scott paced Ole Miss with 11.8 points and 3.7 assists per game this season, helping the Rebels reach the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the second time in three seasons. The 6-2 guard-forward from Indian Head, Md., is a three-time All-SEC pick, including a selection to the Second Team this season. In addition, she was twice selected to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Scott ranks among the top 10 players in eight statistical categories in Ole Miss history, including games played (155). She became just the fourth player in program history to record 1,600 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.
Shyanne Sellers (Maryland): Sellers leaves Maryland ranked second in program history for free throw percentage (83.0), third in total assists (523) and 12th in points (1,676). This season, the 6-2 guard from Aurora, Ohio, was an AP All-America Honorable Mention selection and, for the third straight year, an All-Big Ten First Team choice by the media. She also was a semifinalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the nation’s best shooting guard after averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Her father, Brad, was an NBA first-round draft pick in 1986.
Ajša Sivka (Tarbes Gespe Bigorre / Slovenia): The 6-3 power forward recently played on the Senior National Team and U20 team for her native Slovenia. As a professional, she spent the past season with Tarbes Gespe Bigorre of Ligue Féminine de Basketball, the top professional league in France. In July 2023, Sivka represented Slovenia at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship in Konya, Turkey, and helped Slovenia win the gold medal with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the championship game win over France.
Serena Sundell (Kansas State): This season, the 6-2 guard from Maryville, Mo., paced all Division I players with 262 total assists and 7.3 assists per game, both career highs. An All-Big 12 First Team pick in 2024 and 2025, Sundell capped her four-year Kansas State career as an AP All-America Honorable Mention selection and a semifinalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard. The Wildcats’ points leader in 2025, she set career highs with 508 total points and 14.1 points per game.
Hailey Van Lith (TCU): This season, her first at TCU, Van Lith became the first player in NCAA history to make the Elite Eight with three different programs (Louisville, LSU and TCU). In addition, the 5-9 guard from Wenatchee, Wash., averaged 17.9 points and 5.4 assists per game and became the first player ever named the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the same season. Van Lith was an AP All-America Third Team choice and a semifinalist for the Naismith Player of the Year honor this season, when she joined Georgia Amoore and Katie Dinnebier as the only Division I players with at least 600 points and 200 assists. She averaged 15.2 points and 3.4 assists per game during her career.
The list of prospects invited to WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm, as well as the broader list of overall prospects, includes international players who have participated in NBA- and FIBA-led events during their basketball journeys. Amoore took part in the 2019 NBA Academy and NCAA Next Generation Showcase. Sivka was among the 40 top high school-age prospects from 25 countries who participated in the Basketball Without Borders Global girls camp held in Phoenix as part of AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star 2024. Other current international prospects include Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim (Canada; 2019 NBA Academy and NCAA Next Generation Showcase and 2019 BWB Global), guard Marine Dursus (France; 2024 BWB Women’s Global) and forward Annika Soltau (Germany; 2022 BWB Europe).
Eleven former Basketball Without Borders participants have advanced to the WNBA, including Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019), Aaliyah Edwards (Washington Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Washington; Australia; BWB Global 2020) and Nika Muhl (Seattle; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018 and BWB Global 2019).
Below summarizes the players invited to attend the WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 432px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Name</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">School/Country</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Position</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Height</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Georgia Amoore</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Kentucky/Australia</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">5-6</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Sarah Ashlee Barker</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Alabama/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Paige Bueckers</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">UConn/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-0</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Sonia Citron</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Notre Dame/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Sania Feagin</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">South Carolina/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Kiki Iriafen</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">USC/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Aziaha James</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">NC State/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">5-10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Dominique Malonga</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Lyon ASVEL/France</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Center</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Aneesah Morrow</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">LSU/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Te-Hina Paopao</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">South Carolina/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">5-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Saniya Rivers</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">NC State/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Madison Scott</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Ole Miss/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard-Forward</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-2</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Shyanne Sellers</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Maryland/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-2</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Ajša Sivka</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Tarbes Gespe Bigorre /Slovenia</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Forward</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Serena Sundell</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">Kansas State/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">6-2</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">Hailey Van Lith</td>
<td style="width: 27.2926%;height: 24px">TCU/USA</td>
<td style="width: 22.7074%;height: 24px">Guard</td>
<td style="width: 25%;height: 24px">5-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
# # #

2025-draft-invitee-list

Bueckers, Iriafen, Morrow, Van Lith Headline Draftees to Attend WNBA Draft 2025 Presented by State Farm®

Which collegiate program has produced the most players drafted into the WNBA over the league’s 28 years? What about first-round picks? What about No. 1 overall picks? What about players who went on to become league MVPs? How about Finals MVPs?
If you ever see any of those trivia questions, don’t worry. We have the answers to all of them and more!
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most overall WNBA Draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-183309 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="688" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-300x215.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-768x550.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The two schools at the top of this list should come as no surprise as they have been the preeminent collegiate programs over the 28-year history of the WNBA – the University of Connecticut and the University of Tennessee each with over 40 players drafted into the WNBA.
Geno Auriemma has been at the helm at UConn for the entirety of the WNBA’s existence, beginning his tenure in 1985 and leading the Huskies to 11 NCAA championships. The Connecticut program has produced some of the best players in WNBA history, highlighted by No. 1 overall draft picks Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011) and Breanna Stewart (2016).
The late Pat Summitt led Tennessee until 2012, winning eight national championships and sending plenty of Lady Volunteers to the WNBA. Of the 44 WNBA players drafted out of Tennessee, 29 came during Summitt’s tenure, including a pair of No. 1 overall picks in Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) and Candace Parker (2008).
Below is the list of the top nine schools and one country that have sent the most players to the WNBA via the draft (excluding the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft.)
<ul>
<li>UConn: 47 players</li>
<li>Tennessee: 44 players</li>
<li>Stanford: 31 players</li>
<li>Duke: 26 players</li>
<li>Baylor: 24 players</li>
<li>Georgia: 24 players</li>
<li>Australia: 24 players</li>
<li>LSU: 23 players</li>
<li>UNC: 21 players</li>
<li>Rutgers: 21 players</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most first-round draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-196004" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/03/AaliyahEdwardsDraft.png" alt="The number 6 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Aaliyah Edwards, representing UConn " width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/03/AaliyahEdwardsDraft.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/03/AaliyahEdwardsDraft-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/03/AaliyahEdwardsDraft-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When looking at schools that have delivered the most first-round draft picks, there&#8217;s a change from the list of most overall draft picks.
UConn remains in first place, and Stanford and Tennesse swap positions for second and third place, respectively. South Carolina enters the conversation after touting three players in the first round of the 2023 WNBA Draft, bringing their total to 12 to round out the top four. Duke and Baylor are tied for fifth place with 11 players.
<ul>
<li>Connecticut: 27 players (last in 2024 – Aaliyah Edwards, No. 6, WAS)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 21 players (last in 2024 – Rickea Jackson, No. 4, LAS)</li>
<li>Stanford: 15 players (last in 2024 – Cameron Brink, No. 2, LAS)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 13 players (last in 2024 – Kamilla Cardoso, No. 3, CHI)</li>
<li>Duke: 11 players (last in 2018 – Lexie Brown, No. 9, CON)</li>
<li>Baylor: 11 players (last in 2022 – Queen Egbo, No. 10, IND)</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most No. 1 overall picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183311 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png" alt="Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird pictured during a WNBA All-Star game" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
UConn holds a commanding lead with its own starting five of first-overall picks. South Carolina joins Notre Dame, Stanford, and Tennessee, with two players going first overall and holding a four-way tie for second place.
<table style="height: 120px;width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">SCHOOL</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NO.</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NAME</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px;text-align: center">YEAR</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">TEAM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">UConn</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">5</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Sue Bird 
Diana Taurasi 
Tina Charles 
Maya Moore 
Breanna Stewart</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2002 
2004 
2010 
2011 
2016</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Phoenix 
Connecticut 
Minnesota 
Seattle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">South Carolina</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%">Aliyah Boston 
A&#8217;ja Wilson</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%">2023 
2018</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">Indiana 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Notre Dame</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Jewell Loyd 
Jackie Young</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2015 
2019</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Stanford</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Nneka Ogwumike 
Chiney Ogwumike</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2012 
2014</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Los Angeles 
Connecticut</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Tennessee</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Chamique Holdsclaw 
Candace Parker</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">1999 
2008</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Washington 
Los Angeles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools with multiple players selected in the first round</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183312 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Tessa.png" alt="The number one overall pick in the inaugural draft, Tina Thompson, representing USC" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Tessa.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Tessa-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Tessa-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
Back to trivia time. What was the only occasion in which a school had three players taken with the first three overall picks (1-2-3) in the WNBA Draft?
The answer is the 2016 Draft when UConn teammates Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), and Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut) were the first three names called to the stage that night.
There have been four occasions in which the first two players selected came from the same school:
<ul>
<li>USC (1997): Tina Thompson (1 / Houston), Pam McGee (2 / Sacramento)</li>
<li>UConn (2002): Sue Bird (1 / Seattle), Swin Cash (2 / Detroit)</li>
<li>UConn (2016): Breanna Stewart (1 / Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (2 / San Antonio)</li>
<li>Oregon (2020): Sabrina Ionescu (1 / New York), Satou Sabally (2 / Dallas)</li>
</ul>
Only one time has a school produced four first-round picks in a single draft. Once again, the honor goes to UConn, this time back in 2002 when Sue Bird led four Huskies selected with the first six picks in the draft – Bird (No. 1, Seattle), Swin Cash (No. 2, Detroit), Asjha Jones (No. 4, Washington) and Tamika Williams (No. 6, Minnesota).
Seven schools and one country have seen three players selected in the first round of a single WNBA Draft. UConn and South Carolina have seen three players drafted in the first round twice.
<ul>
<li>South Carolina:
<ul>
<li> (2023) Aliyah Boston (No. 1, Indiana), Laeticia Amihere (No. 8, Atlanta), Zia Cooke (No. 11, Los Angeles)</li>
<li>(2017) Alaina Coates (No. 2, Chicago), Allisha Davis (No. 4, Dallas), Kaela Davis (No. 10, Dallas)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oregon (2020): Sabrina Ionescu (No. 1, New York), Satou Sabally (No. 2, Dallas), Ruthy Hebard (No. 8, Chicago)</li>
<li>Notre Dame (2019): Jackie Young (No. 1, Las Vegas), Arike Ogunbowale (No. 5, Dallas), Brianna Turner (No. 11, Atlanta)</li>
<li>UConn:
<ul>
<li>(2018): Gabby Williams (No. 4, Chicago), Azurá Stevens (No. 6, Dallas), Kia Nurse (No. 10, New York)</li>
<li> (2016): Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tennessee (2012): Shekinna Stricklen (No. 2, Seattle), Glory Johnson (No. 4, Tulsa), Kelly Cain (No. 7, New York)</li>
<li>Oklahoma (2002): Stacey Dales-Schuman (No. 3, Washington), LaNeishea Caufield (No. 14, Utah), Rosalind Ross (No. 16, Los Angeles)</li>
<li>Australia (2001): Lauren Jackson (No. 1, Seattle), Penny Taylor (No. 11, Cleveland), Kristen Veal (No. 13, Phoenix)</li>
<li>Georgia (2001): Kelly Miller (No. 2, Charlotte), Deanna Nolan (No. 6, Detroit), Coco Miller (No. 9, Washington)</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center">The NCAA Title / No. 1 WNBA Pick Double</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183313 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Stewie.png" alt="The number 1 pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Breanna Stewart, representing UConn" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Stewie.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Stewie-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Stewie-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
With the WNBA Draft being held just days after the conclusion of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, prospects have a chance to pull off an incredible double – finish their collegiate career by winning the NCAA national championship, then begin their professional career as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
That feat has been accomplished five times in WNBA history, most recently by Breanna Stewart, who won her fourth collegiate championship at Connecticut on April 5, 2016, and was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm just 11 days later.
<ul>
<li>Sue Bird (UConn, 2002) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
<li>Diana Taurasi (UConn, 2004) – drafted first overall by Phoenix</li>
<li>Candace Parker (Tennessee, 2008) – drafted first overall by Los Angeles</li>
<li>Tina Charles (UConn, 2010) – drafted first overall by Connecticut</li>
<li>Breanna Stewart (UConn, 2016) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA league MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183314 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png" alt="three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-768x523.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
Three schools have produced multiple players to win the WNBA League Most Valuable Player honors. Connecticut leads the way with four players winning MVP, but UConn and USC are tied with 5 total MVP awards.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 5 MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 4 players, 5 MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009), Tina Charles (2012), Maya Moore (2014), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2023)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 3 MVPs – Candace Parker (2008, 2013), Tamika Catchings (2011)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 1 player, 3 MVPs &#8211; A&#8217;ja Wilson (2020, 2022, 2024)</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA Finals MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183317 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png" alt="2x WNBA Finals MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
USC, UConn, and Tennessee are all represented on this list of MVPs as well, but they get some company from LSU and Rutgers, who each produced a pair of Finals MVPs. USC holds the mark for the most Finals MVPs as Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000) and Lisa Leslie (2001-02) combined to win the first six in WNBA history.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 6 Finals MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000), Lisa Leslie (2001-02)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 3 players, 5 Finals MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009, 2014), Maya Moore (2013), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2020)</li>
<li>LSU: 2 players, 3 Finals MVPs – Seimone Augustus (2011), Sylvia Fowles (2015, 2017)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Tamika Catchings (2012), Candace Parker (2016)</li>
<li>Rutgers: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Cappie Pondexter (2007), Kahleah Copper (2021)</li>
</ul>

college-draft-pick-history-2025

From College to the W: Which Schools Have the Most WNBA Draft Picks?

Tina Thompson (1997)

Swin Cash (2002)

Kara Braxton (2005)

Lisa Willis, Seimone Augustus, Cappie Pondexter, Sophia Young and Monique Currie (2006)

Kristi Toliver (2009)

Alysha Clark (2010)

Skylar Diggins-Smith, Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner (2013)

Chelsea Gray, Chiney Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas (2014)

Breanna Stewart (2016)

Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams and Azura Stevens (2018)

Napheesa Collier (2019)

Jackie Young and Arike Ogunbowale (2019)

Jordan Horston (2023)

Nika Mühl (2024)

Rickea Jackson (2024)

Caitlin Clark (2024)

Angel Reese (2024)

Cameron Brink (2024)

LatestDraft