WNBA Expansion and the 2025 Draft: New Teams, New Talent
With Cleveland reportedly securing a spot for a WNBA expansion team, Mackenzie and Meghan are already envisioning where more teams could take root. The landscape of women’s basketball is evolving, and with it the anticipation of new teams joining the league.
After leading the UConn women’s basketball team to its 12th national title, Paige Bueckers has become a global sensation. Having showcased the NCAA championship trophy and appeared on major TV shows like the “Today” show and “The Tonight Show,” she’s now setting her sights on the 2025 WNBA draft.
Just eight days after the Huskies clinched their victory over South Carolina Gamecocks, the new wave of talent is set to make its way into the league, eagerly awaiting draft night.
Bueckers is expected to be the standout pick in the draft, with projections placing her as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. If chosen first, she will follow a proud tradition of UConn players selected at the top, alongside legends like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart.
USA TODAY Sports provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of every selection in the 2025 WNBA draft.
2025 WNBA draft selections — First round
No. 1 Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn
At 23, Paige Bueckers has triumphed over multiple knee injuries to lead UConn to victory. She becomes the sixth player from UConn to be picked first overall, joining a list of remarkable players. With an impressive average of 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, she’s a star on and off the court, with major brands eager to partner with her. — Scooby Axon
Discover more about Paige Bueckers.
No. 2 Seattle Storm: Dominique Malonga, forward/center, France
Standing at 6-foot-6, Dominique Malonga is a formidable presence on the court. Her exceptional athleticism allowed her to shine in France’s Lyon ASVEL Feminin with averages of 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds. Her ability to play dynamically both offensively and defensively sets her apart. — Filip Malonga’s journey continues as she rises quickly among top picks.
Explore Dominique Malonga’s journey.
No. 3 Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame
Sonia Citron’s stats speak for themselves. From New York, she’s the only Notre Dame player to tally over 1700 points, 700 rebounds, and 300 assists. Citron’s shooting prowess ranks her among the best in program history. — Meghan Hall
Learn more about Sonia Citron.
No. 4 Washington Mystics: Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC
Renowned for her post play on the West Coast, Kiki Iriafen’s career took flight at Stanford. Returning to Los Angeles, she shone at USC, proving her mettle alongside top talent and helping them clinch key victories. — Jordan Mendoza
No. 5 Golden State Valkyries: Justė Jocytė, forward, Lithuania
Justė Jocytė, only 19, impressed during her time at France’s Lyon ASVEL Feminin. With an average contribution of 11.9 points per game, her potential caught the eyes of many scouts. — Cydney Henderson
No. 6 Washington Mystics: Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky
Carving out a stellar career at Virginia Tech and Kentucky, Georgia Amoore’s statistics define her success with first-team accolades in both the ACC and SEC. Her track record positions her for an impactful professional career.
Find out more about Georgia Amoore.
No. 7 Connecticut Sun: Aneesah Morrow, forward, LSU
Following Angel Reese’s departure, Morrow stepped in as LSU’s pivotal player. Known for her exceptional rebounding, Morrow’s dominance on the court makes her a significant prospect for the Sun.
Discover more about Aneesah Morrow.
No. 8 Connecticut Sun: Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State
After an auspicious start with South Carolina, Rivers brought her talents to NC State, where she maintained the team’s competitive edge and reached the Final Four.
Learn about Saniya Rivers’ journey.
No. 9 Los Angeles Sparks: Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard, Alabama
Barker’s impressive offensive stats in Alabama, complemented by a record-breaking 45-point game, have made her a strong contender in the draft.
No. 10 Chicago Sky: Ajša Sivka, forward, Slovenia
Ajša Sivka’s versatility extends to both her scoring and defensive capabilities, making her a valuable addition from France’s Tarbes Gespe Bigorre.
No. 11 Chicago Sky: Hailey Van Lith, guard, TCU
With an extraordinary college career that saw her lead multiple teams to the Elite Eight and capture an Olympic bronze, Van Lith’s next chapter in the WNBA is highly anticipated.