WNBA Confirms Date for 2025 Draft, Emphasizing Enhanced Fan and Athlete Interaction
Livin' It Up at the 2025 WNBA Draft
Mark your calendars, basketball lovers! On April 14, The Shed in the heart of New York City will play host to the electrifying WNBA Draft. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will be announcing selections live during a broadcast on ESPN, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ready for a repeat of the electric energy from last year's sold-out event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music? Fans will get another chance to be part of history as they cheer for Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso's successors.
"With the WNBA's reputation at an all-time high, we're committed to delivering must-see events that basketball enthusiasts won't want to miss," says Cathy Engelbert. "Last year's draft set the stage for a record-breaking season, and we're eager to usher in a new crop of WNBA rookies with pomp and circumstance!"
Draft night's excitement begins with the red-carpet event, showcasing the top prospects' dazzling fashion and charisma before they embark on their career-defining moment. Prior to the main event, these promising players will visit the iconic Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony honoring the draft occasion.
The WNBA community will stay up-to-date with all the draft coverage on digital platforms, featuring behind-the-scenes content, player profiles, and team strategies. The league's website will provide in-depth analysis, projected picks, and insight into the potential impact on the upcoming season for each team.
Sizing Up the Competition
The Dallas Wings nabbed the No. 1 pick, followed closely by the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics, who claim the next three spots. As the WNBA's first expansion team in 17 years, the Golden State Valkyries will select fifth. This exciting draft class arrives at a time when women's basketball is gaining unprecedented attention, thanks to burgeoning college viewership and increased media focus on emerging stars.
UConn superstar Paige Bueckers is tipped as the first overall pick. If the Dallas Wings decide to take her, her extraordinary skills could inject the team with the energy they need to bounce back from their 2024 playoff snub. With an average of 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, Bueckers' unparalleled shooting percentage makes her the perfect puzzle piece to connect the Wings' front and backcourt with seamless efficiency.
Notre Dame's Olivia Miles is expected to go second overall, with the Seattle Storm looking at her as a cornerstone for their backcourt lineup, especially in light of WNBA champion and All-Star Jewell Loyd's departure. As the Fighting Irish's go-to player, Miles has averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game and possesses the defensive aptitude to fill Loyd's shoes masterfully.
A host of other talented athletes could join the ranks of the draft, including Kiki Iriafen, Te-Hina Paopao, Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, and Aneesah Morrow.
"There's a buzz surrounding this year's draft class like never before," Engelbert said. "We can't wait to welcome the latest talent into the WNBA family and witness the incredible impact they'll have on the sport."
- Fans can anticipate the bold fashion and captivating charisma of prospects at the 2025 WNBA Draft red-carpet event, taking place prior to the main event.
- While UConn's Paige Bueckers is a strong contender to be the first overall pick, Seattle Storm may consider Notre Dame's Olivia Miles as a cornerstone for their backcourt, especially filling the void left by WNBA champion and All-Star Jewell Loyd's departure.
- Athletes like Kiki Iriafen, Te-Hina Paopao, Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, and Aneesah Morrow could also be part of the 2025 WNBA Draft class, adding to the high level of anticipation for the event.
