The 2025 WNBA Draft will kick off on Monday, April 14, in New York City.
Now that the NCAA Women’s tournament has concluded, UConn’s Paige Bueckers is the consensus top pick. After cutting down the nets in Tampa, Bueckers leadership, IQ, shooting efficiency and playmaking is suitable for every team. This particular draft class has depth, will there be chaos in the mid to late first and second rounds?
With the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, who will the new franchise select with the fifth pick? This marks the first time a WNBA Draft has included an expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008.
The shocking news of Olivia Miles’ return to the NCAA and her transfer to TCU has shaken up our mock draft. Previously projected to be selected No. 2 overall by the Seattle Storm, her departure has dramatically shifted the WNBA Draft landscape. We’re seeing a new favorite emerge for Seattle!
Here at Ballislife, a group of writers simulated the best version of our WNBA Mock Draft, each acting as the GM for their teams with limited time on the clock! Among a talented draft, the class is bound to bring twists and turns!
Sit back and enjoy our first-round 2025 WNBA Mock Draft.
*The league rescinded the Las Vegas Aces 2025 WNBA Draft first-round pick due to league rule violations.*
1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, Guard, UConn
ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo deemed Paige Bueckers “untouchable,” in a pre WNBA Draft interview this week. Stating she didn’t believe the Wings “has gotten a call about moving number one,” I’m very confident in my pick.
This is a no brainer for the Wings, who are set to rebuild their franchise after hiring Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. Dallas showed they can be taken as a serious team by announcing their plans to move downtown for the 2026 season. Announced long before Dallas was awarded the No.1 pick, they will need all the seats they can get with Bueckers, she’s a national charismatic icon!
Failing to make the playoffs the last two seasons, Bueckers is a ideal fit alongside star guard Arike Ogunbowale in the back court. Two pristine scorers, they don’t call Bueckers “Paige Buckets for nothing.” Two heavy scoring guards, the future is bright in Dallas.
Bueckers resume speaks for itself, and makes her the clear No. 1 option in the 2025 WNBA Draft. A National Champion with the UConn Huskies, Bueckers had quite the illustrious career with Connecticut. Eclipsing nearly a 50/40/90 season, the Minnesota native averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 assists in 39 games with UConn this season. In addition, Bueckers shot an impeccable 53.4 percent from the field, 41.9 percent from 3-point, and 88.9 percent from the charity stripe (free-throw line).
The Paige Bueckers Effect: A Franchise Player
Prior to the draft, the Wings strengthened their roster with the additions of DiJonai Carrington, Nalyssa Smith, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Tyasha Harris in the off-season. The Wings defense was abysmal last season, allowing the most points among opponents in the WNBA. The addition of Carrington and Bueckers should dramatically boost the defense instantly.
Pro-ready, Bueckers game should translate well to the WNBA. Known for her IQ and defensive prowess, Bueckers is one of the premier shot makers in this year’s draft class. Extremely popular on and off the court, her versatility, scoring capability, and winning mentality is what the Wings need. Imagine a world where Teaira McCowan and Nalyssa Smith screens are automatic for Bueckers’ notable mid range shot.
Bueckers and Ogunbowale might just be the most formidable back court duo in the WNBA. The addition of Bueckers brings an instant bona fide star the franchise desperately needs to compliment Ogunbowale. If there’s one thing the Wings need, it’s a player with a winning mentality.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
2. Seattle Storm (From Los Angeles): Dominique Malonga, Forward/Center, France
The Seattle Storm have been in win-now mode with Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith leading the charge since joining the team last year. Finding a guard to fill in for Jewell Loyd, who was traded to the Las Vegas Aces, is crucial for Seattle to remain in championship contention.
Throughout the franchise’s history with lottery draft picks, Lauren Jackson stands out to fans. A power forward/center from Australia, Jackson and several members of this draft class have international ties. Forward Dominique Malonga additionally has familiarity with forward Gabby Williams on the French National Team in the Paris Summer Olympics last year. She brings in much needed athleticism and versatility.
-Aya Abdeen
3. Washington Mystics (From Chicago): Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame
To fill the gap left by Ariel Atkins’ departure to the Chicago Sky, the Washington Mystics will need a guard with playmaking ability and versatility. Sonia Citron is likely to fulfill this role for the team and to pair with Brittney Sykes, who is known for her versatility and veteran leadership.
The Mystics are heading into a new era after the majority of the 2019 WNBA Championship team has departed. This includes Elena Delle Donne, who announced her retirement just a week ago. Washington will look into the future with optimism from the youngsters and general manager Jamila Wideman and head coach Sidney Johnson at the helm.
-Aya Abdeen
4. Washington Mystics: Kiki Iriafen, Forward,USC
To complement the young big players Aaliyah Edwards and Shakira Austin, the Washington Mystics will need to select the best available forward in the upcoming draft. Kiki Iriafen is a versatile player known for her skills in playmaking, scoring, and rebounding. Additionally, she was known to step up for the USC Trojans in JuJu Watkins’ absence in the Sweet Sixteen with her scoring performance.
From her time at Stanford to her senior year at USC, Iriafen has achieved success in both programs and has been a foundational figure. In her final year, she averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. Elite from the mid-range, Iriafen is a ready-now player who can step up with the departure of Ariel Atkins.
-Aya Abdeen
5. Golden State Valkyries: Aneesah Morrow, Forward,LSU
As it stands, the Valkyries’ de facto franchise face is reigning top sixth woman and seasoned veteran Tiffany Hayes, so this draft provides them their first real opportunity to find a homegrown icon. Year one will be all about respectable results in the box score and that’s a prime opportunity for the 6-1 Aneesah Morrow, who is fresh off four consecutive double-double seasons between DePaul and Baton Rouge.
The tenacious Morrow has some work to do on her outside game (shooting below 30 percent from three-point range) but her rebounding (which led the nation twice) and transitional prowess should open up playmaking opportunities for a Golden State group seeking an instant spark.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
6. Washington Mystics (From Atlanta): Shyanne Sellers, Guard, Maryland
With the potential additions of Citron and Iriafen to the District, the Washington Mystics will need a point guard in the starting lineup. Between Shyanne Sellers and Georgia Amoore, Sellers is the best fit for the team’s needs at that spot. Especially since she’s an all-around player who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. During her tenure in Maryland, Sellers has grown in expanding her versatility and leadership skills after focusing primarily on defense her freshman season.
Basketball runs in the Sellers family, with several members having played at both the collegiate and professional levels. Her father, Brad, drafted No.9 overall out of Ohio State in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, played professionally for 13 seasons. Her sisters, Syarra and Shayla, played college basketball.
-Aya Abdeen
7. Connecticut Sun (From Phoenix via New York): Te-Hina Paopao, Guard, South Carolina
It’s been quite the offseason for the Connecticut Sun, who are in rebuild mode after losing most of their roster. After two finals, and eight consecutive playoff appearances, it’s time to bid farewell to the franchise that dominated the league for years.
The Stephanie White era is over, and new head coach Rachid Meziane is tasked with handling a roster overhaul in progress. Marina Mabrey requested a trade out of Connecticut, so It’s unclear where the franchise is headed.
The Connecticut Sun need bona fide stars who are equipped to jumpstart this franchise again. 5’9 guard Te-Hina Paopao will bring a winning mentality to this organization. Capturing a national championship for South Carolina under Dawn Staley, Paopao averaged 9.4 points 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in her senior season. With five years of collegiate experience, Paopao is a pro ready player, who has a near collegiate 40.0 3-point percentage.
Paopao would be a perfect addition to Mesiane’s system as a combo guard and would complement the Suns’ 2024 first-round pick, Leïla Lacan, off-ball. Paopao could join a crowded back court that includes Lacan and Jacey Sheldon and Mabrey. However, I’m going with the best talent available. Even with the signing of Tina Charles and Diamond Deshields, the Sun await difference makers in this draft.
Although this season was a down year offensively from a scoring perspective, we saw Paopao record 23 points against NC State.Having improved immensely on the defensive end, Paopao was one of the nations most elite shooters in 2023. Drafting her at No. 7 would instantly increase Connecticuts’s offensive and 3-point efficiency (32.7%, which ranked No. 6 in the WNBA.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
8. Connecticut Sun (From Indiana): Saniya Rivers, Guard, NC State
Let’s not rethink this. I’m taking former NC State star Saniya Rivers at No. 8. With back-to-back picks, the Sun need immediate impact players.
At 6 foot 1, Rivers has the chance to lead a rebuilding franchise. Even through injuries, Rivers remains one of the most versatile players in the draft. Transferring from South Carolina her freshman season, Rivers spent the next three years with the Wolfpack. Although not a significant deep ball threat, Rivers is a bigger guard that can play multiple positions. This is especially important given Meziane’s new offensive play style.
Leading NC State to the Final Four, Rivers averaged 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks this season. Connecticut has prided themselves on defense, boasting the best defensive rating in the WNBA in 2024. Rivers would fit like a glove defensively in this system.
Rivers is a player who averaged 2.6 stocks (steals + blocks) throughout her collegiate career. In fact, the Sun may just restablish their defensive identity, especially with Sheldon and Rivers. One of the most elite two-way players in the draft, Rivers can immediately fill a void on both sides of the ball for the Sun.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
9. Los Angeles Sparks (From Seattle): Juste Jocyte, Forward, Lithuania
The Sparks could use talent at any position this upcoming season, though Juste Jocyte falling to them at No. 9 would be an ideal fit. A teammate of likely No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga on Lyon-based LDLC Asvel Feminin, Jocyte displayed professional-level skills as both a primary ball-handler and an off-ball guard. Her 6’0 frame also allowed her to slot seamlessly into wing roles in Asvel’s offense, which would make her a welcome addition to a Sparks lineup that lacks depth in that area.
Adding Jocyte on the wing with Rickea Jackson while Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink control the inside could be a winning recipe. You could also pair Jocyte with Kelsey Plum in the backcourt and keep Hamby and Jackson on the wing. Regardless, Jocyte’s ability to play multiple positions could be quite valuable to Los Angeles should she fall to the ninth pick.
-Will Despart
10. Chicago Sky: Hailey Van Lith, Guard, TCU
In terms of a coach/player partnership, I truly think Tyler Marsh and Hailey Van Lith are a perfect professional fit. Van Lith reestablished herself as a first-round talent at TCU this season, averaging 17.9 points and a career-high 5.4 assists en route to an outright Big 12 title and the school’s first trip to the Elite 8. Marsh is very much a players coach, similar to Mark Campbell at TCU with whom Van Lith had a great relationship.
Marsh began his current stint in the W as an assistant for the Aces in 2022, where he was instrumental in helping transform Kelsey Plum from a Sixth Player of the Year to one of the league’s best guards in just his first season in Vegas. With former champions Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot in Chicago to help Marsh lead Van Lith along in the process, this feels like a great opportunity for the Sky to choose and develop their point guard of the future.
-Will Despart
11. Minnesota Lynx: Ajsa Sivka, Forward, Slovenia
The Lynx appear content with running it back with last year’s group that reached the Finals and will probably use the penultimate pick of the first-round to find a high-octane international project to stash overseas. The 6-4 Sivka, a teenage Slovenian sensation, has the right amount of size, shooting, and playmaking prowess that the Lynx have long-treasured with Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride in tow.
Sivka, the MVP of FIBA’s 2023 U18 Women’s European Championships, has had no problem creating separation, putting up 115 tries from deep in 21 showings for Tarbes GB in France. A year of prep while the Lynx seek to clear one last championship hurdle should do her well help her tone down the overzealousness, as she also averaged nearly two turnovers a game
–Geoff Magliocchetti
12. Dallas Wings (From New York): Rayah Marshall, Forward/Center, USC
Earlier this week, Curt Miller stated the Wings offseason was designed for the draft. Meaning the No.1 and No. 12 are expected to make the opening roster in May. Additionally, I’ve picked an instant impact player opposed to a stash later pick.
I highly doubt the Wings will select a guard with a crowded backcourt of DiJonai Carrington, Arike Ogunbowale, Tyasha Harris, and possibly Paige Bueckers. I do believe Tearira McCowan and Nalyssa Smith need depth in the front court, and that’s where Rayah Marshall comes in.
Not projected as a first-round on several mocks, this is an underrated pick for the Wings. Named All-Pac 12 Defensive Team in 2023, Marshall has been a bit overshadowed by the generational JuJu Watkins. A 6 foot 4, Marshall averaged a career 10.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks in four years with Women of Troy.
Why Rayah Marshall Makes Sense For The Dallas Wings
Marshall stepped up in the absence of Watkins, recording 23 points and 15 rebounds against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship. Although Marshall could be mostly utilized from a defensive standpoint, she does have the ability to strike beyond the arc. Limited to three 3-pointers the entire season, is this a skill Marshall could work on to spread the floor for Dallas?
Marshall wasn’t invited to Draft night on Monday. However, names like Marshall, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin are options to replace Satou Sabally. Drafting Marshall in the first round could be a reach, however, don’t underestimate Curt Miller. The Wings need front court depth. Marshall ranked among No. 10 in defensive and offensive rebounds. Just a few years ago, she averaged 3.5 blocks per game.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
The 2025 WNBA Draft will take place at The Shed, located in New York City on April 14. Set to air on ESPN, the event will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.
