Building on the Foundation: WNBA Draft 2025

Rough draft? Not. Final draft? Still no. WNBA 2025 Draft? YES! The WNBA Draft is an event that happens usually every year in April that puts together all of the college graduates that will determine the future of the league. With the growing exposure of women’s basketball, specifically college, new viewers have tuned in to the experience. Throughout the year, NCAA athletes prove to the league and fans that they are determined and prepared to make a big impact on the court. The draft can also expose viewers to underrated players who probably haven’t had the recognition they deserve. 

The drafting process is decided by a machine that looks like the one you use for bingo. They roll the balls and determine the picks in order. To some, the picks this year were kind of surprising compared to last year. For example, last year the teams who were more recognized got the first few picks. Now, it seems as if the ones who are underrated had a game of chance, and worked out in their favor. There’s a sense of security when your predictions match up to the picks, but this year that truly was not the case. This year, the Dallas Wings have the first draft pick, Seattle Storm at 2nd, and Washington Mystics at 3rd. Some of the mock drafts had twists and turns left and right, and different ways things could go. When you have one of, if not the most recognized players in the country most likely to go to a team you did not expect them to go to, it’s a bit sad for some. Or even someone who is very underrated but deserving of the same attention, it can hurt some feelings. 

But there’s always the good, like the women who are in this year’s draft. Paige Bueckers from Uconn, Kiki Iriafen from USC, Te-Hina Paopao from SC, Hailey Van Lith from TCU, Olivia Miles from Notre Dame, and more. Throughout their 4-5 years playing in the NCAA, they have showcased the true grit of basketball. Along with those who got drafted in the previous year, these women have paved the way for the greater recognition of a sport that has always been male-centered. Big names like Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese are more than just revolutionary, but reconstructors of a foundation that may have not been built with the best intentions. For so many years, the WNBA has had the most eye-catching and astonishing games in history, but barely any recognition compared to the NBA because of many factors behind the scenes. Putting their entire being into something they love, it’s poured out on the court and you can tell it’s always more than a sport. So now it’s time for the draftees this year to be careful and intentional about how they build on this foundation of women’s basketball. 

This upcoming draft can excite and bring insight into a lot of things viewers may not have known about the players. These players’ humility and aggressiveness will bring a new appearance to the league. There’s always a time for everything, and this April is for their time to receive the wages of their hard work. Then, working even harder to excel and grow as basketball players and young women navigating a world where opinions and judgment are heavily vocalized. So forget about essay papers and drafts, it’s time for the WNBA Draft of 2025!

Photo Credits to: https://www.wnba.com/draft/2025