About 2025 WNBA Draft
The WNBA Draft is a pivotal annual event in women's professional basketball, marking the transition of talented players from collegiate courts to the professional arena. First established in 1997, this draft serves as the primary gateway for new talent to enter the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The event typically takes place in April, bringing together teams, prospects, and basketball enthusiasts to witness the selection of the next generation of professional women's basketball players.
The draft follows specific eligibility requirements that distinguish it from other professional sports drafts. U.S. players' minimum age requirement is 22 years old as of December 31 of the draft year. Players must have either completed their college eligibility, graduated from a four-year college, or be four years removed from high school. International players face a slightly different age requirement, needing to be at least 20 by December 31 of the draft year.
Each WNBA team participates in the draft, selecting players in an order determined by their previous season's performance and lottery results. This systematic approach ensures a fair distribution of emerging talent across the league, helping maintain competitive balance and providing opportunities for teams to strengthen their rosters with fresh talent.
2025 WNBA Draft Dates & Location
The WNBA Draft 2025 will take place on April 14, 2025.
WNBA Draft Format
In the WNBA draft, there are three rounds with 13 picks each. There are a total of 39 draft-eligible players chosen each year.
WNBA Draft Eligibility
WNBA Draft Eligibility requirements ensure a structured pathway for players entering the professional league. For U.S. players, eligibility relies on three key criteria. First, they must turn 22 during the calendar year of the draft. Second, they must have either completed their college eligibility or received (or be scheduled to receive) their bachelor's degree within three months following the draft. Third, they must be at least four years removed from high school graduation.
Players with remaining college eligibility who meet the age requirement must formally notify the WNBA headquarters about their intent to enter the draft at least 10 days before the draft date. Players participating in postseason tournaments have different deadlines, typically requiring declaration within 24 hours of their final game.
International players face distinct eligibility rules. They must be born and currently reside outside the United States and never have participated in U.S. intercollegiate basketball. Additionally, international players need only be 20 years old by December 31 of the draft year to be eligible, creating a different pathway for global talent to enter the league.
2025 WNBA Draft Order
First Round
Pick | Team |
1 | Dallas Wings |
2 | Los Angeles Sparks |
3 | Chicago Sky |
4 | Washington Mystics |
5 | Golden State Valkyries |
6 | Washington Mystics (from Atlanta via Dallas) |
7 | New York Liberty (from Phoenix) |
8 | Indiana Fever |
9 | Seattle Storm |
Las Vegas Aces (forfeited due to league rules violations) | |
10 | Chicago Sky (from Connecticut) |
11 | Minnesota Lynx |
12 | Phoenix Mercury (from New York) |
Second round
Pick | Team |
---|---|
13 | Los Angeles Sparks |
14 | Dallas Wings |
15 | Minnesota Lynx (from Chicago) |
16 | Las Vegas Aces (from Washington) |
17 | Golden State Valkyries |
18 | Atlanta Dream |
19 | Phoenix Mercury |
20 | Indiana Fever |
21 | Seattle Storm |
22 | Las Vegas Aces |
23 | Washington Mystics (from Connecticut) |
24 | Minnesota Lynx |
25 | Connecticut Sun (from New York via Chicago) |
Third round
Pick | Team |
---|---|
26 | Los Angeles Sparks |
27 | Dallas Wings |
28 | Los Angeles Sparks (from Chicago) |
29 | Seattle Storm (from Washington) |
30 | Golden State Valkyries |
31 | Dallas Wings (from Atlanta) |
32 | Washington Mystics (from Phoenix) |
33 | Indiana Fever |
34 | Seattle Storm |
35 | Las Vegas Aces |
36 | Atlanta Dream (from Connecticut) |
37 | Minnesota Lynx |
38 | New York Liberty |
FAQs
A. The WNBA Draft 2025 will take place on 14 April 2025.
A. The Dallas Wings has the lottery pick for the WNBA Draft 2025.
A. The Indiana Fever have selected Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
A. The Golden State Valkyries have the fifth overall pick and the fifth pick in the second and third rounds.