The 2025 WNBA Draft has come and gone, and while it was full of expected picks, there were a few surprises—especially among the players who weren’t selected. With the season right around the corner, the draft highlighted some incredible talent poised to make an immediate impact on the league. From Paige Bueckers’ game-changing pick to Sedona Prince’s shocking fall, here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from the night.
Winner: Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers Takes the Spotlight
The Dallas Wings emerged as the undeniable winners of the 2025 WNBA Draft, landing the coveted No. 1 overall pick—Paige Bueckers. The former UConn star has long been regarded as one of the best young talents in women’s basketball, and her selection by the Wings is expected to be a franchise-changing moment.
Curt Miller, president and general manager of the Dallas Wings, couldn’t contain his excitement, calling the day “special” for the franchise. He went on to say, “The addition of Paige is another huge momentum-building moment for the Wings franchise and team.” With her stellar performances leading UConn to the national championship, Bueckers is poised to make an immediate impact on both ends of the court. Her ability to distribute the ball and her scoring prowess, including her impressive near-50/40/90 shooting splits, makes her a future superstar in the WNBA.
The Wings didn’t stop at Bueckers. They followed up with solid picks later in the draft, adding Aziaha James (No. 12), Madison Scott (No. 14), and JJ Quinerly (No. 27). James is known for her scoring ability, while Scott and Quinerly offer defensive versatility, making the Wings’ draft class one of the most well-rounded.
Loser: Sedona Prince – A Shocking Draft Night Snub
While the night was filled with excitement, one of the biggest surprises came with the absence of TCU’s Sedona Prince, who was notably not selected. Prince, a 6-foot-7 center, had put up impressive numbers during her collegiate career—averaging 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game on 58.3% shooting. However, her age (25) and concerns over her physicality at the professional level raised questions among teams.
Prince also faced off-court issues, with allegations from former romantic partners that tarnished her reputation, despite her denials and the lack of any criminal charges. Her combination of on-court talent and off-court controversies led to a fall that no one expected, and she became one of the most notable players in WNBA history to go undrafted. It remains to be seen if any team will extend an invite to training camp, but her future in the league is uncertain at this point.
Winner: International Expansion – A Growing Global Reach for the WNBA
As the WNBA continues to expand its global reach, this year’s draft marked a significant step forward in the league’s international presence. Dominique Malonga from France made history as the highest-drafted French player, going No. 2 overall to the Seattle Storm. Her selection is a huge milestone in the league’s global growth, as she becomes only the sixth player in WNBA history to be drafted in the top two without having played college basketball in the U.S.
Following closely behind, Justė Jocytė (Lithuania) was selected No. 5 by the Golden State Valkyries, becoming the expansion team’s first-ever draft pick. In addition to these two, Ajša Sivka (Slovenia) was taken at No. 10 by the Chicago Sky, creating a record for the most international picks in the top 10.
This year’s draft also saw players from Australia, Canada, Russia, and Mali join the WNBA ranks. With the introduction of the Toronto Tempo as an expansion team in 2026, the league is set to continue its international expansion, adding more talent from around the world.
Loser: Shyanne Sellers – The Unexpected Slide Down the Draft Board
Shyanne Sellers was one of the most hyped players leading up to the draft, with most mock drafts predicting her to be a first-round pick. However, much to the surprise of many, Sellers fell to the Golden State Valkyries at No. 17, a significant drop from expectations.
Several factors may have contributed to Sellers’ slide, with one major concern being a recent knee injury. She sprained her right knee in January while playing for Maryland, and while she returned to action, her performance wasn’t quite the same. Teams may have been hesitant about her long-term health, especially considering her key role as a versatile guard for the Terrapins.
Despite the drop, Sellers will get a fresh start with the expansion Valkyries, who will likely give her ample playing time and an opportunity to develop into a key contributor.
Winner: Hailey Van Lith – From Doubt to WNBA Success
Hailey Van Lith’s journey to the WNBA was far from certain just a year ago, but after a standout season with TCU, she was selected No. 11 by the Chicago Sky. Van Lith’s decision to transfer from LSU to TCU for her final season paid off in a big way. Under coach Mark Campbell, Van Lith excelled as a playmaker, averaging a career-high 5.4 assists per game. Her strong performance during the NCAA Tournament, where she led TCU to its first Elite Eight appearance, further solidified her status as a top prospect.
Though Van Lith is a smaller guard with some defensive limitations, her competitive fire and growth as a playmaker make her an intriguing prospect. She will have the chance to learn from veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, potentially paving the way for her to become the Sky’s point guard of the future.
The 2025 WNBA Draft showcased the rising stars of women’s basketball, with some players reaching new heights while others faced unexpected challenges. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on these new talents as they prepare to make their mark in the league starting with opening night on May 16. With stars like Bueckers, Van Lith, and Malonga joining the WNBA, the league’s future has never looked brighter.