Neon Gurl Sports |
We’ve been covering these women all season long—from buzzer-beaters to championship wins—and we couldn’t be more excited to announce the 2025 WNBA Draft first-round picks. Paige Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith aren’t just elite athletes—they’re part of the new era of women’s sports that Neon Gurl is all about: bold, skilled, and ready to shift the game.
No. 1: Paige Bueckers to the Dallas Wings
After leading UConn to its 12th NCAA Championship just weeks ago, Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. Known for her elite court vision, mid-range finesse, and natural leadership, Bueckers is the sixth UConn player to go No. 1 overall—a testament to Geno Auriemma’s dynasty. She’s expected to transform the Wings with her high basketball IQ and franchise-ready star power. Dallas also added Aziaha James (NC State) later in the round, adding scoring depth to complement Bueckers’ playmaking.
No. 11: Hailey Van Lith to the Chicago Sky
Hailey Van Lith’s journey took a powerful turn with her No. 11 selection to the Chicago Sky, where she’ll reunite with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. After transferring to TCU and flourishing in a spread offense system, Van Lith has evolved into a more well-rounded point guard. Her energy, competitive fire, and ability to rise in big moments make her one of the most exciting storylines to follow.
With this draft, the league didn’t just welcome new players—it welcomed a new generation of stars. Paige and Hailey may be two of the most well-known names entering the WNBA this year, but they’re joined by an impressive class. The top five picks also included:
- Dominique Malonga (No. 2, Seattle Storm) – A 6’6” French center with sky-high potential and EuroCup experience.
- Sonia Citron (No. 3, Washington Mystics) – A polished guard from Notre Dame with a high floor and two-way game.
- Kiki Iriafen (No. 4, Washington Mystics) – A dynamic forward from USC with versatility and a strong inside presence.
- Justė Jocytė (No. 5, Golden State Valkyries) – The first-ever pick by the expansion team, this 18-year-old Lithuanian guard has pro-ready poise and range.
Read more on neongurl.com in our Women’s Sports section. And stay tuned—we’ll be following their rookie seasons every step of the way.
