Paige Bueckers Selected First Overall in 2025 WNBA Draft

NEW YORK — Star guard Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft on Monday night. Fresh off leading the University of Connecticut to its 12th national championship, Bueckers becomes the first player to win a national title and be drafted first overall in the same year since 2016.

Bueckers, a three-time first-team All-American from Hopkins, Minnesota, led the Huskies past the reigning national champions, South Carolina Gamecocks, with an 82-59 victory on April 6 in Tampa, Florida. Her selection marks a pivotal shift for the Wings, who owned the league’s second-worst record last season at 9-31 and missed the playoffs.

“The addition of Paige is another huge momentum-building moment for the Wings franchise,” said Curt Miller, the Wings’ general manager. “She is one of the most efficient and decorated players in collegiate history, and we believe she will make an immediate impact both on the court and in the community.”

Bueckers became the sixth UConn player to be selected first overall, joining a legendary group that includes Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).

This year’s draft is particularly significant as the Wings look to build a competitive roster after changing coaches and undergoing a strategic overhaul. New head coach Chris Koclanes expressed excitement about integrating Bueckers into the team dynamics, particularly alongside four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. “I’m eager to empower Paige to be herself and to lead alongside our players,” Koclanes said.

Bueckers exits UConn as the top scorer in the program’s history, averaging 19.8 points per game during her college career while posting impressive statistics of 53% shooting from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 85% from the free-throw line. After overcoming significant injuries, including an ACL tear that sidelined her for the entire 2022-23 season, she returned to form and played a crucial role in the Huskies’ championship run.

The Wings are not only looking to improve their on-court performance but also enhancing their franchise off the court, with a planned move in 2026 from Arlington to Dallas, aiming for a larger practice facility and a renovated arena.

In addition to Bueckers, the draft is anticipated to showcase a number of promising talents. Seattle is poised to pick second, with potential candidates including French player Dominique Malonga, who secured a silver medal at the recent Paris Olympics. The Washington Mystics hold multiple picks, including third, fourth, and sixth, positioning them strategically in the draft.

Teams like New York and Phoenix will sit out the first round after trading their selections, while the Las Vegas Aces forfeited their pick due to league violations. The draft is set to take place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, with fans present to cheer for their teams and the draftees.