The 2025 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several standout players expected to make an impact in the league. Touted as one of the strongest draft classes in years, the top prospects have been impressive throughout their college careers and are poised to take the next step toward professional basketball. Here’s a look at the top ten likely picks for the 2025 WNBA Draft and what they can expect in terms of rookie salaries and future earnings potential.
Kiki Iriafen (Stanford)
Kiki Iriafen is one of the most exciting prospects heading into the 2025 WNBA Draft. Standing at 6’3″, the Stanford forward has developed into a dominant presence on both ends of the court. Known for her athleticism, mobility, and versatility, Iriafen’s growth during her college career makes her a prime candidate for the top pick. Her ability to control the paint, grab rebounds, and score efficiently inside has drawn comparisons to some of the best post players in the league. Teams looking for a strong post presence and a two-way player will be vying to add Iriafen to their roster in 2025.
Paige Bueckers (UConn)
Paige Bueckers is no stranger to the spotlight. One of the most hyped prospects in women’s basketball, Bueckers has been a standout at UConn since her freshman year, showcasing elite ball-handling, court vision, and scoring ability. At 5’11”, Bueckers has drawn comparisons to legendary WNBA guards for her leadership on the court and her ability to make plays when it matters most. With her basketball IQ and natural leadership, Bueckers is expected to be a top-two pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She is poised to make an immediate impact in the league and has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone.
Aneesah Morrow (LSU)
Aneesah Morrow is another top prospect expected to go high in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The LSU forward is known for her physicality and scoring prowess. At 6’1″, Morrow has the size and strength to dominate in the paint, while her defensive ability and rebounding make her a well-rounded player. She consistently puts up big numbers on both ends of the floor, and teams looking to improve their frontcourt will undoubtedly have her at the top of their draft boards. Morrow’s skill set is perfectly suited for the professional game, and she is expected to make a smooth transition to the WNBA.
Sonia Citron (Notre Dame)
Sonia Citron’s versatility makes her one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Standing at 6’1″, Citron can play multiple positions, making her a valuable asset to any team. Her scoring ability from deep, combined with her free-throw shooting prowess, makes her a dangerous offensive player. Citron also brings strong defensive skills and the ability to rebound effectively. Teams looking for a versatile guard-forward combo will be keen on drafting Citron, and her potential to make an immediate impact in the league is high.
Olivia Miles (Notre Dame)
Olivia Miles is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in college basketball. At Notre Dame, she has excelled at controlling the pace of the game and making plays for her teammates. Her passing ability is second to none, and she has the skill to finish at the rim. At 5’10”, Miles can guard multiple positions, making her a valuable two-way player. Teams in need of a dynamic point guard who can lead an offense will have Miles high on their draft boards for the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her ability to create opportunities for others will translate well to the professional game.
Shayeann Day-Wilson (Duke)
Shayeann Day-Wilson is a crafty guard with a knack for scoring from all over the court. Despite standing at just 5’6″, Day-Wilson uses her speed, quickness, and basketball IQ to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities. Her ball-handling skills and ability to penetrate the lane make her a valuable offensive weapon. Teams looking for a spark off the bench or a solid backup point guard will find Day-Wilson to be an intriguing option in the draft. Her ability to contribute offensively and defensively makes her a well-rounded prospect.
Emily Ryan (Iowa State)
Emily Ryan has garnered attention for her leadership and all-around play at Iowa State. At 5’11”, Ryan has good size for a guard, and her ability to read the floor and make high-IQ plays sets her apart. She is a solid shooter and playmaker, making her a reliable option on offense. Defensively, Ryan is known for her tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions. Teams looking for a well-rounded guard who can contribute in various ways will have their eyes on Ryan in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Caroline Ducharme (UConn)
Caroline Ducharme has been a standout at UConn, known for her ability to score at all three levels. Standing at 6’2″, Ducharme has the size and shooting ability to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. She is a dangerous offensive player who can score from beyond the arc, mid-range, and inside the paint. Her versatility as a guard-forward combo makes her a valuable asset to any team, and her ability to stretch the floor will be highly coveted in the draft. Ducharme’s combination of size and skill makes her a potential lottery pick.
Janiah Barker (Texas A&M)
Janiah Barker is a 6’4″ forward who brings a mix of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess to the game. Her ability to protect the rim and score inside makes her an ideal fit for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. Barker’s defensive abilities, combined with her scoring touch, make her a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. As teams seek to add height and defensive strength, Barker will be a top target in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her potential as a rim protector and inside scorer makes her a standout prospect.
Azzi Fudd (UConn)
Azzi Fudd is widely regarded as one of the best shooters in college basketball. At UConn, Fudd has developed into a sharpshooter with the ability to hit shots from deep with incredible accuracy. Her shooting ability, combined with her scoring instincts, makes her one of the most dangerous offensive players in the draft. Teams looking to add perimeter shooting will have Fudd high on their draft boards, and her ability to stretch the floor will make her an invaluable asset. Fudd is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and her shooting prowess will translate well to the professional game.
Rookie Salaries for WNBA Draft 2025 Picks
WNBA rookies have their salaries structured based on their draft position. According to the current WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), top picks in the draft can expect to earn between $75,000 and $80,000 in their rookie seasons. While these numbers may seem modest compared to other professional sports, it’s important to note that players can significantly supplement their income through endorsement deals and sponsorships.
For standout players like Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen, endorsement deals could be even more lucrative than their rookie contracts. Major brands are always on the lookout for young, marketable stars, and with the rising popularity of women’s basketball, these players are likely to see substantial financial rewards off the court as well.
Potential Endorsements for 2025 Draftees
The potential for endorsements is one of the most exciting aspects of joining the WNBA for top prospects. Players like Caitlin Clark have already shown their marketability in college, and this will only increase once they join the professional ranks.
Shoe Deals and Apparel Endorsements: Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are all expected to compete for the signature of top players like Bueckers and Fudd, who have established strong personal brands during their college careers.
Media Opportunities: With the growing interest in women’s basketball, players will have opportunities to appear in commercials, on TV shows, and across various media platforms. Expect top picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft to become household names through their appearances and interviews.
Team Marketing Agreements (TMAs): The WNBA’s CBA also allows for additional compensation through TMAs, which incentivize players to promote their teams and the league. Players like Iriafen, with her strong on-court presence and off-court charisma, will likely benefit from these agreements.
How Their College Success Translates to the WNBA
Many of these top prospects have already demonstrated their talent on the college stage, but transitioning to the WNBA will present new challenges. The speed, physicality, and talent level in the WNBA are a step up from college basketball, and how these players adapt will be crucial to their early success.
Paige Bueckers: As one of the most talked-about players in college basketball, Bueckers is expected to bring her excellent basketball IQ and leadership skills to the WNBA. Her ability to control the pace of the game will be invaluable, and she should have no trouble adjusting to the professional level.
Kiki Iriafen: Iriafen’s ability to score in the post and defend multiple positions will translate well to the WNBA, especially as more teams emphasize versatility in their lineups. Her size and athleticism will be key assets.
Olivia Miles: A strong playmaker, Miles’ vision and passing ability are elite, and she will be able to create opportunities for her teammates from day one. Her defense will also be a huge plus, as she can guard both guards and forwards effectively.
Upcoming Challenges for WNBA 2025 Draft Class
As exciting as the future is for the 2025 draft class, there are always challenges that come with entering the professional ranks. The transition from college to the WNBA can be difficult, as the players must adjust to longer seasons, more rigorous travel schedules, and heightened competition.
Moreover, these young athletes will also need to navigate off-court pressures, such as endorsements and managing their public personas, which are increasingly important in today’s social media-driven world.
The Future of the WNBA Post-2025 Draft
The 2025 WNBA Draft will not only infuse the league with fresh talent but also push the league further into the spotlight. As the league continues to grow in popularity, the new generation of stars will be key to sustaining and accelerating this growth. With players like Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, and Olivia Miles leading the way, the WNBA’s future looks incredibly bright.
By 2025, the WNBA may also see salary caps adjusted upward, allowing for higher rookie salaries and more lucrative contracts for top picks. With more media attention, brand sponsorships, and potentially bigger broadcast deals on the horizon, these top draft picks are entering the league at a very exciting time.
