The 2025 WNBA Draft cycle is heating up, and we’re back with another mock draft — because who doesn’t love playing armchair GM? With fresh college games under our belts and the Golden State Valkyries unveiling their shiny new expansion roster, it’s time to shuffle the board again. Strap in as we dissect what could (read: might not) happen in the first round.
1. Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, G, UConn
This pick feels more locked in than your favorite Netflix password. Paige Bueckers is the undisputed queen of this class, combining surgical precision with superstar swagger. Sure, her recent games against Louisville and Holy Cross lacked fireworks, but it’s Paige. She doesn’t need to pad stats to prove her greatness.
She’s the kind of player who can go from orchestrating the offense to spacing the floor as a lethal off-ball weapon. In Dallas, she’ll learn the fine art of coexisting with Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, who aren’t exactly shy about taking their share of shots. If anyone can thrive while occasionally stepping into the shadows, it’s Bueckers.
2. Los Angeles Sparks – Olivia Miles, PG, Notre Dame
The Sparks, fresh off nabbing two towering talents last year, are doubling down on backcourt brilliance with Olivia Miles. This Notre Dame sensation has been playing like her life depends on it—because, let’s face it, draft positioning kinda does.
The improvement in her three-point shot is the story here. Miles has gone from bricking 22.8% to drilling an eye-popping 46.2% this season. Sure, we all know regression to the mean is lurking, but for now, the Sparks are salivating over this combo of elite speed, playmaking wizardry, and newfound sharpshooting.
3. Chicago Sky – Kiki Iriafen, F, USC
Here’s where things get messy. Chicago’s front office is likely sweating bullets trying to decide how to mix and match their frontcourt puzzle pieces. Enter Kiki Iriafen, a mid-range maestro who would join Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in what could be the least floor-spacing trio in basketball history.
But hey, rebounds win games, right? With Iriafen’s defensive versatility and offensive prowess, Chicago’s interior dominance could give opponents nightmares. Just don’t expect much from behind the arc — unless someone discovers a magic three-point shooting potion.
4. Washington Mystics – Dominique Malonga, C, ASVEL
The Mystics must’ve hit the jackpot here. Dominique Malonga is 6’6” of pure potential, already a defensive menace overseas and oozing upside. Sure, she probably won’t arrive in the WNBA until she’s figured out her international commitments, but patience is a virtue, right?
She’s explosive, mobile, and has the kind of length that makes even the tallest opponents think twice about entering the paint. Washington’s defense just got scarier, and fans better stock up on “Malonga Mania” t-shirts.
5. Golden State Valkyries – Saniya Rivers, G, NC State
Golden State’s Valkyries have made it clear they’re going young and exciting. So why not add Saniya Rivers, a 6’1” defensive dynamo with the athleticism to guard anyone from pesky guards to bruising bigs? Her knack for stealing the ball and blocking shots makes her a menace on the court.
Her offense? Well, let’s just say it’s a work in progress. But when your team name sounds like something out of a mythological epic, taking a swing on potential is a no-brainer.
6. Washington Mystics (via ATL) – Sonia Citron, G, Notre Dame
While their first pick was a long-term project, the Mystics go the safe route here with Sonia Citron, an ultra-reliable off-ball guard who brings steadiness and smarts. Citron is like that friend who always remembers your birthday—dependable, efficient, and never flashy.
Her length, defense, and shooting make her a plug-and-play option for Washington. She may not be a future MVP, but her role-player ceiling is sky-high.
7. New York Liberty (via PHX) – Azzi Fudd, G, UConn
Azzi Fudd is one of the best shotmakers in this draft, and the Liberty will happily take that to the bank. Her career 38.6% three-point shooting stat isn’t just good—it’s mouthwatering.
The only caveat? Her injury history. But when your roster is stacked, as New York’s is, you can afford to roll the dice on a player who might miss some time. After all, the Liberty are in championship-or-bust mode.
8. Indiana Fever – Shyanne Sellers, F, Maryland
Caitlin Clark might finally get some much-needed help on the wing with Shyanne Sellers, a playmaking forward who excels in creating opportunities for others. Sellers has shown flashes of brilliance as a secondary ball handler, but she’ll need to find her three-point shot to thrive as a Fever wing.
If she clicks, Indiana’s offense could transform from “Caitlin Clark Show” to “Caitlin Clark and Friends.”
9. Seattle Storm – Rori Harmon, PG, Texas
The Storm, still reeling from Jewell Loyd’s trade drama, look to Rori Harmon as a solution. This scrappy guard is a defensive pest and a playmaking genius, but her outside shooting remains a glaring question mark.
At 5’6”, Harmon will have to hustle twice as hard, but if anyone can do it, it’s her. The Storm are betting she’ll become a floor general who can hold her own against bigger, stronger opponents.
10. Chicago Sky (via CON) – Jordan Hobbs, F, Michigan
Finally, some shooting for Chicago! Jordan Hobbs is a 6’3” wing who can rain threes with the best of them. Her defense and athleticism might leave something to be desired, but when you’re desperate for floor spacing, you can’t be picky.
Hobbs might be the missing piece to balance out Chicago’s post-heavy roster. Plus, who doesn’t love a tall shooter sprinting off screens like a caffeinated squirrel?
11. Minnesota Lynx – Maddy Westbeld, F, Notre Dame
Westbeld is like that trusty Swiss Army knife your dad swears by. She’s versatile, experienced, and knows her way around a basketball court. A perfect fit for the Lynx, who need a big that can stretch the floor and initiate offense from the post.
Her foot injury is concerning, but Minnesota’s elite defense can afford to give her time to recover.
12. Phoenix Mercury – Georgia Amoore, G, Kentucky
Let’s get real: Georgia Amoore is the most polarizing prospect in this class. At 5’6”, she’s undersized and struggles defensively, but her offensive creativity is downright mesmerizing. Think Harlem Globetrotters-level handles with WNBA aspirations.
Phoenix is swinging for the fences here. If Amoore pans out, she could be the electric shot creator they need. If not, well, at least they tried.
