NEW YORK — In a move that has generated a buzz across the WNBA, the Dallas Wings have made a splash by selecting Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Eight days after leading the UConn Huskies to their first national championship in nearly a decade, Bueckers is poised to step into the professional arena during a pivotal moment for both the Wings and the league at large.
The timing of Bueckers’ entry into the WNBA couldn’t be better. The Wings are eager to rebound after falling short of the playoffs last season, and with plans to shift from Arlington to a larger venue in downtown Dallas ahead of the 2026 season, excitement is palpable. After a season that broke records for ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales, the WNBA aims to build on this momentum, and Bueckers is undoubtedly a key piece of that puzzle.
“I’m coming in and wanting to give everything I have to that organization,” Bueckers expressed after her selection, emphasizing her determination to contribute from day one.
Known for her historic college career, Bueckers made an indelible mark in women’s basketball. As the first freshman woman to win the Naismith Player of the Year award and a three-time first-team All-American, her accolades speak volumes. She departed UConn as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Tournament history and the quickest player to reach 2,000 career points in the program’s history, earning her spot in the esteemed Huskies of Honor program. Yet it was her team’s triumph over South Carolina in the 2025 national championship that solidified her legacy.
Bueckers’ emotions were visibly mixed at the draft, a moment highlighting her excitement for the future while acknowledging the bittersweet finale of her college journey. “It’s nerve-wracking. You have a level of excitement, nervousness… bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at UConn is over, but excited for the next one to begin,” she shared, encapsulating the dual nature of this life-changing moment.
The draft itself echoed the energy of last year’s event, which was characterized by record attendance and excitement. This year’s gathering at The Shed at Hudson Yards was similarly packed, with general admission tickets selling out well in advance, showcasing the growing popularity of the league.
In an encouraging sign for the franchise, the Dallas Wings have sold out their season ticket inventory for the second consecutive year, a feat they announced mere days after securing the top pick. With executives eyeing the 2025 season as foundational, the Wings have taken strategic steps forward, including hiring Curt Miller as their general manager and bringing in former USC and Connecticut Sun assistant Chris Koclanes to coach.
Miller described drafting Bueckers as “a momentum-building moment,” recognizing her as “one of the most efficient players the collegiate game has ever seen.” As the Wings look to the upcoming season, Bueckers will join forces with four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt. Despite the departure of former first-team All-WNBA forward Satou Sabally, the offseason acquisitions—most notably last year’s Most Improved Player, DiJonai Carrington—have adequately fortified the roster.
Miller highlighted the significance of No. 1 picks, emphasizing their historical ability to reshape the trajectory of franchises. Now, with her name officially called, Bueckers is ready to dive into the work that lies ahead, aiming to help redefine the future of the Dallas Wings.
This draft also marked a celebration for UConn, with several former teammates on hand to cheer Bueckers’ milestone achievement. Meanwhile, the selections carried on the strong UConn tradition, as the Valkyries snagged Kaitlyn Chen with the No. 30 pick and the Lynx followed suit by choosing Aubrey Griffin at the tail end of the draft.
Notably, one of the more talked-about players who went undrafted was TCU’s Sedona Prince. The talented 6-foot-7 center faced questions about her injury history over a seven-year college career, as well as past allegations of domestic abuse, which she and her attorney have vehemently denied.
As the dust settles from this exciting draft night, it’s clear that Paige Bueckers’ journey is just beginning, and eyes across the league will be watching closely to see how she shapes her new chapter with the Wings.
