“At a time when the passion and excitement surrounding the WNBA has never been higher, we continue to focus on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
The most-awaited WNBA drafts are just around the corner. All eyes have been on the drafts ever since the NCAA Division I season ended with the UConn Huskies‘ championship victory on April 06, 2025. This year marks the 29th season of the women’s basketball drafts, which will take place across 13 pro teams on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Yes, the league has expanded and officially boasts 13 teams. The Golden State Valkyries is the latest team to join the WNBA with their first year of WNBA drafts. They will go 5th in the first draft pick, whereas Dallas Wings will start the first draft pick round. It will be interesting to see how the drafts turn out, especially with players like Paige Bueckers, Georgia Amoore, and Shyanne Sellers and international talent like Juste Jocyte and Dominique Malonga ready to become pros.
So, what exactly is this first draft pick? And do all players get selected? Before we dive headfirst into the WNBA drafts held in the Shed in NYC, let’s understand, piece by piece, the process of how the drafts work.
How many rounds are there in the WNBA Draft?
The WNBA draft consists of three rounds, with each team typically receiving one pick per round. This amounts to a total of 36 selections. However, there are 38 picks in the WNBA drafts this year. This indicates that some teams have acquired additional selections through trades or compensatory picks. Originally placed fourth at the first pick, the Washington Mystics smartly traded their way to third and sixth places in this year’s draft’s first-round pick. Also, since the league expanded further with a new team, Golden State Valkyries, there will be 13 picks per round this year. But here’s the twist. Las Vegas Aces have been stripped of their first pick round and will join the remaining 12 teams from round two onward.
How many WNBA draft picks typically make the final roster?
Typically, each team can have a maximum of 12 players due to the league’s limited roster spots. That makes a total of 144 spots across the league, with 13 teams ready to absorb the college talent. Though all spots get filled more or less, how many rookies do you really think get a chance to show their on-court skills? Historically speaking, less than half of the drafted players ever make it to the final rosters. Let us understand this better with an example. In 2023, only 19 out of 36 draftees appeared in at least one game during the season. It is extremely challenging for all the draftees to secure a position in the teams. One of the reasons for this is the existing pros who get more chances than the rookies, simply because the teams trust their veterans more.
Why do so few WNBA draft picks make the team?
Though only exceptional college athletes make it to the drafts, not everyone gets picked by the teams. There are several factors that contribute to this problem:
Limited Roster Sizes: With only 13 spots and typically just three chances per team, the competition among the college athletes is intense. The players need to be extraordinary who can become an asset to any team that they’re assigned with. Besides, no team will invest in players resembling their veterans and will rather choose standouts with a stronghold on their abilities and possess skills unique to their respective team.
Veteran Presence: Teams often prioritise experienced players who have proven their capabilities and have showcased exceptional gameplay on the court. The teams only invest in players on the basis of their prior on-court skills and their basketball experience as compared to freshman or redshirts.
Salary Cap Constraints: Financial limitations can influence decisions, making teams cautious about adding new contracts. A team’s options are comparatively reduced if they lack sufficient funds or if a good player comes at an unaffordable price. This may place the team as well as potential players in an uncomfortable spot.
International Talent: The influx of international players adds to the competition for roster spots. These international players bring in fresh perspectives, better physical health, and a sharp set of skills that the teams are likely to bet on instead of going for home players, who need to be trained and moulded.
Which round of the WNBA draft has the highest success rate?
The highest success rate so far has been witnessed during the first-round picks, especially by those players that are in the top 5. These players are most the mature ones, with a higher basketball IQ and that is why they have the highest likelihood of making their respective rosters and staying on them. They require little to no training as they have showcased exceptional performances at the collegiate level.
Meanwhile, the second and third-round picks face steeper challenges. They either do not make it to the roster or are not given enough chances to play on the court. These athletes are often in need of more understanding of the game. Most of them need good coaches to train them, and they often need to excel at training camps to prove their worth. If things still go downhill, most of these players seek opportunities overseas to continue their basketball careers.
What happens to WNBA draft picks who don’t make the team?
Overseas Play: When not selected by the WNBA teams, several undrafted or unwaived players join international leagues. By doing this, they not only get a chance to keep their professional career alive but also continue gaining experience and showcasing their skills by participating in various overseas tournaments.
Training Camp Contracts: Meanwhile, certain players who remain undrafted despite showcasing potential receive invitations to future training camps. This is a second chance for them to work on their skills and hone them to the likes of the pros. Besides, these camps provide the rookies with yet another opportunity to make it at a pro roster.
Injury Replacements: Sometimes, when a player is too good but still remains undrafted, their skills do not go in vain. These players are signed by the WNBA teams to act as temporary replacements for the veterans or permanent players during the season due to the injuries. However, these contracts are often short and last only a season.
Development: Many undrafted players also resolve to develop themselves. They join institutions and try to go back and gain ample experience. They try to upscale and work on their strengths through better training facilities and coaches as an improved performance can lead to future opportunities in the WNBA.
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