NEW YORK – Paige Bueckers, fresh off leading UConn to its first national championship in nine years, was chosen as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. This selection comes at a pivotal time for both Dallas and the league, as the Wings aim to return to the playoffs and the WNBA looks to build on its recent success after a record-breaking season in terms of ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales.
Bueckers, a standout player in college basketball, made history by winning the Naismith Player of the Year award as a freshman and earning three first-team All-American honors during her time with the Huskies. She departed UConn as the program’s all-time leading scorer in NCAA Tournament history and the fastest player to reach 2,000 career points, solidifying her place in the Huskies of Honor program.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Bueckers as the top pick, she expressed a mix of emotions after being drafted, acknowledging the excitement of a new chapter in her career while also feeling the bittersweet moment of leaving UConn behind. The draft event, held at The Shed at Hudson Yards, was once again attended by fans, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
The Wings, in a strategic move to reshape their roster, traded former All-WNBA forward Satou Sabally and added key players like DiJonai Carrington to complement Bueckers and four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. With a sold-out season ticket inventory and a strong start to the draft, the Wings are setting the stage for a transformative season under the leadership of new general manager Curt Miller and head coach Chris Koclanes.
Paige Bueckers’ journey to the top pick in the draft signals a new era for the Wings, as they seek to establish themselves as contenders in the WNBA. Her arrival in Dallas marks a significant moment for both the franchise and the league, as they strive to capitalize on the momentum generated by a successful season. With Bueckers leading the way, the future looks bright for women’s basketball in Dallas and beyond.