Paige Bueckers, a standout player for the UConn Huskies, faced off against UCLA in the Final Four on April 4. Just eight days after leading Connecticut to the NCAA championship, Bueckers is set to be the top pick in Monday’s WNBA Draft, expected to be selected by the Dallas Wings. The draft, featuring three rounds and 38 picks, will take place in New York, with the Seattle Storm holding the second pick and the Washington Mystics possessing multiple early selections.
The Golden State Valkyries, a new franchise based in San Francisco, will make the fifth pick in the draft. The Wings, finishing with the second-worst record in the WNBA last season, are keen on drafting Bueckers, aiming to bring excitement to the team and the women’s basketball scene in Texas.
Bueckers, a dynamic player who recently won UConn’s long-awaited national title, has garnered attention for her exceptional skills on the court. Apart from her WNBA journey, she has also signed a three-year contract with Unrivaled, a league created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Despite facing setbacks like injuries during her collegiate career, Bueckers remains a top prospect in the upcoming draft. Other notable players like Olivia Miles, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Azzi Fudd have chosen to stay in college for another season, potentially influenced by ongoing negotiations between the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association and the league. The outcome of these discussions may impact their decisions regarding turning professional.
Excitement is building as fans and teams anticipate the draft and the potential impact these talented athletes will have on the future of women’s basketball.
In 2026, WNBA players are poised to secure higher salaries compared to the 2025 draft class. Following a successful season where rookie sensations Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese captivated a diverse audience, the league experienced a significant increase in viewership. The championship finals garnered the highest viewership in 25 years, and regular-season games saw a 170 percent rise in viewership compared to 2023, as reported by ESPN last autumn. Women’s basketball athletes face a tight timeframe between concluding their college careers and entering the WNBA as rookies. With training camps commencing on April 27 and the regular season starting on May 16, players undergo rapid transitions. The upcoming season will feature a record 44 games for WNBA teams, marking the longest schedule in the league’s history.
