The WNBA Draft lottery has wrapped up, giving us a much clearer picture of what to expect for next season. Last year, Caitlin Clark was the No. 1 pick, making her way to the Indiana Fever. It was the franchise’s second consecutive top pick in as many years. This time around, the spotlight is on Paige Bueckers, the projected No. 1 pick.

As the anticipation builds for next year’s WNBA Draft, let’s take a closer look at how things could shake out, with each team setting its sights on the top talent available.

1. Paige Bueckers: Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, thanks to their favorable position, which was boosted by the Marina Mabrey trade in January 2023. With Paige Bueckers, the top prospect, likely heading to Arlington, the Wings are poised to build their future around her.

While Arike Ogunbowale leads the team as a dynamic point guard, the loss of Natasha Howard opens the door for fresh talent. Bueckers, a standout UConn guard, has already impressed this season, including a 29-point performance, further fueling excitement about her potential. Now, the Wings just need a new head coach to integrate her into their strategy and take the team to the next level.

2. Kiki Iriafen: Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks, with the second-best odds for the No. 1 pick, landed the second overall selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This gives them a chance to add USC star Kiki Iriafen, who holds the No. 2 spot in mock drafts.

Despite landing top picks like Cameron Brink (No. 2) and Rickea Jackson (No. 4) last year, the Sparks’ season faltered due to Brink’s injury, resulting in their worst finish in franchise history. Iriafen, a standout player with 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, transferred to USC after a strong junior year at Stanford. Her growth, particularly in 3-point shooting, could bring the stability the Sparks need for a comeback.

3. Azzi Fudd: Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky may have faced some setbacks after their 2023 trade with the Wings, but they’re not too discouraged. Last year, they secured two impressive picks in Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3) and Angel Reese (No. 7). Unfortunately, an injury to Reese derailed their playoff hopes, but the Chicago remains in a strong position with the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This opens the door for them to add UConn star Azzi Fudd, currently ranked No. 3 in the mock drafts.

The Windy City already boasts an exciting young core, and adding Fudd could take their game to the next level, pushing them up in the standings. However, Fudd, who has been sidelined with an injury, is yet to return for UConn this season. With only 42 college games under her belt, Fudd is considering whether to declare for the draft or return for another year of college play. The Sky’s opportunity to acquire her depends on that decision, but if they do land her, it could be a huge boost to their roster.

4. Olivia Miles: Washington Mystics

The Washington Mystics had the lowest odds of securing the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery, ultimately landing the fourth overall selection. While they missed out on Paige Bueckers, they can still add Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles, a promising option.

Miles comes with some concerns, notably her fitness after missing the 2023 postseason and the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury. Her 3-point shooting has also been questioned. However, she’s off to a strong start this season, averaging 17.7 points and a triple-double in her opener. Given the success of Notre Dame guards in the WNBA, Miles could provide the Mystics with valuable depth or bolster their bench.

5. Lauren Betts: Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest addition, are set to make their mark in the 2025 draft with an automatic fifth pick in every round. While it’s still early to know exactly what the Valkyries will target in the draft, especially since they don’t yet have a roster (the expansion draft is set for December 6), one player to watch is Lauren Betts.

Betts, who becomes draft-eligible next year at 22, could be a top pick if she chooses to leave early. After transferring from Stanford, she’s now in her second season at UCLA, where she has consistently impressed with a career shooting percentage of 64.4%. As the Valkyries prepare to build their team from the ground up, Betts could be a key piece they look to secure in the 2025 draft.

6. Dominique Malonga: Washington Mystics (via Atlanta Dream)

The Washington Mystics aren’t just sitting on the fourth pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft—they also have a chance to grab the sixth pick, thanks to an acquired pick from Atlanta. This gives them a prime opportunity to strengthen their roster with another top talent. According to ESPN’s mock drafts, Dominique Malonga is projected to be available at No. 6. At just 19, Malonga recently made the French Olympic team, and with her size and potential, she could be a solid first-round pick, even if she decides not to enter the WNBA in 2025.

Though the Mystics are navigating a bit of uncertainty, with no new head coach or general manager following the departures of Eric and Mike Thibaut, they’re in a great position to make moves. The management will likely look to maximize their draft picks and add even more talent to help reshape the team for the future.

7. Aneesah Morrow: New York Liberty (via Phoenix Mercury)

The defending champion New York Liberty hold the seventh pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft after acquiring it from Phoenix. With a strong core of veteran players already in place, the Liberty are in a great position to add some youthful energy and speed to their roster. According to mock drafts, the No. 7 pick could go to LSU senior Aneesah Morrow, a standout scorer and rebounder who began her college career at DePaul.

Morrow recently became a part of LSU’s history when she added her name as the sixth player in college program to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game. While concerns about her position exist, Morrow’s potential makes her a highly attractive option for the reigning champions, who could benefit from her fresh talent and versatility.

8. Janiah Barker: Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever have made savvy moves in recent drafts, securing top picks like Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Caitlin Clark in 2024. However, in the 2025 draft, they find themselves picking at No. 8. The Fever are expected to select UCLA forward Janiah Barker with this pick.

Barker, a junior who turns 22 next year, is a powerful post player with a lot of potential. After starting her college career at Texas A&M, she transferred to UCLA, where she’s been an integral part of their strong inside game. The key for Barker will be how much her offensive game develops under coach Cori Close and alongside UCLA’s talented roster. While she is yet to play this season, last year she averaged 12.2 points. Adding Barker to their young squad could inject more fresh energy into the Fever, further strengthening their future.

9. Te-Hina Paopao: Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm, who finished fifth in the standings last season, have the opportunity to pick right after the Indiana Fever at No. 9 in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The player they’re likely to target is Te-Hina Paopao, who has earned her spot in mock drafts. Paopao, returning for a fifth year after winning a national championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks, is known for her impressive 3-point shooting.

Over her college career, including her first three years at Oregon, she’s made 40.9% of her shots from beyond the arc, with an impressive 46.8% last season. Under the guidance of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, Paopao has also made strides on defense. Her combination of scoring ability and defensive growth could make her an intriguing option for the Storm as they look to bolster their roster.

10. Rori Harmon: Chicago Sky (via Connecticut Sun)

After acquiring the 10th pick from Connecticut, the Chicago Sky will have the opportunity to select a promising prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft. ESPN’s mock draft has Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon slotted as the No. 10 pick. Harmon’s college career has had its challenges—she was limited to just 12 games last season due to a knee injury but received a hardship waiver, which could allow her to return for another season.

If she declares for the draft, her speed, defense, and playmaking abilities would make her a valuable asset for any team. One area Harmon could improve to boost her draft stock is her 3-point shooting, but she’s already shown promise this season, averaging 9 points and 7.5 assists in her first two games.

11. Shyanne Sellers: Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx, who boasted the best defensive rating in the 2024 season, will hold the 11th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. According to mock drafts, Maryland Terrapins senior Shyanne Sellers could be the Lynx’s target for that spot.

During their run to the WNBA Finals this season, we saw how coach Cheryl Reeve is skilled at using players’ strengths to create a well-rounded team. Sellers, a strong playmaker with solid size, would fit well with the Lynx’s style of play. Last year, she averaged 15.6 points per game, and this season, she’s contributing 10.8 points per game. Adding Sellers to the roster could be a great move for Minnesota.

12. Sonia Citron: Phoenix Mercury (via New York Liberty)

The Phoenix Mercury, after swapping their pick with the New York Liberty, will now have the 12th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. According to mock drafts, Notre Dame senior guard Sonia Citron could be a prime target for them at this spot.

While her numbers from last season—17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game—may dip with the return of teammate Miles to Notre Dame, Citron’s versatility as a guard and her strong 3-point shooting make her an intriguing first-round prospect. Her potential could make her a great addition to the Mercury’s roster, offering them depth and skill on the perimeter.

That wraps up the WNBA draft predictions following the recent lottery results. However, the Las Vegas Aces won’t be participating in the first round of the 2025 draft. Their first-round pick was rescinded after a league investigation found that the organization violated rules related to impermissible player benefits. As a result, the Aces will have to wait until later rounds to make their selections.