NEW YORK — Paige Bueckers, fresh off leading UConn to its first national championship in nine years, was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This marks a significant moment for both Bueckers and the professional basketball league, as she enters the WNBA during a time when the Wings are seeking a return to the playoffs and the league is riding the wave of high ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales from the previous season.
Coming into the draft, Bueckers expressed her eagerness to contribute wholeheartedly to the Wings organization. Having left a remarkable legacy at UConn as one of the best players in collegiate basketball history, Bueckers is ready to embark on a new chapter in her career as a professional athlete in the WNBA.
Bueckers made history by becoming the first freshman woman to win the Naismith Player of the Year award and was named a first-team All-American three times during her time at UConn. Her exceptional performance culminated in winning the national championship in 2025, solidifying her status as a basketball star to watch in the WNBA.
With the Wings undergoing strategic changes and aiming for a successful 2025 season, Bueckers’ arrival is seen as a momentum-building moment for the franchise. Teaming up with established stars like Arike Ogunbowale, Bueckers is poised to make a significant impact in her rookie season and contribute to the Wings’ pursuit of their first championship since relocating from Detroit in 2010.
The excitement surrounding Bueckers’ draft selection reflects the optimism within the Wings organization and among fans. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and attract top talent, Bueckers represents the next generation of elite basketball players who are poised to elevate the league to new heights.
The 2025 WNBA Draft not only marked a pivotal moment for Bueckers and the Wings but also showcased the continued growth and evolution of women’s professional basketball. With the league’s positive momentum from the previous season, the future looks bright for players like Bueckers who are ready to make their mark on the WNBA.
