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Paige Bueckers Drafted No. 1 Overall by Dallas Wings in 2025 WNBA Draft

The UConn star's selection marks a pivotal step for the struggling franchise, as international talent and league innovation define a transformative draft.

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Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Paige Bueckers on the orange carpet before the 2025 WNBA Draft.
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Overview

  • Paige Bueckers, fresh off leading UConn to a national championship, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
  • Bueckers becomes the sixth UConn alum to be drafted No. 1, joining legends like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, with expectations to revitalize a Wings team coming off a 9-31 season.
  • Her journey to the WNBA was marked by resilience, overcoming multiple knee injuries, including an ACL tear, to reclaim her dominance on the court.
  • The draft also highlighted the growing impact of international talent, with French standout Dominique Malonga selected second overall by the Seattle Storm.
  • Innovative marketing by the start-up league Unrivaled has set new benchmarks for player engagement, contrasting with criticism of the WNBA's muted off-season promotion.