Understanding the Rounds and Player Selections in WNBA Draft

The WNBA Draft Day is arguably one of the most important days of the year for WNBA franchises. It is the day when teams select the raw talents of college basketball and take them under their hood. Over time, female hoop talent evolves under the heat and pressure of the league, and the players who come out on the other end prove to be gems. However, the journey always begins with the WNBA Draft. First, it is necessary to understand how the structure of the WNBA Draft works, how many rounds there are, how many picks are in a round, and finally, how many types of rounds are in the event.

Well, for the fans of women’s basketball, we have prepared a one-stop guide to learn about the WNBA Draft’s setup. This article explains the process of the draft and how significant its role is in the league and for the teams

How Many Rounds are there in the WNBA Draft?

Unlike the NBA, which has two rounds for the selection of players, the WNBA follows a three-round draft setup. The main purpose of this setup is to be as specific as possible when picking players and allotting them appropriate space based on their skills. All three rounds in the draft have 12 picks each, corresponding to the league’s 12 teams. However, currently, the WNBA is undergoing expansion and will have 15 teams by the end of 2026. That’s why 13 teams (including the Golden State Valkyries) will participate in the WNBA Draft. Therefore, this year, the first round will have 12 picks, but the second and third rounds will each have 13 picks.

The purpose of this round format is to categorize players in such a way that each round represents a specific level of talent and skill. Since the total number of selections has expanded to 38, with 13 teams selecting, the competition will be nail-biting. Especially after the immense success of the last WNBA season, teams are eager to get the spotlight this season with new prospects, like Caitlin Clark did for the Indiana Fever last season.

Top WNBA Draft Players

Since the commencement of the WNBA in 1997, it has introduced various women basketball talents to the world. It will not be possible to mention all of them on the special list. However, some of them have revolutionized the league with their arrival, and here they are as follows:

• Caitlin Clark (2023, 1st overall pick, Indiana Fever): She was a star even before her arrival in the league, averaging 31 points per game in college basketball and leading the NCAA in total points in the women’s category. In the WNBA, she was a generational player, and her fame brought significant viewership to the league.
• Breanna Stewart (2016, 1st overall pick, Seattle Storm): Breanna Stewart has grown to be a great athlete over the years, as she has earned multiple championships and MVP titles in the league. Even after eight years, she continues to be listed among the best players in the league.
• A’ja Wilson (2018, 1st overall pick, Las Vegas Aces): She has been a powerhouse player since her selection in the league, as she won two Championships in two consecutive years and two gold medals with Team USA in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
• Sabrina Ionescu (2020, 1st overall pick, New York Liberty): Sabrina has emerged as a great leader on the court. Her ability to adapt during crucial moments and lead by example is the primary aspect of her game that has captured everyone’s attention.
• Cheryl Ford (2003, 3rd overall pick, Detroit Shock): Cheryl Ford was a fan favorite who not only earned multiple championships in the league but also secured many All-Star selections. That’s why her impact on the fans, as well as on the game, is everlasting.

How many players get drafted in the WNBA?

Usually, the WNBA Draft picks 36 players each year, but the 2025 WNBA Draft is a little different in that sense. Since the league is going through an expansion, the inclusion of the 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, has added two more spots to the draft picks, totaling 38 players. There are expectations that as the league expands to 15 teams by the end of 2026, more spots will be available in the draft to acquire the best female basketball talent from around the world.

Out of the 38 players who get a chance to prove their mettle on the hardcourt, only a handful prove to be worthy of a team in the long run. In fact, the WNBA scene is evolving with fierce competition from all sides; therefore, players need to continuously improve their game and make the most of each and every game in the league. For the teams as well, the WNBA draft brings an opportunity to create balance and optimize their rosters.

List of the Rounds in the WNBA Draft

Below is an organized breakdown of the three rounds, including the picks and their corresponding teams from the 2025 draft. This table highlights the structure and order of selections:

So, let’s look at the order in which the respective franchise teams from the league will pick their players in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The following breakdown highlights the order of picks in the draft, and the first spot goes to the Dallas Wings, according to their official declaration:

Types of Rounds in the WNBA Draft

The three phases of the WNBA Draft are categorized according to their objectives: the first, second, and third phases have similar formats, with 12 selections each (13 picks in the second and third rounds this year). Each round serves a different purpose and influences the destiny of the teams and players involved. Here is a complete account of it:

• First Round:
  • The first round is where the most elite and awaited players are selected. Most picks are usually college All-Americans or foreign talents who are expected to make a difference right away for their teams. First-rounders have long been seen as the foundation for the future of a team, as many players have gone on to become All-Stars and MVPs.

• Second Round:
  • The second round involves coaxing additional depth into the teams’ rosters. Given that these players may not bring the same degree of excitement as those from the first round, a few have gone on to have brilliant careers; however, it is also a round where teams can try their luck, hoping to find a hidden gem or utilize different talent for both.

• Third Round:
  • The third round is used to draft players who need further time to develop or learn how to operate in a professional environment. These selections are taken as opportunities to find undiscovered athletes who haven’t been well-scouted but are potentially capable of excelling in the right setting. Although many third-round selections fail to make the final cut of a team’s roster, quite a few have proven their worth in the end and are significant contributors.

The Importance of the WNBA Draft

The WNBA Draft is much more than an arena of selection; it is a celebration of skills through which athletes begin the process of realizing their aspirations. For teams, it reconstructs a way to fortify weak spots while acquiring future talent, while for the athletes, it is a moment of recognition and a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level.

Conclusion

This drafting format in the WNBA consists of three rounds and a total of 38 picks this year. It provides essential insight into how the league operates and how new players are added. Each round has its benefits, and each selection forms a base for every player to start making an impact on the sport. Of course, the WNBA draft defines the identity of a league because the next wave of athletes seizes the opportunity to shine and continue the glory of women’s basketball.

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