Where to Watch the WNBA Draft: Channels, Streaming, and More
The draft night in the WNBA and NBA worlds is a sentimental experience for basketball enthusiasts, as fans get to witness the genuine reactions from the players upon their selection. In addition, they also gain a detailed view of how the futures of the basketball franchises can be shaped. That’s why we have brought you a comprehensive guide on how you can experience the live WNBA broadcast. The explanation here will also provide you with the option to see the broadcast with or without a paid subscription.
The WNBA Draft viewing experience is special due to another factor: the top-tier players from universities and international basketball leagues. As the league enters a new era through expansion, the significance of the draft will grow even further as an event. It will be fiercer than before, and fans will love watching their favorite franchises go all out to select the right players.
Along with the main draft, you will also learn how the 13th team in the league, the Golden State Valkyries, will select their players through the expansion draft. So, let’s explore the options, from television broadcasts to online platforms, through which fans can witness the WNBA Draft 2025.
Where to Watch the WNBA Expansion Draft?
Since the Golden State Valkyries are the new team in the WNBA that will start playing in the 2025 season, they will not select all their players from the main WNBA Draft 2025. Rather, they have selected most of their players from the WNBA Expansion Draft that took place on December 6, 2024, according to Sporting News. The expansion draft aired nationally on ESPN. However, the hooping fanatics who do not have cable TV can witness the entire draft on the streaming platform Sling.
The Valkyries have the opportunity to select most of their players from all 12 teams in the WNBA. The teams have the power to retain six players from their roster, while the rest of the unprotected players will remain in the selective pool of the Golden State Valkyries. Even if a player is unsigned for the 2025 season, the Valkyries have the chance to select that player. However, the new franchise can only select one player from each team.
It turned out that the Golden State Valkyries selected only 11 players from different teams in the WNBA Expansion Draft. According to the official page of the Valkyries, the team selected the following players from various teams:
| Players Selected by the Golden State Valkyries | Respective Teams |
| Iliana Rupert | Atlanta Dream |
| María Conde | Chicago Sky |
| Veronica Burton | Connecticut Sun |
| Carla Leite | Dallas Wings |
| Temi Fagbenle | Indiana Fever |
| Kate Martin | Las Vegas Aces |
| Stephanie Talbot | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Cecilia Zandalasini | Minnesota Lynx |
| Kayla Thornton | New York Liberty |
| Monique Billings | Phoenix Mercury |
| Julie Vanloo | Washington Mystics |
The General Manager, Ohemaa Nyanin of the Golden State Valkyries, in an official release, expressed his views on the franchise’s debut in the league. “We are excited to have officially started the journey of building the Golden State Valkyries 2025 team. Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies both versatility and depth, bringing in a strong mix of leadership, defense, and scoring ability. These players were carefully chosen not only for their skills on the court, but also for their ability to fit into the culture we’re working to build here at Golden State.”
The rest of the players for the Golden State Valkyries can enter the franchise either through the team or through the picks that the team makes in the main WNBA Draft of 2025.
Where to Watch the WNBA Draft for Free?
For those looking to watch the WNBA Draft for free, it is possible to find many options available to fans. Cable companies and streaming services make it easy to get limited access to the draft without spending extra money, thanks to free trials. For example, popular options like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer limited-time access to live sports channels such as ESPN, the primary broadcaster of this elite event.
Some networks might even look to stream the draft on their official websites, allowing access without subscriptions. Social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, often provide real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes clips during events, keeping fans engaged and entertained throughout the show. These networks serve as excellent sources for those who do not have traditional broadcasts or streaming services.
The free mediums available to help fans witness the WNBA Draft are a great deal for WNBA fanatics who can’t afford a subscription. They are also ideal for the money-saving community in the sports world that prefers free entertainment. The draft lottery for the 2025 WNBA Draft is also available for fans on the Fubo streaming platform. Therefore, fans can try the free trial option on Fubo as well.
Table: Where to Watch WNBA Draft
| Date | Time | Location | TV Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 14th | NA | NA | ESPN | ESPN+, WNBA App |
Key Points to Remember:
- Primary Viewing Options: ESPN provides comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access for the WNBA Draft as the primary broadcaster.
- Streaming Alternatives: ESPN+, Fubo, and other streaming options, such as Hulu + Live TV, offer flexible viewing options for the draft. These choices are tailor-fit for people who prefer to follow the event on their electronic devices.
- Free Viewing Tips: The streaming platforms also help use their free trials. Social media channels are also critical tools for real-time updates and highlight moments.
Why the WNBA Draft Matters
The WNBA Draft does not just concern athletes; it tells of the evolution, possibilities, and impact of the league on the landscape of sports. Each new draft class brings new talent, new stories, and new dynamics in the league that always keep basketball fans glued across the world.
The proximity of imminent further expansion drafts has given an even wider significance to these drafts. New teams like the Golden State Valkyries are reigniting the fever in fans and players alike. Such strides are trademarks of the league in line with its growth, inclusion, and creativity concerning professionals in sports. Additionally, the teams have the chance to bolster their rosters with new players who can enhance the team and deliver all-around performances on the court.
In the meantime, this is a venue for celebrating women’s basketball achievements and motivating future generations of athletes. The inspiring stories of determination, sacrifice, and success surrounding the journeys of each athlete are far-reaching and resonate beyond the actual court. That’s what makes the draft an important date for both fans and newcomers.
Conclusion
With that, you should now be able to prepare ahead and not miss exciting moments in the WNBA Draft event. Whether you watch it on TV or stream it for free on the Internet, expect the event to bring all the excitement, drama, and brilliance of basketball performances in an unparalleled way.
The promise of a bright future and excellence in the sport is evident in both the WNBA Draft and Expansion Draft. For budding prospects as well as established stars discovering new talent, these are blockbuster occasions. Save the date, refer to the suggestions in this guide, and get ready to watch the next chapter of women’s basketball evolve.
FAQs
Q. Where can we watch the WNBA Draft?
A. The WNBA Draft will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States. The WNBA Draft Lottery will also be broadcast on ESPN.
Q. Is there an age limit for the WNBA draft?
A. Yes, the WNBA has an age limit for domestic players. To be eligible for the WNBA draft, domestic players must be at least 22 years old in the year of the draft. International players must be at least 20 years old in the year of the draft.
Q. Where can I watch the WNBA draft in the UK?
A. In the UK, you can watch the WNBA draft on TNT Sports, which is available on Discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.