In a thrilling turn of events, the Dallas Wings emerged victorious in the 2025 WNBA draft lottery, clinching the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The franchise, eager to bounce back after an injury-riddled 9-31 season, now holds the key to potentially selecting UConn superstar Paige Bueckers.
The Wings, who had a combined 45.4% chance of landing the top pick, defied the odds and sent shockwaves through the WNBA community. This marks the first time Dallas has won the lottery since the franchise rebranded in 2021.
A Franchise-Altering Opportunity
For a Dallas team seeking to reestablish itself as a perennial contender, securing the No. 1 pick couldn’t have come at a better time. The prospect of adding a generational talent like Bueckers has the potential to reshape the franchise’s trajectory.
The 6-foot guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, has been a revelation since stepping foot on UConn’s campus. Bueckers made history as a freshman, becoming the first to sweep all major national player of the year awards. Her electrifying play and clutch performances have made her a fan favorite and a projected WNBA superstar.
Overcoming Adversity
Bueckers’ college career has not been without challenges. She missed significant time in her sophomore season due to a knee injury and later tore her ACL before her junior year. However, her resilience and unwavering determination have shone through.
I hope she goes to a team that she is exactly what they need, whatever that team is. Paige is going to be all right wherever she goes.
– UConn coach Geno Auriemma
Despite the setbacks, Bueckers has led the Huskies to the Final Four in each season she’s been healthy, including a trip to the national championship game in 2022. Her career scoring average of 19.9 points per game is on pace to surpass UConn legend Maya Moore’s record.
Building a Contender in Dallas
The Wings’ lottery win comes at a pivotal juncture for the organization. The team recently hired Curt Miller as their new general manager, signaling a commitment to reshaping the roster. With the No. 1 pick in hand, Miller and the Wings’ front office have the opportunity to add a franchise cornerstone.
Dallas already boasts a core of talented players, including Arike Ogunbowale, Teaira McCowan, and Kalani Brown. The addition of Bueckers could elevate the Wings into instant playoff contenders and potentially attract other high-profile free agents looking to join forces with the UConn phenom.
An Exciting Draft Class
While Bueckers is widely regarded as the prize of the 2025 draft class, she’s not the only top prospect turning heads. Other projected lottery picks include Kiki Iriafen, Azzi Fudd, and Olivia Miles, each possessing the talent to make an immediate impact in the WNBA.
The Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Washington Mystics round out the top four picks in the upcoming draft. Each team will have the opportunity to add a key piece to their roster and shape the league’s landscape for years to come.
A New Era for the WNBA
The 2025 season will usher in an exciting new chapter for the WNBA with the addition of the league’s first expansion team since 2008: the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries will pick fifth in each round of the draft and hold their own expansion draft on December 6th.
As the league continues to grow and attract top talent from around the world, the future looks brighter than ever. The Dallas Wings’ lottery win and the potential arrival of Paige Bueckers only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the WNBA.
The 2025 WNBA draft is scheduled for April 14th, and all eyes will be on Dallas as they make their selection. For a franchise that has endured its share of struggles, the opportunity to draft a player of Bueckers’ caliber represents a chance to change the course of their history. Only time will tell how this young superstar will shape the league, but one thing is certain: the Dallas Wings are poised to spread their wings and soar to new heights.
