Wings Draft Bueckers No. 1 in 2025 WNBA Draft

Paige Bueckers Lands #1 Draft Pick wiht Dallas Wings, Ushering in new Era for WNBA

By Archyde News Journalist

Published: April 15, 2025

NEW YORK – Just eight days after leading UConn to their first national championship title in nearly a decade, Paige Bueckers’ name was called first in the 2025 WNBA draft. The Dallas Wings, eager to revitalize their roster and fan base, selected Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick on Monday.

The acquisition of Bueckers marks a pivotal moment for both the Wings and the WNBA. The Dallas Wings are aiming to soar back into playoff contention after a disappointing season and are preparing for a significant relocation to a larger, more modern arena in downtown Dallas by 2026. This move symbolizes a renewed commitment to the franchise and its future within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex – a region hungry for WNBA success.

The WNBA is coming off a banner year, experiencing unprecedented growth in viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. The arrival of Bueckers, along with a talented class of rookies, is expected to further fuel this positive trajectory, attracting new fans and solidifying the league’s position in the competitive landscape of American professional sports. The league’s success mirrors the growing popularity of women’s sports across the U.S., seen in burgeoning viewership for events like the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

“I’m coming in and wanting to give everything I have to that association,” Bueckers stated emphatically after being drafted, signaling her dedication to the Wings and the city of Dallas. Her commitment resonates with fans who are eager to see a superstar embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Paige Bueckers is heading to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by @StateFarm! pic.twitter.com/uC9FTmjMXA

— WNBA (@WNBA) april 14, 2025

Bueckers’ Collegiate Legacy

From the moment she stepped onto the court for the UConn Huskies, Paige Bueckers was a force to be reckoned with. She etched her name in college basketball history,becoming the first freshman woman to win the coveted Naismith Player of the Year award. Her dominance continued throughout her collegiate career, earning three First-Team All-American selections. Bueckers concluded her time as a redshirt senior,leaving an indelible mark as the program’s all-time leading scorer in NCAA Tournament history and the fastest player to reach 2,000 career points. Her accomplishments have already earned her a place among the Huskies of Honor.

However,it was UConn’s victory over South Carolina in the 2025 national championship that solidified Bueckers’ legacy and cemented her status as a winner. This championship win served as a powerful springboard into her professional career.

Draft Night Emotions and Expectations

Despite widespread predictions anticipating her selection as the top pick, Bueckers expressed a mix of emotions on draft night. “It’s nerve-wracking. You have a level of excitement, nervousness,” she confessed. “Bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at uconn is over, but excited for the next one to begin.” This sentiment reflects the natural transition and anticipation any athlete experiences when moving to the professional level.

The WNBA Draft, held at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, marked the second consecutive year fans were able to attend in person. The increasing demand for tickets, with general admission selling out for both this year and last, underscores the growing popularity and excitement surrounding the league.

The Dallas Wings have also capitalized on this enthusiasm, selling out their season ticket inventory for the second year in a row.This milestone, achieved shortly after securing the No. 1 pick in late November, demonstrates the strong belief and investment the Dallas fanbase has in the team’s future with Bueckers.

Rebuilding the Wings: A Strategic Approach

Dallas Wings executives have made it clear that the 2025 season is envisioned as a cornerstone year for the franchise.The strategic moves made in the past year reflect this vision. The hiring of Curt Miller as general manager and Chris Koclanes as head coach signals a new direction for the team. Miller, known for his player development skills and strategic acumen, adds significant value to the franchise. Koclanes, formerly an assistant coach with both USC and the connecticut Sun, brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to the team’s on-court strategies.

At the draft party held at the College Park Centre in arlington, Texas, General Manager Curt Miller emphasized that drafting Bueckers represented “a momentum-building moment.” He further praised her as “one of the most efficient players the collegiate game has ever seen,” highlighting the impact she is expected to have on the team’s performance.

While the Wings traded former All-WNBA forward Satou Sabally earlier this winter, the addition of Bueckers to the backcourt alongside four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale creates a dynamic and possibly explosive offensive duo. The acquisition of DiJonai Carrington, last year’s Most Improved Player, thru a trade further strengthens the roster. These moves demonstrate the organization’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team and ending the franchise’s championship drought as relocating from Detroit in 2010.

“We had a very successful free agency … and now we’re off to a great start with the draft,” Miller stated, summarizing the team’s progress and optimism for the upcoming season.

Bueckers herself had been clear about her determination to win a title during her final college season. With that goal achieved, she now sets her sights on new challenges and accomplishments in the WNBA. The Wings, with Bueckers leading the charge, are poised to make significant strides toward their ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Miller noted that historically, No. 1 draft picks have the ability to drastically alter the trajectory of a franchise. Now, the work begins for Bueckers to help reshape the future and lead the Wings to new heights.

WNBA Draft Results: Rounds 1 & 2

Here’s a snapshot of the WNBA Draft selections for the first two rounds:

Round	Pick	Team	player	College/Country
Round 1	1	Dallas Wings	Paige Bueckers	uconn
	2	Indiana Fever	Cameron Brink	Stanford
	3	Minnesota Lynx	Rickea Jackson	Tennessee
	4	Los Angeles Sparks	Aaliyah Edwards	UConn
	5	Chicago Sky	Hailey Van Lith	LSU
	6	washington Mystics	Angel Reese	LSU
	7	New York Liberty	Alissa Pili	Utah
	8	Atlanta Dream	Isobel Borlase	Australia
	9	Seattle Storm	Nika Muhl	Connecticut
	10	Connecticut Sun	Leila Lacan	France
	11	Las Vegas Aces	Dyaisha fair	Syracuse
	12	Phoenix Mercury	Kaylynne Truong	Gonzaga
Round 2	13	Dallas Wings	Taiyanna Jackson	Kansas
	14	Atlanta Dream	Jacy Sheldon	Ohio state
	15	los Angeles Sparks	Charlisse Leger-Walker	Washington state
	16	Las Vegas Aces	Elizabeth Kitley	Virginia Tech
	17	New York Liberty	Jessika Carter	Mississippi State
	18	Seattle Storm	Marksisha Gatling	Tennessee
	19	Connecticut Sun	Sydney Taylor	Louisville
	20	indiana fever	Celeste Taylor	Ohio State
	21	Washington Mystics	Nastassja Johnston	Oregon State
	22	Phoenix Mercury	Lauren Betts	UCLA
	23	Minnesota Lynx	Kei-Shawn Brewer	Arizona
	24	Atlanta Dream	Matilda Vila suares	Spain

The selection of Van Lith by the Sky sees her joining forces with Angel Reese once again, rekindling their partnership from their time at LSU during the 2023-24 season, where they advanced to the Elite eight. This reunion adds an intriguing dynamic to the Sky’s roster and provides fans with another compelling storyline to follow.

How does Paige Bueckers’ experience playing for UConn and winning a national championship prepare her for the challenges of the WNBA?

Archyde Interview: Paige Bueckers on Joining the Dallas Wings

By archyde News Journalist

Published: April 16, 2025

Archyde News had the exclusive possibility to sit down with Paige Bueckers just days after being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the dallas Wings. We discussed her transition to the WNBA, her expectations for the future, and the excitement surrounding her arrival in Dallas.

an Exclusive interview with Paige Bueckers

Archyde News: Paige,congratulations on being drafted No. 1! The energy surrounding you and the Wings is palpable. How does it feel to officially be a WNBA player?

Paige Bueckers: Thank you. ItS still a bit surreal, to be honest. It’s a huge step, a dream come true, but also the beginning of somthing new. The draft was amazing, and now the real work begins. I can’t wait to get to Dallas and start contributing.

Archyde News: You’ve accomplished so much in college, capped off by a national championship. How does that experience prepare you for the challenges of the WNBA?

Paige Bueckers: Playing for UConn and winning that championship has taught me so much about teamwork, resilience, and what it takes to win at the highest level. But the WNBA is different; it’s the best of the best. The physicality,the speed of the game,the experience of the players… I know I have to elevate my game. I’m ready and eager to learn.

Archyde News: Your commitment to the Wings and Dallas fans has been clear.What drew you to the city and the team?

Paige Bueckers: From the moment I spoke with the Wings, I felt a genuine connection. They have a clear vision, a commitment to winning, and a supportive surroundings. The energy around Dallas is electric, especially with the new arena on the horizon.I want to be part of building something special there and contribute to that amazing fanbase.

Archyde News: You’ll be pairing up with Arike ogunbowale and working alongside DiJonai Carrington, creating a dynamic new offensive engine for the Wings. What are your early expectations for playing with them?

Paige Bueckers: I am looking forward to playing with both Arike and DiJonai. It’s exciting. I’ve watched Arike play and know how gifted she is. the league should be ready. I hope together we can create an exciting and unstoppable force on the court. Our combination of skills will make us not only fun to watch but a real force to be reckoned with.

Archyde News: the Wings have made significant moves,including the hiring of Curt Miller and Chris Koclanes. What has been your impression of the team’s leadership and vision?

Paige Bueckers: I’ve been thoroughly impressed. General Manager Miller and coach Koclanes have a clear plan, and I’m excited to be a part of it. They value development and team-building, which is crucial for success. Their focus on creating a positive and strategic environment made me that much more excited to get started.

Archyde News: The WNBA is experiencing tremendous growth. How do you see yourself contributing to and reflecting that expansion of the league?

Paige Bueckers: The league is trending the right way. It’s so inspiring to see the kind of growth the WNBA is experiencing.I want to be a role-model out there on and off the court, to inspire the younger generaion to continue to dream big and chase their goals. I’m committed to giving everything to the team. I hope I can contribute to the excitement and attract even more fans, and I hope to be able to continue to inspire and encourage everyone.

Archyde News: Aside from the immediate impact, the Wings are relocating to a new venue in 2026. What are your thoughts on the long-term aspirations for this franchise?

Paige Bueckers: It’s incredibly exciting! The move to a larger, more modern arena is a clear show of commitment from the franchise. It demonstrates that the business wants to build a premier team in a premier location. I am committed to making that dream and commitment into a reality. We will be building something really great, and I’m excited to grow along with the franchise.

Archyde News: What message would you like to send to the Dallas Wings fans?

Paige Bueckers: I can’t wait to get to Dallas, meet you all, and start playing in front of you! Get ready for an exciting season.we can’t wait to have you bring that energy to our home stadium. Your support means everything, and we’re going to give you a team to be proud of. Let’s go, Wings!

Archyde News: Paige, thank you so much for your time and insight. Best of luck with the upcoming season!

Paige Bueckers: thank you for having me!