Another WNBA season’s almost in the books, and you know what that means. It’s the draft season! But 2025? This one’s got a special buzz.

For the first time, the draft isn’t just a night of picks and fits. It’s a full-circle moment. Paige Bueckers is finally eligible. Aaliyah Edwards is no longer the only UConn star with her name on a WNBA jersey. And with the brand-new Golden State Valkyries shaking up the league, this class feels like the start of a new era.

But before the cameras flash and the names get called in NYC on April 14, there’s one question every fan’s asking: what’s the draft order? And how many chances does your favorite team get to pick future stars?

Whether you’re praying for your team to land a franchise player or just here for the chaos, the 2025 WNBA Draft order is more than just numbers. It’s a map of who gets to change their fate, and who might just change the league.

So, let’s break down the order, the rules behind it, and which teams are walking in with the most draft capital.

How was the 2025 WNBA Draft order determined? 

Getting the No. 1 pick in the WNBA isn’t about tanking at the right time. It’s about playing the long game and then hoping the ping-pong balls fall your way. The WNBA’s draft lottery doesn’t just look at last season’s records, it weighs each team’s win-loss totals from the last two seasons combined. That’s where it gets spicy.

Only the four teams that missed the playoffs are eligible for the lottery. In 2025, those ping-pong balls decided the fate of the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Phoenix Mercury. Dallas struck gold and landed the first overall pick, without even being the worst team record-wise.

Here’s how it really works, Picks 1 through 4? That’s all lottery magic. Ping-pong ball draws determine picks No. 1 and No. 2, while the next two are sorted based on those same weighted odds. After that, the playoff teams (yep, all eight) are slotted based on their regular season record. No impact on how deep they went into the postseason. Rounds 2 and 3? Those go strictly by how each team finished in the 2024 season.

It’s a system designed to give struggling franchises a shot at transformation, though luck still plays a starring role.

How many picks do each team have in the 2025 WNBA Draft?

It’s not just about where a team picks. It’s about how often they get to step up to the mic. And in 2025, some front offices are walking in with war chests, while others… well, let’s just say they’ll be watching more than picking.

The Washington Mystics lead the way with five total picks, including a staggering three in the first round. They’re followed by the Dallas Wings, who hold four picks—same as the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, and Seattle Storm.

Here’s the full breakdown:

And yes, you read that right. The Phoenix Mercury won’t be making any selections this year. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is dealing with its own penalty: they forfeited their first-rounder due to a league punishment around improper player benefits.

Who has the first pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft?

But with all the odds, trades, and team strategies floating around, there was one question hanging in the air. Who really came out on top? The ping-pong balls have spoken, and the dust has finally settled.

It’s official—the Dallas Wings own the first pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. After winning the lottery, they’ll kick off the night with the power to define the class. The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics follow close behind at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

But here’s what makes this year fascinating: despite the league expanding to 13 teams with the Golden State Valkyries, only 12 picks will be made in Round 1. The Las Vegas Aces’ forfeited pick leaves a gap—but also narrows the window for top-tier talent to go off the board.

Washington is sitting on a goldmine with three first-round selections, making them one of the most influential teams in the draft. Dallas and Connecticut, with two apiece, are right behind. In short? The power dynamics are shifting and fast. Whether it’s rebuilding or reloading, the 2025 WNBA Draft could set the tone for the next five seasons. Want a reason to care? Just look at what Caitlin Clark did for Indiana. Now imagine what Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, and others could do in the right system.

Draft night isn’t just about names on cards. It’s about legacies being born. And with this year’s order officially locked in, the countdown to chaos has begun!