Dallas Wings Select Paige Bueckers First Overall in 2025 WNBA Draft: What This Means for the Team’s Future

Eight days after leading UConn to a national championship, Paige Bueckers was picked first by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This moment is significant for both Bueckers and the Wings as they aim to bounce back after missing the playoffs last year. The Wings are also preparing to move to a larger downtown arena in Dallas for the 2026 season.

The WNBA is riding high after a record-breaking year in terms of viewership and merchandise sales. Bueckers, along with this year’s rookie class, has the potential to drive the league’s growth further. “I’m coming in and wanting to give everything I have to that organization,” Bueckers shared after the draft.

Bueckers has been a standout athlete since her college days. She made history as the first freshman woman to win the Naismith Player of the Year Award and became the all-time leading scorer for the UConn program in NCAA Tournament history. Her journey culminated in that national championship win over South Carolina.

Although many expected her to be the top pick, she admitted feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “It’s bittersweet knowing that my journey at UConn is over, but I’m excited for the next chapter,” she said.

The draft event was in-person for the second year in a row, reflecting growing interest in the league. Last year’s draft sold out quickly, and this year followed suit. Even the Wings sold out their season tickets for the second year in a row, a sign of their strong fan base.

Dallas has been proactive in building a competitive team, recently hiring Curt Miller as general manager and Chris Koclanes as head coach. At the draft party, Miller described selecting Bueckers as a “momentum-building moment.” He praised her as one of the most efficient players in college basketball history. Bueckers will join forces with four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, promising an exciting backcourt for the team.

Bueckers openly stated that this last college season was her final shot at a title, which she achieved with grace. Miller noted that No. 1 picks have historically transformed franchises, highlighting the expectations for Bueckers as she steps into her professional career.

Interestingly, fan reactions on social media show a blend of excitement and anticipation for Bueckers. Many are eager to witness how she adapts to the professional game and contributes to the Wings’ aspirations.

In addition, a survey by the Sports Business Journal reported that women’s sports viewership is on the rise, with a 66% increase in WNBA engagement over the past year. This growing trend reflects a positive atmosphere for new talents like Bueckers to thrive.

As the Wings aim for their first championship since relocating from Detroit in 2010, all eyes will be on Bueckers and her ability to leave a lasting impact in the WNBA. The stage is set for an exciting journey ahead.



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Dallas Wings, Connecticut Huskies, WNBA, Women's College Basketball