The 2025 WNBA Draft is officially in the books — and as always, it delivered plenty of surprises, bold picks, and game-changing moves. Some franchises walked away as clear winners, setting themselves up for long-term success. Others left fans scratching their heads, either reaching too early or passing on key talent.

Let’s break down who crushed the draft and who might be left wondering what could’ve been.

Winners

Indiana Fever

Key Picks: Bree Hall, Yvonne Ejim, Makayla Timpson

The Fever are the clear winners of this year’s draft. Already making headlines with the addition of Caitlin Clark, Indiana doubled down by drafting three players who perfectly complement their core.

Bree Hall gives them a poised guard with range and defense.

Yvonne Ejim is a high-motor forward who defends and rebounds.

Makayla Timpson adds toughness and depth in the paint.

They didn’t just draft for talent — they drafted for fit, and that’s how good teams become great.

“They’re building something scary in Indiana,” said one ESPN analyst.
“This team went from lottery to potential playoff dark horse in a flash.”

Chicago Sky

Key Pick: Kamilla Cardoso

Chicago nailed it by landing Kamilla Cardoso, the 6’7” South Carolina center who dominated the college game. She’s a force on both ends and gives the Sky an anchor around which to rebuild. Cardoso was arguably the best big in the draft, and Chicago got her at the perfect moment.

They also added solid role players with size and upside in later rounds — smart, future-minded picks.

Los Angeles Sparks

Key Pick: Rickea Jackson

The Sparks desperately needed firepower, and they got it in Rickea Jackson — an elite scorer with WNBA-ready athleticism. Jackson has the tools to contribute right away and could quickly become the face of LA’s next era.

Plus, their draft overall emphasized length, versatility, and positional need. That’s a win.

Losers

Phoenix Mercury

Questionable Pick: Reached early for positional depth

Phoenix didn’t have a lot of picks to work with, but they still managed to make things worse by reaching for need over talent. With legends like Diana Taurasi nearing retirement, you’d think the Mercury would look to inject young star power — instead, they played it safe and boring.

The pick may fill a role on paper, but it lacks long-term upside. In a deep draft, that’s a miss.

New York Liberty

The Liberty already have a stacked roster, so it’s not a disaster that they didn’t land a star. But their draft approach felt uninspired. Rather than targeting a backup point guard or post defender — areas they could use depth — they went with a developmental swing that likely won’t contribute this year.

In short, they drafted for a future they’re not building toward, and that’s confusing.

Dallas Wings

Overloaded at One Position (Again)

Dallas once again loaded up at a single position, adding more wings (pun intended) to an already crowded rotation. Talent is great, but fit matters too — and the Wings seem to be hoarding guards and combo players without a clear plan for rotation or development.

It’s not the worst draft class, but it leaves fans wondering: What’s the identity here?

Biggest Steal of the Draft

Yvonne Ejim to the Fever (Second Round)
A projected late first-rounder, Ejim slipped into the second round — and Indiana wasted no time scooping her up. She’s a plug-and-play defensive forward with great instincts and physicality. Don’t be surprised if she earns significant minutes early.

 Final Thoughts

This year’s WNBA Draft proved again that fit matters just as much as talent. The best teams didn’t just grab the flashiest names — they made smart, strategic moves that address actual needs and strengthen team culture.

Indiana is officially all-in on a new era.

Chicago has its franchise centerpiece.

LA got a star scorer who fits their identity.

Meanwhile, some teams stuck in the middle may have just stayed stuck.

What do you think?
Who had the best draft? Who missed their moment?
Drop your takes — because this class is going to shake up the league fast.