Several high-profile juniors and eligible seniors from the 2024-25 NCAA season have announced they’re returning to college for one more year, using their COVID-19 eligibility or simply opting to delay their pro careers.

Among them are:

Paige Bueckers (UConn) – After an All-American season and deep tournament run, Bueckers shocked many by confirming she’ll return for a fifth year.

Hailey Van Lith (LSU) – Transferring to TCU for her final season, Van Lith is opting to develop her game further before jumping to the pros.

Deja Kelly (UNC) – Another projected first-rounder who has chosen to use her final year of eligibility.

Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech) – Recovering from injury and planning for a bounce-back season in college.

That’s at least four major names who were all expected to be first-round or lottery picks — now officially off the 2025 draft board.

 How This Changes the 2025 Draft Landscape

With these stars returning to school, the 2025 draft class goes from “stacked” to suddenly thin at the top. Teams who were planning to tank or trade for top picks might now be second-guessing their moves.

Here’s what changes immediately:

The 2025 draft loses instant star power. No Bueckers, no Van Lith, no marquee name ready to headline the league like Caitlin Clark in 2024.

Franchise-level talent is now pushed to 2026. Next year’s draft might be loaded instead, with Bueckers, JuJu Watkins (USC), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and more likely declaring.

Teams with high picks in 2025 may pivot. Don’t be surprised if some teams try to trade down, stockpile picks for 2026, or prioritize trades and free agency instead.

 WNBA Front Offices Are Already Recalculating

Sources around the league say several teams are rethinking their draft war rooms.

A GM from a lottery-bound team reportedly said:

“We were targeting Bueckers. Without her, there’s no guaranteed game-changer in this class.”

Some teams that were planning to draft a point guard in 2025 may now explore trade options or restructure contracts to stay competitive while waiting for 2026’s superstar influx.

Expect more moves, more scouting at the junior level, and a renewed focus on international talent — especially with fewer sure-things in the NCAA pool.

 Tougher Road for Bubble Prospects

With the top-tier names out of the way, this draft becomes a golden opportunity for under-the-radar players — but it’s also riskier.

Players who were late-first or second-round projections might now be pushed higher than expected — which could be a blessing or a curse.

Teams could draft based on need over talent, leading to bust potential if unproven players are forced into major roles too soon.

It also puts more pressure on seniors who have declared — the spotlight just got hotter.

 What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

While the 2025 WNBA Draft may be lighter in star power, it’s going to be one of the most strategic drafts we’ve seen in years. Teams will need to dig deeper, scout smarter, and think long-term.

And fans?
Get ready for 2026 — because with Bueckers, JuJu, Hidalgo, Watkins, and more lining up, that class might go down as an all-time great.

Final Word: The Draft Board Got Shaken

This WNBA Draft news just proved one thing: nothing is guaranteed in this league.

One announcement. One decision. One player opting in or out — and the entire future shifts.

Now, the question isn’t just “Who’s going #1 in 2025?”

It’s:

“Who’s playing chess — and who’s still stuck on checkers?”

Buckle up. Draft season just got wild.