When it comes to creating WNBA big names, some college programs just have that magic touch. There are powerhouse dynasties and some underdog stories. The schools across the country have been bringing out talent since the league’s first draft in 1997. While many colleges have been part of history, there is one name that keeps coming up.
And that is Connecticut with 28 first-round picks. Add in the fact that 11 schools have combined for a whopping 32 NCAA titles and that almost every No. 1 pick has hailed from Division I. It’s clear that the college game is still the league’s best launching pad. So, where were the big names that had the big talent in 2025?
Which School Had the Most Players Picked in 2025?
South Carolina | 3 Picks
- Te-Hina Paopao (2nd Round)
- Bree Hall (2nd Round)
- Sania Feagin (2nd Round)
Notre Dame | 3 Picks
- Sonia Citron (1st Round)
- Maddy Westbeld (2nd Round)
- Liatu King (3rd Round)
Connecticut | 3 Picks
- Paige Bueckers (1st Round)
- Kaitlyn Chen (3rd Round)
- Aubrey Griffin (3rd Round)
Alabama | 3 Picks
- Sarah Ashlee Barker (1st Round)
- Aaliyah Nye (2nd Round)
- Zaay Green (3rd Round)
NC State | 2 Picks
- Saniya Rivers (1st Round)
- Aziaha James (1st Round)
TCU – 2 Picks
- Hailey Van Lith (1st Round)
- Madison Conner (3rd Round)
Southern California | 2 Picks
- Kiki Iriafen (1st Round)
- Rayah Marshall (2nd Round)
This time, too, UConn had the first pick. Paige Bueckers went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings. With that, Bueckers joins names like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. Bueckers is the sixth UConn player to claim the top spot. But it’s not just UConn.
This year’s first round was a who’s who of NCAA stars. Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron went third, Southern Cal’s Kiki Iriafen got picked fourth, and Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker rounded out the top 10. Evidently, women’s basketball is thriving.
Since 1997, 18 schools have seen one of their stars go No. 1 overall. But only five schools have done it more than once. Following UConn are Notre Dame, Stanford, Tennessee, and South Carolina, each with two.
UConn, interestingly, also has the maximum number of national championship titles, with 12. This is followed by Tennessee with eight titles. Then come Baylor, Stanford, and South Carolina with three titles. Meanwhile, South California, Louisiana Tech, and Notre Dame all have two titles.
KEEP READING: 2025 WNBA Draft Most Players Selected by Conference
So while the 2025 draft brought new names into the league, it also reminded us of the old rule: if you want to go big in the WNBA, start with the right college. UConn’s throne remains sturdy.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
