The 2025 WNBA Draft was a nerve-racking day full of excitement as female athletes from around the world witnessed their lives change and hard work pay off. For them, the WNBA is far more than just a professional basketball league. It’s a powerful platform for equity, empowerment and excellence. It’s a stage to showcase their talent, leadership and resilience at the highest level.
The WNBA continues to break barriers by elevating women’s voices and spotlighting their athletic achievements while advocating for social justice. For many young girls watching, the WNBA represents possibility. It represents a future where their skills, identities and dreams are not just welcomed but celebrated.
As the league ushers in a brand new roster, here are some exciting WNBA draft picks you need to keep on your radar.
Women of Color WNBA Draft Picks
Countless exciting talents are entering the WNBA this year, most notably, Sedona Prince, Sonia Citron and Hailey Van Lith. Prince has become an advocate for equity in sports since her viral videos exposed NCAA disparities. Citron and Van Lith have also built loyal fanbases through both their on-court intensity and off-court charisma.
In addition to these key players who will bring so much to the sport throughout the next season, the 2025 WNBA also drafted a handful of women of color who have already broken barriers on and off the court. From Paris to Mali, here are a few of the Black and brown WNBA draft picks making history.
Yvonne Ejim (Indiana Fever – 3rd Round, 33rd Overall)
Bringing her talents from Gonzaga University, Canadian-born Yvonne Ejim was selected by the Indiana Fever. She made history at Gonzaga by becoming the school’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and field goals. Ejim was also named the 2024 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year and earned back-to-back WCC Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025.
Te-Hina Paopao (Atlanta Dream – 2nd Round, 18th Overall)
A major win for the Samoan and Tokelauan community, Te-Hina Paopao, was drafted by the Atlanta Dream. She played college basketball at Oregon before transferring to South Carolina, where she contributed to the Gamecocks’ success. Her rise to the top has made history for her cultural community, with so many fellow Samoans and Tokelauans rooting for her success.
Aicha Coulibaly (Chicago Sky – 2nd Round, 22nd Overall)
Originally from Mali, Aicha Coulibaly played collegiate basketball at Auburn and Texas A&M. She is the epitome of resilience, bouncing back from a season-ending knee injury in January 2025. Thanks to her prior performances, including a career-high 32-point game, she was drafted by the Chicago Sky.
Adja Kane (New York Liberty – 3rd Round, 36th Overall)
French forward Adja Kane was selected by the New York Liberty. Standing at 6’3″, she’s known for her defensive prowess and rebounding skills. Kane’s selection also adds international depth to the Liberty’s roster. Her choosing was a grand finale, as Liberty picked the French center Adja Kane as their final selection of this year’s draft.
Makayla Timpson (Indiana Fever – 2nd Round, 20th Overall)
Born in Georgia, Makayla Timpson was picked by the Indiana Fever following her time as a forward at Florida State University. Her athleticism and defensive capabilities make her an incredibly valuable addition to the team’s frontcourt. Though it became her home later in life, the Sunshine State has rejoiced in her making it to the top.