After arguably the most thrilling women’s college basketball season of all time, the highly anticipated draft had finally come. Undeniable superstars such as Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, and more led to this year’s draft averaging 2.446 million viewers. It was the most-viewed in league history with a 307% increase from last year.
Dressed to impress, the draftees flooded the orange carpet eager for their name to be called. Clark’s dreams came true first that night, as she was selected by the Indiana Fever as the #1 pick overall. Though not a surprise to many because of her record-breaking collegiate career, it still set the tone for a sensational night to follow.
The Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky experienced a very lucky draft night, nailing two first round picks each. The Sparks selected Brink and Rickea Jackson, while the Sky selected Cardoso and Reese. They are each known for their offensive and defensive dominance as post players.
Fans are particularly pumped about Chicago’s new duo because of their fiery personalities on the court. When Cardoso and Reese played each other in the SEC championship last March, they battled relentlessly in the paint. Cardoso believes their star power will stir up trouble for their opponents.
“She’s a great player. I’m a great player,” Cardoso said. “Nobody’s going to get no rebounds on us,” Cardoso said while giggling.
Another highlight of the night was Kate Martin, former Iowa guard, being selected by the Las Vegas Aces as the 18th pick in the second round. Though hoping to be picked before the night ended, Martin’s primary reason for attending the draft was to support her teammate, Clark. The element of surprise made this moment memorable, and Martin is excited to pursue a spot on the Aces roster. She is confident in her capabilities.
“I have a really good work ethic, but more than anything I think I’m a really versatile player. I can score at multiple levels. I can guard multiple positions,” Martin said. “I know I’m going to give it all I got.”
She received an enormous amount of support from her teammates and coaches, including a shoutout on X from Clark.
This year’s draft was truly one of a kind. The WNBA’s fanbase is persistently expanding, and the rookies will continue drawing attention to this competitive league. Training camp begins on April 28.
First Round
1. Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark, Iowa
2. Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink, Stanford
3. Chicago Sky: Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina
4. Los Angeles Sparks: Rickea Jackson, Tennessee
5. Dallas Wings: Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State
6. Washington Mystics: Aaliyah Edwards, UConn
7. Chicago Sky: Angel Reese, LSU
8. Minnesota Lynx: Alissa Pili, Utah
9. Dallas Wings: Carla Leite, France
10. Connecticut Sun: Leila Lacan, France
11. New York Liberty: Marquesha Davis, Ole Miss
12. Atlanta Dream: Nyadiew Puoch, Australia
Second Round
13. Chicago Sky: Brynna Maxwell, Gonzaga
14. Seattle Storm: Nika Mühl, UConn
15. Indiana Fever: Celeste Taylor, Ohio State
16. Las Vegas Aces: Dyaisha Fair, Syracuse
17. New York Liberty: Esmery Martinez, Arizona
18. Las Vegas Aces: Kate Martin, Iowa
19. Connecticut Sun: Taiyanna Jackson, Kansas
20. Atlanta Dream: Isobel Borlase, Australia
21. Washington Mystics: Kaylynne Truong, Gonzaga
22. Connecticut Sun: Helena Pueyo, Arizona
23. New York Liberty: Jessika Carter, Mississippi State
24. Las Vegas Aces: Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech
Third Round
25. Phoenix Mercury: Charisma Osborne, UCLA
26. Seattle Storm: Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana
27. Indiana Fever: Leilani Correa, Florida
28. Los Angeles Sparks: McKenzie Forbes, USC
29. Phoenix Mercury: Jaz Shelley, Nebraska
30. Washington Mystics: Nastja Claessens, Belgium
31. Minnesota Lynx: Kiki Jefferson, Louisville
32. Atlanta Dream: Matilde Villa, Italy
33. Dallas Wings: Ashley Owusu, Penn State
34. Connecticut Sun: Abbey Hsu, Columbia
35. New York Liberty: Kaitlyn Davis, USC
36. Las Vegas Aces: Angel Jackson, Jackson State