2025 WNBA Fantasy Mock Draft Insights

As the much-anticipated 2025 WNBA season approaches, commencing on May 16, the ESPN team conducted a comprehensive mock draft to prepare fans for fantasy women’s basketball. Utilizing ESPN’s default settings, the simulation comprised six teams with nine players each.

Mock Draft Overview

The participants in this mock draft include notable figures in the realm of women’s basketball analysis:

• Andre Snellings – Fantasy women’s basketball analyst
• Jason Shebilske – Rotowire WNBA editor
• Jennifer LaCroix – ESPN WNBA researcher
• Eric Moody – Fantasy women’s basketball analyst
• James Best – Fantasy women’s basketball editor
• Gabriella Madden – Fantasy and sports betting intern

First Round Selections

The opening round of the mock draft featured standout players from the league:

1. A’ja Wilson, LV (F1) – Snellings
2. Caitlin Clark, Ind (G1) – Shebilske
3. Napheesa Collier, Min (F2) – LaCroix
4. Breanna Stewart, NY (F3) – Moody
5. Arike Ogunbowale, Dal (G2) – Best
6. Sabrina Ionescu, NY (G3) – Madden

Analysts’ Insights

Snellings praised Wilson, stating, “…the most dominant season in WNBA history in 2024 and is firmly in her prime.” He believes the gap between her and other top players is substantial. Shebilske noted the strategic choice between Wilson and Clark, emphasizing Clark’s potential in a revised Indiana Fever roster.

LaCroix chose Collier over Stewart, suggesting that Collier’s increased responsibilities could enhance her performance. Madden expressed confidence in Ionescu’s scoring ability, crediting her success with New York’s championship team.

Subsequent Rounds Highlights

Round 2

1. Dearica Hamby, LA (F4) – Madden
2. Angel Reese, Chi (F5) – Best
3. Alyssa Thomas, Phx (F6) – Moody
4. Kelsey Plum, LA (G4) – LaCroix
5. Jonquel Jones, NY (F7) – Shebilske
6. Skylar Diggins, Sea (G5) – Snellings

Snellings faced challenges in this round, reporting, “I hoped either Reese would slide…,” ultimately selecting Diggins for her potential. Madden affirmed her belief in Hamby’s performance alongside Plum.

Round 3

1. Satou Sabally, Phx (F8) – Snellings
2. Aliyah Boston, Ind (F9) – Shebilske
3. Rhyne Howard, Atl (G6) – LaCroix
4. Jewell Loyd, LV (G7) – Moody
5. Paige Bueckers, Dal (G8) – Best
6. Kahleah Copper, Phx (G9) – Madden

Snellings described Sabally as “high-risk/high-reward,” while LaCroix highlighted Howard’s integral role in Atlanta’s evolving roster.

Team Breakdowns

Team Snellings

Roster: A’ja Wilson, Satou Sabally, Aaliyah Edwards, Skylar Diggins, Kelsey Mitchell, Chelsea Gray, Ariel Atkins, Chennedy Carter, Brittney Griner

Team Shebilske

Roster: Jonquel Jones, Aliyah Boston, DeWanna Bonner, Alanna Smith, Azura Stevens, Caitlin Clark, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, Courtney Vandersloot

Team LaCroix

Roster: Napheesa Collier, Leonie Fiebich, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Tina Charles, Teaira McCowan, Stefanie Dolson

Team Moody

Roster: Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Howard, NaLyssa Smith, Gabby Williams, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, Natasha Cloud, Tiffany Hayes

Team Best

Roster: Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers, Kayla McBride, Sonia Citron, Julie Vanloo, Ezi Magbegor, Kamilla Cardoso

Team Madden

Roster: Dearica Hamby, Nneka Ogwumike, Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, Sabrina Ionescu, Kahleah Copper, DiJonai Carrington, Brionna Jones, Dominique Malonga

Conclusion

The mock draft serves as a valuable insight into player values and team dynamics ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. As analysts examine player potential and team needs, fans are encouraged to prepare for an exciting season of women’s fantasy basketball.

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