Paige Bueckers set to transform WNBA landscape as wings secure top pick

The Sparks face heartbreak once again after narrowly missing the No. 1 selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

The Los Angeles Sparks have been dealt another harsh blow by the WNBA Draft Lottery, missing out on the top pick for the second straight year. Instead, the Dallas Wings secured the coveted No. 1 spot, likely giving them the chance to draft UConn sensation Paige Bueckers a player widely projected as a future superstar in the league.

During a watch party for the draft lottery, Sparks players watched in disbelief as their team was awarded the second pick. Audible groans and stunned reactions filled the room, with one voice in the background summing up the frustration: “Seriously?” The Sparks had the worst record in the league last season at 8-32, giving them a 44.2% chance to claim the top pick. However, fortune smiled on the Wings, who had only a 22.7% chance.

History repeats itself for Los Angeles

This disappointment is eerily similar to last year’s lottery, when the Sparks also landed the No. 2 pick, missing out on Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. They used that selection to draft Stanford’s Cameron Brink, who showed promise but had her rookie season cut short by an ACL injury.

Despite the setback, Sparks leadership remains optimistic. “We’re ecstatic to land the No. 2 pick in this draft and have the opportunity to add a dynamic player to our organization,” said Sparks GM Karen Bryant. With two first-round picks in 2025, the team sees this as another step in rebuilding toward championship contention.

Paige Bueckers: a game-changer for Dallas

For the Wings, securing Bueckers could redefine their future. The UConn star, known for her elite playmaking and scoring ability, has confirmed this will be her final year in college despite having another year of eligibility. Her addition would bolster a Dallas team undergoing significant changes, including a new head coach and general manager.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma expressed confidence in Bueckers’ adaptability, saying, “Paige is going to be all right wherever she goes.”

The 2025 WNBA Draft, set for April 14, will undoubtedly mark a pivotal moment for both the Wings and Sparks. While Los Angeles grapples with déjà vu, Dallas appears poised to welcome a franchise-altering talent.