The 2025 WNBA race for Rookie of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive battles on the court. With a star-studded draft class, several rookies are already making a name for themselves early in their careers. Through high-intensity performances, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen are quickly emerging as frontrunners.
Recent History of ROTY
This prestigious award has highlighted some of the league’s brightest stars in recent years. Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever in 2024, Aliyah Boston from the Fever in 2023, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream in 2022, and Michaela Onyenwere from the New York Liberty in 2021 are just a few of the recent winners. Each entered the league with something to prove and delivered with confidence and purpose. Their journeys helped redefine what it takes to win Rookie of the Year.
Today’s rookies are coming off strong collegiate careers and stepping into the professional world of women’s basketball with expectations. Fans want to see college rivalries renewed, records broken, and young players making statements, and this year’s class is already delivering.
Winning the ROTY award brings exposure not just to the player but also to the team they represent. It goes to a rookie who demonstrates resilience, playmaking, and an immediate impact from the moment they step on the floor. With this year’s group, it will be fascinating to see who separates from the pack.
Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Coming off a national championship and going number one overall to the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers entered the WNBA with high expectations and has lived up to them. Despite a one and five team start, she has recorded 60 points and 30 assists in her first five games, something never before done in WNBA history.
Bueckers is currently averaging 14.6 points and 6.4 assists per game, leading the Wings in both categories. The question now is whether her elite play will be enough to help Dallas climb the standings.
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics
Selected third overall by the Washington Mystics, guard Sonia Citron has quickly established herself as a serious ROTY contender. Averaging 15.4 points and 2.6 assists per game, Citron’s on-court poise and smart shot selection have made her look like a veteran. She is giving Bueckers a run for her money in this race and helping bring balance to Washington’s offense.
Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics
The Mystics struck gold again with the number four pick. Forward Kiki Iriafen opened her WNBA career with three straight double-doubles and is averaging 14.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Her rebounding average ranks third in the league, and she has played a key role in helping Washington get off to a three and three start.
Her dominance in the paint and presence on both ends make her not just a standout rookie but one of the league’s early breakout stars. The Mystics are clearly a team to keep your eye on.
Other Names to Watch
These are not the only rookies in the conversation for Rookie of the Year. Dominique Malonga, center for the Seattle Storm, Aneesh Marrow, forward for the Connecticut Sun, and Janelle Salaun, forward for the Golden State Valkyries, have all shown flashes of brilliance. Their talent and potential should not be overlooked as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
With so many rookies contributing early and often, this year’s ROTY race feels wide open. We are only just getting started, and there is plenty of season left for these young stars to build their cases. Keep checking back here for more updates, standout performances, and weekly power rankings as we get deeper into one of the most exciting rookie classes in recent memory.
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1 Comment
by Ro Blancarte
GREAT READ! Excited to see this article about Women’s Basketball. Keep em coming!!!