Paige Bueckers named 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year after historic debut season

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has officially been crowned the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, capping off a debut season that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in league history. The 23-year-old secured 70 out of 72 votes from sports writers and broadcasters, with only two votes going to Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron, the league announced Tuesday.

Bueckers arrived in the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, just days after leading UConn to its record-extending 12th NCAA national championship. Expectations were sky-high, and she more than delivered. Despite the Wings finishing tied with the Chicago Sky for the league’s worst record (10–34), Bueckers averaged:

• 19.2 points per game on 47.7% shooting
• 3.9 rebounds
• 5.4 assists
• 1.6 steals

Her 692 total points and 194 assists rank third all-time among WNBA rookies.

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The highlight of her season came on August 20 against the Los Angeles Sparks, when she erupted for 44 points, the highest single-game total in the WNBA this season and the most ever by a rookie. Even more impressive, she became the first player in league history to score 40+ points while shooting at least 80% from the field.

That performance came near the end of her 30-game streak of double-digit scoring, the third-longest to start a career, trailing only A’ja Wilson (33 in 2018) and Candace Parker (32 in 2008).

A Surprise Trophy Presentation

Though her award was widely expected, the presentation itself caught her off guard. Bueckers was walking through the Spirit Tunnel on the set of The Jennifer Hudson Show when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert appeared to surprise her.

“I bet I’m the last person you thought you’d see on this cool spirit tunnel,” Engelbert joked before handing her the trophy. “But I’m here to present you with the 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Congratulations.”

Crew members erupted in cheers, chanting “Rookie of the Year!” as Bueckers beamed, thanking them before heading onstage.

Bueckers’ rapid rise comes after an injury-plagued college career. She was named National Player of the Year as a UConn freshman in 2021 and earned three All-American selections, but her journey wasn’t without setbacks.

She played only 17 games in her sophomore year and missed the entire 2022–23 season after suffering a torn ACL. Her successful comeback not only restored her reputation as one of basketball’s brightest young stars but also set the stage for her WNBA breakout.

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While Dallas struggled in the standings, Bueckers’ emergence offers a glimpse of a brighter future. With her scoring, playmaking, and resilience, she has already become the franchise’s centerpiece and one of the league’s must-watch players. Her Rookie of the Year honor feels like the beginning of what could be a generation-defining WNBA career.

Paige Bueckers – 2025 Rookie Season Highlights

• WNBA Rookie of the Year (70 of 72 votes)
• Averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals
• Scored 692 total points (3rd among rookies all-time)
• Recorded 44-point game (highest by a rookie in league history)
• 30 straight games in double figures (3rd longest rookie streak)