The 2025 WNBA rookie class was marked by standout talents such as Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Hailey Van Lith, and others. This group was notably deep, featuring numerous players capable of competing at the highest professional level. Here, we explore the top ten most impressive newcomers this season, highlighting their contributions and potential impact on the league.
10. Carla Leite – Guard, Golden Yellow Valkyries (Record: 2-2)
Average stats: 8.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.0 blocks
Field goal percentage: 37.0%, Three-point: 23.1%, Free throw: 80.0%
Amidst roster shuffles and experimentation, Carla Leite has seized her opportunity with the Golden Yellow Valkyries. She ranks among the top six rookies in scoring and has quickly established herself as a reliable contributor early in the season, demonstrating her readiness for the league’s competitive environment.
9. Kitija Laksa – Guard, Phoenix Mercury (Record: 4-1)
Average stats: 8.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.0 blocks
Field goal percentage: 46.2%, Three-point: 42.1%, Free throw: 60.0%
Since joining the league, Laksa has been a shooting spark for the Mercury. Among rookies playing over 15 minutes per game, she ranks fifth in three-point shooting accuracy and is among the top five in three-pointers made per game, with an average of two. Drafted in 2020, Laksa is now carving out a significant role, capitalizing on her scoring ability and shooting prowess.
8. Saniya Rivers – Guard, Connecticut Sun (Record: 0-5)
Average stats: 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks
Field goal percentage: 37.5%, Three-point: 20.0%, Free throw: 100.0%
Known for her exceptional athleticism, Rivers has made an immediate impact with her defensive skills. She ranks among the league’s top three rookies in steals per game, helping the Sun transition quickly and play with tempo. As she continues to adapt, her defensive energy could become a key asset for the team.
7. Kathryn Westbeld – Forward, Phoenix Mercury (Record: 4-1)
Average stats: 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks
Field goal percentage: 39.4%, Three-point: 38.5%, Free throw: 50.0%
One of two Westbeld sisters in the league, Kathryn has been a revelation for the Mercury. She leads all rookies in blocks per game and ranks in the top five for steals, showcasing her defensive versatility and energy on both ends of the floor.
6. Lexi Held – Guard, Phoenix Mercury (Record: 4-1)
Average stats: 7.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 0.6 blocks
Field goal percentage: 43.3%, Three-point: 43.8%, Free throw: 50.0%
Undrafted out of DePaul in 2022, Held has made a significant impact with her defensive tenacity and shooting. Playing around 17 minutes per game, she leads all rookies in steals and provides the Mercury with a much-needed defensive spark and perimeter shooting.
5. Monique Akoa Makani – Guard, Phoenix Mercury (Record: 4-1)
Average stats: 10.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks
Field goal percentage: 50.0%, Three-point: 52.2%, Free throw: 100.0%
Among the Mercury’s promising rookies, Akoa Makani has stood out with her scoring efficiency. She boasts a remarkable three-point shooting percentage, ranking second in the league for players averaging over four threes per game, making her a vital offensive weapon.
4. Janelle Salaün – Forward, Golden Yellow Valkyries (Record: 2-2)
Average stats: 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks
Field goal percentage: 35.3%, Three-point: 47.1%, Free throw: 100.0%
Undrafted from France, Salaün has quickly become a key player for her team. In her three appearances, she’s averaged the fourth-highest points among rookies and leads in three-point accuracy, demonstrating her confidence and scoring ability from beyond the arc.
3. Kiki Iriafen – Forward, Washington Mystics (Record: 2-3)
Average stats: 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.0 steals, 0.2 blocks
Field goal percentage: 51.0%, Free throw: 79.2%
Iriafen has arguably been the most effective rookie so far, consistently posting double-doubles in her first four games. She ranks second in rebounds across the league, and her impressive scoring and rebounding have made her a formidable presence on the court. While some scouts see further growth potential, her early impact is undeniable.
2. Paige Bueckers – Guard, Dallas Wings (Record: 1-4)
Average stats: 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks
Field goal percentage: 41.7%, Three-point: 30.8%, Free throw: 79.2%
Once heralded as one of the most promising prospects entering the league, Bueckers has lived up to expectations in her debut season. Despite team struggles, she remains the standout rookie, ranking second in points and assists, and third in rebounds among her class, showcasing her all-around game and leadership potential.
1. Sonia Citron – Guard, Washington Mystics (Record: 2-3)
Average stats: 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks
Field goal percentage: 53.2%, Three-point: 47.6%, Free throw: 89.5%
The third overall pick in this year’s draft, Citron has demonstrated why she was highly regarded. She leads all rookies in scoring, efficiently shooting around 50% from the field, 40% from three, and nearly 90% from the free-throw line. Her early performances suggest she could develop into one of the league’s top players in the coming years.
