Meet the Game-Changers: WNBA's Rising Stars of 2025

The WNBA’s 2025 rookie class isn’t just adjusting to the pros—they’re owning the spotlight. These young women entered the league with high expectations, and they’ve already proven they belong. Whether it’s Paige Bueckers directing Dallas’s chaos, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen igniting a resurgence in Washington, or Dominique Malonga quietly making waves in Seattle, this group isn’t merely playing—it’s reshaping the league’s present, not just its future.

Paige Bueckers – Dallas Wings

The No. 1 overall pick has been nothing short of transformative. Even as Dallas has stumbled to a 1–8 start, Bueckers has provided stability and star power. Averaging 14.7 PPG, 6.7 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.0 SPG, and 1.0 BPG, she leads all rookies in assists.

Records & Milestones:

• First WNBA player with 20+ points, 5+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and 2+ steals on 80% shooting

• Fastest rookie to 60 points and 30 assists

• Quickest to notch a 10-point, 10-assist double-double

• 21 points in her first career win

  
  

Though currently in concussion protocol, Bueckers remains the clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner.

Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics

Drafted No. 3 overall, Sonia Citron has made an immediate impact with her poise and shooting. She’s averaging 14.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, and is flirting with the elite 50/40/90 club, shooting 48.9% from the field, 40.5% from three, and 89.3% from the line.

Records & Milestones:

• First rookie in 2025 to score 100+ points

• 19-point debut on 6-of-7 shooting—one of the most efficient first games in league history

• Among league leaders in true shooting percentage for guards

Her steady presence has helped Washington stay competitive—and she’s making a serious ROY case of her own.

Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics

Just one pick behind Citron, No. 4 overall Kiki Iriafen is dominating in the paint. She’s averaging 13.9 PPG and 10.1 RPG, one of the few rookies ever to maintain a double-double through their first eight games. Her physicality and energy have made her a game-changer down low.

Records & Milestones:

• WNBA Rookie of the Month (May)

• Only the second rookie in league history to post four double-doubles in her first five games

• Among top rebounders league-wide—not just among rookies

Washington’s future frontcourt is in strong hands.

Dominique Malonga – Seattle Storm

Drafted No. 2 overall, Malonga is the youngest player in Seattle Storm history at 19 years, 184 days—making her one of the youngest ever to take the WNBA court. The 6′6″ French center earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and entered the league with international acclaim, drawing comparisons to Victor Wembanyama.

In her very first practice with Seattle, Malonga threw down a dunk—a moment that immediately energized the team. While she hasn’t dunked in a WNBA game yet, her early showcase of athleticism adds another layer to her potential. Though she’s still adapting to the league’s pace, Seattle sees real superstar potential in her combination of size, mobility, dunking flair, and basketball instincts.

Georgia Amoore – Washington Mystics

Selected No. 6, Amoore’s WNBA debut was derailed by an ACL tear during training camp. Known for her court vision and deep range, the Australian guard is sidelined for 2025 but is already deep into rehab and targeting a 2026 return.

Final Takeaway

From Bueckers’ historic stat lines to Iriafen’s bruising double-doubles, Citron’s smooth scoring, and Malonga’s international upside, these first-year players aren’t just adapting—they’re leading. And while Amoore’s journey is on pause, her comeback story is already taking shape.

Their best is yet to come.