Wnba Draftees Turn Attention To Making Rosters As Training Camp Opens In A Few Weeks

Paige Bueckers will be heading to Dallas , the latest transcendent college star to go No. 1 in the WNBA draft. Her spot is assured with the Wings.

It may be tough for a lot of the other 37 players drafted Monday night to make teams when training camps open in less than two weeks. The WNBA has notoriously been one of the toughest leagues to make. Even with the addition of the expansion Golden State Valkyries this season, there's a maximum of 156 roster spots in the league.

Last year's draft class headlined by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese had 13 players make opening day rosters, which was down two from the previous season and four from 2022. Many teams draft international players to stash them overseas until potentially having them join the franchise at a future date.

The league is growing on and off the court. Last season had record viewership and attendance , which has led to huge optimism in the WNBA heading into the season which begins on May 16. While this season is in a good place, the league and players union are working on a new collective bargaining agreement that will need to be decided before the 2026 season takes place.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she's "optimistic about coming to a transformational CBA at some point." She described the talks being in the early phases. Players are looking for higher salaries , a new economic model and improved benefits.