UConn guard Paige Bueckers is projected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft on April 14 in New York City, fresh off a national championship in the 2025 NCAA tournament. Bueckers would join a highly decorated group of Huskies who can lay claim to being the top pick in the WNBA draft, including Diana Taurasi, the league's all-time leading scorer.
Here's a look at the college programs that have produced the most No. 1 picks in the history of the WNBA draft; a history that dates back to 1997 when the league held its inaugural draft and a separate elite draft that included professional women's basketball players who had competed in other leagues.
UConn, 5
Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), Breanna Stewart (2016)
Tennessee, 3
Dena Head (1997 - elite draft), Chamique Holdsclaw (1999), Candace Parker (2008)
Notre Dame, 2
Jewell Loyd (2015), Jackie Young (2019)
South Carolina, 2
A'ja Wilson (2018), Aliyah Boston (2023)
Stanford, 2
Nneka Ogwumike (2012), Chiney Ogwumike (2014)
12 schools tied with 1
Baylor - Brittney Griner (2013)
Duke - Lindsey Harding (2007)
Iowa - Caitlin Clark (2024)
Kentucky - Rhyne Howard (2022)
Louisville - Angel McCoughtry (2009)
LSU - Seimone Augustus (2006)
Minnesota - Janel McCarville (2005)
Mississippi State - LaToya Thomas (2003)
Oregon - Sabrina Ionescu (2020)
Texas - Charli Collier (2021)
USC - Tina Thompson (1997)
Washington - Kelsey Plum (2017)
Check out the ESPN WNBA hub page for the latest news, stats and more.