It’s draft season in the WNBA. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, teams are gearing up to select the next generation of basketball talent. Possible draftees range from headline-stealing college phenoms to international wunderkinder.
Fortunately for basketball fans, the WNBA Draft is easily accessible if you have a TV plan that includes ESPN. But no worries if you don’t. This guide covers the best ways to watch the 2025 draft on TV, with top TV provider recommendations, streaming options, and free trial tips to help you tune in without missing a moment.
What time is the 2025 WNBA Draft?
The 2025 WNBA Draft will occur on Monday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Shed in New York City’s Hudson Yards neighborhood will host the draft for the first time, allowing fans to attend the event for the second consecutive year.
What channel shows the WNBA Draft?
ESPN will show all three rounds of the WNBA Draft and the pre-draft WNBA Countdown show starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on April 14, 2025.
Pro tip: WNBA fans in Canada can watch draft coverage on TSN.
What is the 2025 WNBA draft order?
The WNBA Draft will start with the Dallas Wings on the clock. Of course, many expect the Wings to select the UConn Huskies’ Paige Bueckers. But only time will tell who’ll round out the remaining picks in the draft.
Here’s a quick look at this year’s first-round WNBA draft order as we approach the big day.
2025 WNBA draft order
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings |
| 2 | Seattle Storm (from Los Angeles Sparks) |
| 3 | Washington Mystics (from Chicago Sky) |
| 4 | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 6 | Washington Mystics (from Atlanta Dream via Dallas Wings) |
| 7 | Connecticut Sun (from Phoenix Mercury via New York Liberty) |
| 8 | Connecticut Sun (from Indiana Fever) |
| 9 | Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle Storm) |
| 10 | Chicago Sky (from Connecticut Sun) |
| 11 | Minnesota Lynx |
| 12 | Dallas Wings (from New York Liberty via Phoenix Mercury) |
Data effective as of post date.
Best WNBA Draft TV plans
YouTube TV is our favorite TV provider for watching the WNBA, and that’s no different for the WNBA Draft. For $82.99/mo., you’ll get ESPN alongside every core WNBA channel and the option to add WNBA League Pass to your plan. That’s particularly crucial for out-of-market fans who want the most coverage during the 2025 season, which tips off on May 16.
Of course, if you don’t want a full-on TV plan for watching the draft, you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Fubo. Otherwise, Sling TV offers the cheapest route for getting ESPN. Its Sling Orange plan ($45.99/mo.) includes ESPN and ESPN2.
Which TV providers show the WNBA Draft?
Most TV providers show the WNBA Draft because ESPN is a widely available channel. Check out our table below to see which popular services offer the sports network.
| Provider | Type | Price | ESPN | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
YouTube TV Best WNBA coverage |
Streaming | $82.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
|
Fubo Best free trial |
Streaming | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
|
Sling TV Cheapest ESPN TV plan |
Streaming | $45.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Cox | Cable | $71.00–$162.00/mo. | ✔ |
Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | Satellite | $84.99–$164.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Streaming | $84.99–$164.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | Satellite | $91.99–$121.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Frndly TV | Streaming | $6.99–$11.99/mo. | — |
View Plans for Frndly TV Read Frndly TV review |
| Hulu + Live TV | Streaming | $81.99–$95.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | Cable | $30.00–$160.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | Streaming | $28.00/mo. | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Spectrum | Cable | $40.00–$105.00/mo. | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | Cable | $95.00–$139.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | Cable | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ |
Read Xfinity review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
How to watch the WNBA Draft for free
The only legal way to watch the WNBA Draft for free is by signing up for a live TV streaming trial. Fubo offers a robust seven-day free trial that includes ESPN and its sister networks. But if you also want TNT Sports channels for the fast-approaching NBA Playoffs, you’ll want to explore trials from DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV.
How to watch the WNBA Draft FAQ
Can you watch the WNBA Draft without cable?
Yes, you can watch the WNBA Draft on any live TV streaming service that offers ESPN. We recommend YouTube TV because it sets you up nicely for WNBA regular-season coverage.
Who has the first pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft?
The Dallas Wings have the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with many expecting the team to select Paige Bueckers. Dallas won the draft lottery after posting a 9–31 record during the 2024 WNBA season.
What time is the WNBA Draft Lottery?
The 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery took place on November 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Televised on ESPN, the lottery revealed the initial top four draft spots—featuring the four teams that missed the 2024 playoffs.
Does the WNBA have a draft combine?
No, the WNBA doesn’t host a draft combine for teams to evaluate top college prospects. Teams must rely on scouting domestic players during the college basketball season and the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Why you should trust us
Our experts researched WNBA Draft broadcast details and compared top TV providers to determine the best ways to tune in. We based our viewing recommendations on channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. With the draft preceding the WNBA regular season, we also factored additional league coverage into our recommendations.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
