WNBA Roster Crunch Hits 2025 Draft Class Hard

May 15: Nearly half of 2025 WNBA draftees aren’t on a roster, Sun fans make history, and JuJu Watkins gets a special tribute in Watts.

May 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Nearly Half of 2025 WNBA Draftees Not On Rosters 😳

Many of this year’s rookies are getting a reality check as teams finalize their opening day rosters. As of Wednesday evening, 47% of 2025 WNBA draftees will not be on an opening day roster. That includes one injured player out for the season, four international draftees who never joined training camp, and 13 rookies who were waived after competing for a spot. (WNBA Player News)

WHY IT MATTERS: The WNBA’s roster crunch is real. Teams can invite up to 18 players to training camp, but must cut down to 11 or 12 by opening day. Without a formal development league, first-year players face a steep learning curve in limited time. Final rosters are due Thursday night, so even more movement could still happen before tip-off this weekend.

2. Connecticut Sun Sell Out Season Tickets for First Time Ever 🎟️

Connecticut Sun fans are showing up. For the first time ever, the team has sold out of season tickets for the upcoming 2025 WNBA season. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: This positive news comes during a challenging time. The Sun are coming off an offseason full of roster changes, including the departure of several All-Stars, and the ownership group recently announced it's exploring a potential sale of the franchise. But despite the turbulence, overall ticket sales are up 40% year-over-year, a testament to the team’s loyal following and the momentum building around women’s basketball.

3. New JuJu Watkins Mural Unveiled in Watts 🎨

Watts loves their hometown hero. A new mural celebrating Watts-native JuJu Watkins was unveiled in Nickerson Gardens, a housing community in the Watts neighborhood.

See the mural by artist Brian Peterson here 👉 USC Athletics Instagram

WHY IT MATTERS: In just two seasons of college ball, Watkins has become an inspiration on and off the court. That’s especially the case for those from her hometown of Watts, a historically under-privileged neighborhood in south Los Angeles. Murals like this one represent a specific community’s values and culture, and to see a young woman basketball player receive this honor during the early stages of her career is truly unique.

The Cheering Section 😊

Your fan stories, celebrating moments in women’s hoops.

From AJ in California:

“Back in 1996, I bought a Rebecca Lobo jersey because she was my favorite player. I kept it in great condition all these years. In 2020, someone on social media asked what sports memorabilia meant the most. I said my Lobo jersey, and tagged her.

To my surprise, Rebecca replied. She said she’d sign it for me. I was scared it would get lost in the mail, but after a couple of weeks it returned with her autograph, still in great condition. It was so nice of her to offer that and it made me appreciate her even more!”

Got a short, uplifting fan story to share? Email us at [email protected] and we may include it in an upcoming issue! We love spreading positivity about the game and your story may bring a smile to someone’s face.

🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: A strong 76% of you said you plan to watch more WNBA this season than last. That’s the kind of energy we love to see!

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