The next generation of WNBA talent has arrived, ready to take the league to unprecedented popularity and global prominence. With No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers joining the league and reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark returning, this season promises to shatter viewership records.
The increased visibility will extend beyond the court, driving commercial growth – particularly jersey sales – and attracting greater betting interest within Virginia sportsbooks. So BetVirginia.com set out to discover which were the most sought-after jerseys for 2025 WNBA Draft picks, according to data from SEMRush.com. Here are the results:
Rank | Draft Pick | Search Volume |
1 | Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) | 8,100 |
2 | Aziaha James (Dallas Wings) | 2,360 |
3 | Hailey Van Lith (Chicago Sky) | 1,600 |
4 | Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics) | 170 |
5 | Saniya Rivers (Connecticut Sun) | 90 |
These numbers are derived from the average monthly search volume for each of the draft picks from the first round of the 2025 Draft. These are the players have the most excitement around their new jersey, covering searches from the past year.
For the best sportsbook promos in Virginia leading up to the 2025 WNBA season, stay updated with BetVirginia.com.
The appeal of new WNBA talents such as Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith and Aziaha James – household names from their college basketball days – combined with last season's historic viewership numbers, promises to grow fan engagement across every metric. Jersey sales are a factor in measuring the WNBA’s growing popularity.
Check out which professional women’s teams are most popular at BetVirginia.com too.
To no one’s surprise, Paige Bueckers headlines the list as a once-in-a-generation talent. The former UConn Huskies star arrives with a stacked resume that includes the Wade Trophy and the 2025 NCAA championship. Bueckers was a three-time All-American and a three-time Big East Player of the Year.
Her star power is already transitioning to the professional level, with jersey searches skyrocketing before her debut with the Dallas Wings, who selected her No 1 overall in last week’s WNBA Draft. Expect Bueckers to dominate sales not just among rookies but across the entire league. She will wear No. 5 with the Wings, as she did in college; the No. 1 jersey in the photo above just signified her place in the draft.
Virginia FanDuel Sportsbook lists Paige Bueckers at +8000 to win the league’s MVP. When Rookie of the Year odds become available, keep tabs with BetVirginia.com.
The No. 12 overall pick, Aziaha James, joins her new teammate Bueckers among the WNBA’s most-searched jerseys. The former North Carolina State standout – a two-time First-Team All-ACC guard who snapped her program’s 26-year Final Four drought – is expected to anchor a backcourt that brings championship ambition to Dallas. After the sting of Luka Doncic’s exit, the duo brings fresh excitement to basketball fans in Dallas, which is evident through the demand for their jerseys.
At Caesars Sportsbook Virginia, the Dallas Wings are +7500 to win the WNBA title.
One of college basketball’s most recognizable names, Hailey Van Lith is third on this list for the Chicago Sky. Selected No. 11 overall, Van Lith’s career peaked in her final year at her third school, as she earned the Big 12 Player of the Year award and First-Team honors while making history by leading the TCU Horned Frogs to their first Elite 8 appearance.
Of highest interest to local fans and Virginia sports betting apps customers, Australian native Georgia Amoore was selected No. 6 overall by the Washington Mystics. Beginning her career at Virginia Tech, Amoore earned First-Team All-ACC honors twice and was the conference tournament MVP in 2023. Amoore finished at Kentucky, where she was named first-team All-SEC.
Another N.C. State athlete joins the list at No. 5. Saniya Rivers received All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Defensive Team honors during her final two years with the Wolfpack. She was selected No. 8 overall by the Connecticut Sun.
The WNBA regular season, newly expanded to 44 games, begins May 16. At BetMGM Virginia Sportsbook, the New York Liberty have +220 odds to repeat as league champions, followed by the Las Vegas Aces (+300), who were WNBA champions the previous two years. The Mystics are tied for 10th on the board at +10000 odds.
USA Today photo by Vincent Carchietta
Author
Felix Veletanga is an experienced reporter who has covered local news, politics, and sports in Northern New Jersey, and now lends his expertise to the Virginia sports betting market. He previously covered the Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team’s 2022 NCAA Cinderella run for HudPost. Felix specializes in combat fighting and soccer betting analysis with a focus on the Premier League.
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