The 2025 WNBA rookie class has a tough act to follow after the 2024 WNBA season delivered record viewership on the backs of its newcomers. This remarkable season was highlighted by the most-watched WNBA regular season on ESPN platforms, a single-game attendance record, the highest total attendance in 22 years, and all-time records for digital consumption and merchandise sales. The hobby took special notice of last year's No. 1 overall pick, immortalizing Caitlin Clark and her 2024 Panini Prizm Signature Gold Vinyl as the most expensive women’s sports card ever. With a mix of collegiate superstars and international talents, the new wave of rookies is already making waves, both on the court and in the trading card market. Here are the top five rookies to watch this season and a look at how their trading cards are performing.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Well, this article couldn’t start with anyone other than the No. 1 overall pick, Paige Bueckers. The rookie forward enters the league with sky-high expectations after a decorated career at UConn. She’s the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year and is already a household name among collectors. Her trading cards, especially her Bowman 1st PSA 10s, have seen a surge in value. As of late April 2025, these cards were selling for around $70–$100, up from previous months due to pre-season hype and her draft status. This is still about half the value of Caitlin Clark’s comparable cards, but Bueckers’ market is expected to grow as she establishes herself in the league. Bueckers will face the challenge of revitalizing a Dallas Wings team that went 9-31 last season; a challenge that is sure to come with plenty of opportunity to boost value. 

Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm

The No. 2 pick from France, Malonga is joining a team that made the playoffs last season but got swept in the first round. Her unique blend of size, skill, and pro experience at just 19 years old has intrigued both fans and collectors. While her early print-to-order release trading cards haven’t reached the same heights as other 1st round picks she will look to get her first official card as a rookie. Malonga joins a Seattle Storm team ready to compete for another playoff spot this year thanks to veterans like Nneka Ogwumike, Alysha Clark, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. The 19 year old will have plenty of time to adapt to the league and become Seattle’s next foundational player.

Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics

A high-scoring forward from USC, Iriafen was a top pick and is expected to make an immediate impact. The Washington Mystics underwent two sub .500 seasons with HC Eric Thilbaut and have since been taken over by HC Sydney Johnson, who spent 2024 as an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky. Johnson will be coaching three first round picks, with Kiki Iriafen set to take on a major role. Iriafen’s got her 1st Bowman Auto in this year’s Bowman Chrome University set by Topps, but as with other rookies, limited print runs and strong on-court performances could drive secondary market prices higher as the season progresses. Shop Kiki Iriafen 1st Bowman Autos on eBay.

Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics 

Citron, a versatile guard from Notre Dame, was the No. 3 overall pick ahead of the previously mentioned Kiki Iriafen. Citron is already being watched for her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor as a versatile shooting guard. Her first official trading cards were included in 2024 Bowman Chrome University alongside Cooper Flagg, and as she carves out a role with the Mystics, collectors are likely to pay close attention to her rookie cards, especially any limited or autographed editions. Washington is coming off of their worst offense rating season since 2014, and Sonia Citron could have the opportunity to bring this team back to the playoffs as one of their primary scorers. Sonia and Kiki are seen by Vegas as the top two competitors vs Bueckers for Rookie of the Year. Shop Sonia 1st Bowman Auto’s on eBay. 

Hailey Van Lith, Chicago Sky

The No. 11 pick from TCU is one of two first round draft picks of the Chicago Sky. Hailey Van Lith has built plenty of hype thanks to her summer playing 3-on-3 basketball at the Olympics, her headline transfer to LSU from Louisville, and the shocking transfer to the TCU Horned Frogs for one extra year in college. The point guard is already featured in two trading card sets including both 2023 Bowman Chrome University and 2023 Bowman’s Best. Van Lith will team up with her former college teammate Angel Reese, building up hype within the hobby for potential dual auto cards. Shop Van Lith on eBay. 

The Future of WNBA Collecting: A Market on the Rise

While the 2025 WNBA rookie class enters the league in the shadow of last year's historic Clark-Reese draft, they arrive at a pivotal moment for women's basketball collecting. The trajectory is clear—WNBA card values are experiencing unprecedented growth as the league continues to set viewership records and attract mainstream attention.

Paige Bueckers may command the highest rookie card prices today, but the collecting landscape suggests room for multiple stars to emerge. Dominique Malonga's international appeal could open new collector markets globally. The Mystics' rookie duo of Iriafen and Citron presents an intriguing investment opportunity as they develop together. Meanwhile, Van Lith's existing popularity and connection to Angel Reese creates a built-in narrative that card companies are already leveraging. The question isn't whether WNBA cards will continue to be appreciated, but rather which of these talented rookies will emerge as the next cornerstone of your collection.

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