The WNBA draft is over, and superstars like No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark are heading toward surefire pro careers.
Not all 36 selections from his year’s draft will have such assurances. The league has 144 coveted roster spots among 12 teams, and other options for pro careers in women’s basketball either in the U.S. or overseas are scarce.
It’s a sharp contrast from men’s prospects who don’t make NBA rosters. They have more opportunities, including more overseas opportunities and playing in the G League.
The NBA also has 30 teams with 15 players allowed on the regular season roster, so there are more spots available.
There’s a simple reason why being among those 36 draft picks doesn’t ensure a roster spot: most of the spots will be taken by returning players.
Only 19 of the 2023 picks played at least one game in the WNBA last season. Since 2018, 142 of 216 draft picks (65.7%) have played in a WNBA game at some point in their career.
Congo questions Apple over knowledge of conflict minerals in its supply chain
National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescues
The Florida Panthers are weird. And coach Paul Maurice says that as a compliment
Five young men shot at gathering in Maryland park
Next UN climate talks are critical to plot aid for poorer nations, says incoming president
G7 comes for Putin, Ayatollah and Xi: Ukraine to receive frozen Russian assets to fund 'game
Scottish National Party ends 3
Fury over NYC restaurant reservation scalpers making $80k a year by hoarding coveted dining slots
Canucks' Rick Tocchet among new coaches making an impact in leading teams to NHL playoffs