The Orange carpet ceremony isn’t just a red carpet knockoff; it marks the beginning of something new. It is the celebration of individuality, fashion, and the raw anticipation of athletes about to change the game. Think Caitlin Clark strutting in Prada last year or Angel Reese slaying in a hooded Bronx and Banco gown—walks that screamed, “I’ve arrived.”
Kimberly Steward, who styles Napheesa Collier, lives to “push the envelope,” while Marisa Ripepi, Alyssa Thomas’ stylist, swears by building on a player’s core vibe before going wild with color or cut. Whether a one-time glam session or a season-long partnership, the Orange Carpet is where fashion meets fire. And for fans, since the past two years, it’s a front-row seat to history in the making.
Come 2025, and the stakes are higher with UConn’s Paige Bueckers projected as the No. 1 pick and the Golden State Valkyries making their first-ever selection. So, what’s the Orange Carpet all about, and who’s bringing it to life this year? Let’s dive in.
Orange Carpet Live: Everything you need to know about the event ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft
“The formal tip-off of draft night festivities will take place when the invited draft prospects showcase their personalities and unique fashion styles on the WNBA’s iconic ‘Orange Carpet’ as they prepare for this life-altering moment,” the WNBA announced on its website. It is a nod to the league’s flair, which evolved into a full-blown event by 2023 when Spring Studios hosted it.
So, mark your calendars. This year, on Monday, the WNBA will welcome a fresh crop of stars to the league. After hosting last year’s draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the league comes to Manhattan’s west side—bringing the energy with it. Before the picks are in, the prospects will take part in a special Empire State Building lighting ceremony—setting the stage for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
“At a time when the passion and excitement surrounding the WNBA has never been higher, we continue to focus on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss,” Engelbert said in a March 2025 press release. And this event definitely sets the tone.
Sixteen of the most electric names in college and international hoops are set to walk the Orange Carpet, and they’re not just bringing elite skills—they’re bringing statement looks. Headlining the invite list? None other than Paige Bueckers, fresh off a national championship run with UConn. She’s joined by fellow phenoms like Kiki Iriafen, Aneesah Morrow, and Hailey Van Lith, all ready to make a splash on and off the court.
The Dallas Wings hold the coveted No. 1 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics, who own back-to-back picks at 3 and 4. Rounding out the top five? The highly anticipated Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years, are making their debut draft selection.
And now, let’s meet the stars of the show.
Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Sonia Citron, Notre Dame
Sania Feagin, South Carolina
Kiki Iriafen, USC
Aziaha James, NC State
Dominique Malonga, France
Aneesah Morrow, LSU
Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina
Saniya Rivers, NC State
Madison Scott, Ole Miss
Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
Ajša Sivka, Slovenia
Serena Sundell, Kansas State
Hailey Van Lith, TCU
While Paige Bueckers is likely to be the first pick, the rest of the draft order is uncertain. However, expect a night full of surprises, and the venue is bound to excite you too.
“It’s got two floors that will feature visitors and fans who will be in attendance. The orange carpet is on the same floor, but all the stretching all the way across the shed,” said Hilary Guy, Vice President of Production, WNBA and NBA Studio. “They’ll be able to show off all their fits, and walk straight from the orange carpet onto the draft floor. It’s just going to be a really awesome, multi-story execution.”
What time is Orange Carpet LIVE? Where to watch the 2025 WNBA Draft?
“We’re back! And we’re bringing the Orange Carpet to you at home Tune in to the Orange Carpet LIVE ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm! Hosted by Rickea Jackson & Hannah O’Flynn, April 14 at 4:30pm/ET on WNBA YouTube & the WNBA App! #WNBADraft,” WNBA’s official page posted on Instagram. The draft itself starts at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN, with a pre-draft “WNBA Countdown” at 7 p.m. ET. Streaming options include ESPN+, Sling, and Fubo, ensuring fans globally can join the party. So, whether you’re watching from a dorm room, a team watch party, or your living room couch, you’re covered!
However, you might want to be locked in even before the broadcast. With stylists, sneakers, statement suits, and soon-to-be stars owning their moment, the sneak peeks will roll out across social channels—X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. Behind the scenes, the WNBA App will be buzzing too, with exclusive footage from draft day to prep-week grind. Think player stories, “Phenom Files” videos, and in-the-moment content you won’t catch on-air.
The best part? This is just the beginning. Draft night kicks off a season of possibilities, with the WNBA’s 29th season tipping off May 16. So mark it down. Monday night. April 14. Orange Carpet. Draft boards. Destiny. It’s going to be unforgettable.
Who are the hosts for the Orange Carpet in the 2025 WNBA Draft?
Last year, ESPN’s Hannah O’Flynn stood under the lights of the Orange Carpet, mic in hand, heart racing. “I’m getting chills,” she said, her voice catching the energy of the moment. And who could blame her? It wasn’t just a pre-show—it was a cultural celebration of bold fashion, fierce confidence, and WNBA royalty stepping into their power.
This year, she’s back. And she’s not alone.
Hannah is teaming up with Rickea Jackson—yes, that Rickea Jackson—who’s bringing her signature style and star power to the hosting lineup. Jackson, a 2024 draftee and Los Angeles Sparks forward, knows the drill—she walked the carpet herself last year, stunning in a sleek ensemble that landed her on ESPN’s best-dressed list. Jackson’s return as a host feels like a full-circle moment. While O’Flynn, a rising media personality, has been a WNBA staple, co-hosting last year’s event with Aliyah Boston. Their chemistry was electric, with O’Flynn’s sharp questions pulling candid responses from prospects.
We’re in for a show. Especially after hearing what ESPN PR had to say, hinting at a 360-degree camera to capture every look. Remember last year’s looks?
Napheesa Collier turned heads in a dramatic, upcycled black dress designed by Kimberly Steward—a look that blended elegance with intentionality. From her Debbie Fallon necklace to her House of Everre purse, every piece told a story of empowerment through Black- and women-owned brands.
Aliyah Boston, stepping into her second year at All-Star Weekend, rocked a full red leather fit by ÖFUURË, styled by Marc Desir and Vna Gudino. She paired it with her signature gold hoops—bold, confident, unforgettable. A look that screamed “I’ve arrived” all over again.
Charisma Osborne may have been nursing an injury, but with stylist Tosha Hartzog by her side, she still brought fire to the carpet in a washed leather set from Finessa Williamz. Dark tights and boots completed the vibe—a slick nod to elevated streetwear, Band-Aid and all.
Now, it’s 2025. A new class is stepping into the spotlight. But one thing hasn’t changed: the Orange Carpet is still where basketball dreams meet bold expression. And with Rickea and Hannah at the helm? The vibe’s about to hit a whole new level.
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