As is the tradition, the WNBA Draft has always been a springboard for young and outstanding players across colleges and other professional teams to transition into the United States’ women’s professional basketball league. The 2025 edition was no different, only this time, seven African women were among those drafted at the Hudson Yards in New York City on April 14.

This is a significant increase from the 2024 draft where Ghanaian-American point guard Ashley Owusu (selected 33rd overall by the Dallas Wings) was the only player of African descent to feature in one of the biggest nights in women’s professional basketball. The 2025 draft saw two African-descended players picked in the first round, two in the second, and three in the third. Players of Nigerian descent led the way with the most selections, while Mali, Cameroon, Liberia, and Senegal were also represented.

Meet the seven African basketballers who made the cut in the WNBA 2025 Draft.

Dominque Malonga (Cameroon)

Right behind UConn’s Paige Bueckers (the No. 1 overall pick), Dominique Malonga was selected second by the Seattle Storm. The 6’6” French-Cameroonian centre became the youngest WNBA draftee at 19 years old.

Malonga is no stranger to the big stage. She was the youngest member of France’s 2024 Olympic silver-medal-winning team. A professional since age 15, she has been dubbed the “female Victor Wembanyama” for her unique mix of towering presence, technical finesse and French links.

Kiki Iriafen (Nigeria)

Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics. Much like how Ademola Lookman was proudly adorned in Nigerian attire at the 2023 CAF Awards in Morocco, Kiki paid homage to her roots with a gold owambe-style outfit on the WNBA orange carpet.

“I knew I wanted to incorporate my Nigerian culture in some way. I really wanted to showcase it on this stage,” the Nigerian-American power forward said.

Anastasiia Kosu (Nigeria)

Fuelled by the resolve to make her late basketballer father proud, Anastasiia Kosu has always had her sights set on a lasting career in the WNBA. She moved closer to that goal when she was selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Lynx at the 2025 WNBA Draft. The 20-year-old Nigerian-Russian began playing basketball at age six and rose to prominence with Russia’s U16 national team, where she was named MVP at the FIBA U16 European Championship.

Interestingly, Kosu’s idol is Nneka Ogwumike, a Nigerian-American basketballer who has been one of the WNBA’s enduring stars since drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012.

Aicha Coulibaly (Mali)

The Chicago Sky selected Malian international Aicha Coulibaly with the 22nd overall pick. Following a flourishing college career split between Auburn and Texas A&M, Coulibaly’s draft entry made her the first Aggie to be drafted since 2021.

She previously helped Mali win the 2017 FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship and was named to the All-Tournament Team and MVP.

Aaronette Vonleh (Liberia)

Aaronette Vonleh, a standout talent from Baylor, was drafted 31st overall in the third round by the Dallas Wings. Her Liberian roots trace back to her grandfather who served as the chief of a clan in Nimba County, Liberia, for over two decades.

 The 6’3″ centre is also the younger sister of former Chicago Bulls forward Noah Vonleh.

Yvonne Ejim (Nigeria)

The Indiana Fever selected Yvonne Ejim of the Gonzaga Bulldogs with the 33rd overall pick. The Nigerian-Canadian forward left college as one of the most decorated players in program history, holding records for most points in a season and most games played.

Off the court, the 23-year-old is a two-time Academic All-American.

Adja Kane (Senegal)

With the final pick of the draft, the New York Liberty selected French-Senegalese centre Adja Kane. Standing at 6’3″ with a imposing wingspan, the 20-year-old has been a defensive anchor for her current club, Landerneau Bretagne Basket in France.

However, Adja won’t be joining the Liberty right away. It has been confirmed she will continue her development in Europe with the franchise’s support.