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Paige Bueckers May Have Headlined, But the WNBA Isn’t Handing Out Free Rides
The 2025 WNBA Draft gave 38 young women a shot at their pro dream. From No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers to final selection Adja Kane, the night was filled with emotion and hope. But as the preseason unfolds, reality is already crashing down for some — and it’s especially tough for rookies.
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever Makes First Roster Cuts
According to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, the Indiana Fever have made their first two roster cuts of the preseason: third-round draft pick Bree Hall and free-agent forward Jillian Alleyne. The Fever’s current roster now sits at 13 players and must be trimmed to 11 by May 15 to meet salary cap rules.
“Everybody Got to Try Out” — Even First-Round Picks
Laeticia Amihere, now with Golden State, went viral last year for saying it best: “Whether you get drafted super high or last round, it’s free game… Everybody got to try out.” The WNBA, with only 144 roster spots across the entire league, is one of the toughest leagues in the world to break into — and even tougher to stay in.
The Pressure is On
With training camps underway and preseason competition heating up, the fight for those final spots is cutthroat. Even players like Caitlin Clark, who are near-locks for starting roles, are witnessing firsthand how brutal professional sports can be for newcomers.
What’s Next for Hall and Alleyne?
Though waived, both players could still find opportunities overseas or in future training camps. But for now, their dreams of WNBA glory are paused — not erased.
Final Cut Deadline Looms
All WNBA teams must finalize their 11-player rosters by May 15, setting up a tense few weeks for dozens of hopefuls across the league.