The 2025 WNBA Draft was supposed to be a coronation for several college stars. We saw Paige Bueckers go number one to the Dallas Wings, a move everyone and their mother expected. But as the night dragged on at The Shed in Manhattan, one name stayed off the board entirely. Sedona Prince not drafted became the biggest shock of the evening, and honestly, the silence from the podium was deafening.
It’s not often a 6-foot-7 center who averages nearly a double-double and three blocks a game gets passed over 38 times. Usually, height like that is a golden ticket. In Prince's case, it wasn't. The reasons why are a messy mix of age, a long medical file, and a series of serious allegations that have trailed her for years.
Why the WNBA Passed on Sedona Prince
When you look at the raw numbers, Prince is a beast. At TCU, she was putting up 17.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. She helped lead the Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight. That’s top-tier production. But the WNBA is a tiny league with only 12 teams (13 with the Golden State expansion). Roster spots are incredibly hard to come by.
Teams aren't just looking at the stat sheet; they’re looking at the long-term investment. By the time the 2025 season tipped off, Prince was turning 25. That is old for a rookie. To put it in perspective, she’s older than some players who are already entering their fourth year in the league.
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The "Red Flag" Factor
Scouts always talk about "baggage," and Prince has a lot of it. We’re talking about a seventh-year senior who has survived a nearly fatal infection at Texas, a broken leg, and a torn elbow ligament. GMs are notoriously risk-averse. If they're going to use a draft pick on a 25-year-old, they need to know that player is going to be available every single night.
Then there’s the off-court stuff. It’s the elephant in the room that ESPN commentators actually brought up during the live broadcast. Over the last few years, several former partners have come forward on social media—specifically TikTok—with allegations of physical and emotional abuse.
One former girlfriend, Olivia Stabile, posted a ten-part series detailing a vacation in Mexico that allegedly turned violent. Prince has denied everything, calling the claims "false and defamatory." Her lawyer, A. Boone Almanza, has been vocal that she’s never been charged with a crime. But in a league like the WNBA, which prides itself on its community and progressive values, those headlines carry weight. One GM told ESPN anonymously that their franchise "wouldn't touch it" because the risk to the brand was just too high.
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The Legacy of the 2021 Viral Video
It’s wild to think about how much Prince changed the landscape of college sports. You probably remember the video. It was 2021, the NCAA bubble, and she showed the world the pathetic "weight room" the women were given compared to the massive setup for the men.
That one post basically forced the NCAA to change how they do business. It led to the "March Madness" branding being used for the women's tournament and sparked a massive conversation about equity. You’d think that kind of leadership would make her a lock for the pros.
But being a disruptor is a double-edged sword. While fans loved her for it, some front offices see "high-profile social media presence" and see a distraction. They want players who focus on the playbook, not the next viral TikTok. It's kinda unfair, but that's the reality of professional sports.
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What Happens Now?
So, Sedona Prince wasn't drafted. Does that mean her career is over? Not necessarily.
She's already made moves overseas. Reports have her playing for Al Riyadi in Beirut and Panathinaikos in Greece. For many players who don't make the initial WNBA cut, the "overseas grind" is the only way to stay sharp and prove they belong.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes
If you're following this story or you're an aspiring pro, here is the reality of the current landscape:
- Draft stock is fragile. Stats are only 50% of the equation. Professional teams conduct deep background checks that go way beyond a Google search.
- The "COVID Year" era is ending. Prince was one of the last players to benefit from the extra eligibility granted during the pandemic. Future prospects won't have the luxury of seven years to develop their game.
- Social media is a permanent record. Whether the allegations against Prince are true or not, the public nature of the disputes made it impossible for the WNBA to ignore them.
- Height isn't everything. Being 6-foot-7 is a massive advantage, but mobility and "lateral quickness" are what WNBA coaches crave. Prince struggled at times against smaller, faster professional-grade athletes.
The story of Sedona Prince is a reminder that the path to the pros isn't a straight line. Sometimes, you can change the world and still find yourself standing on the outside looking in on draft night. Whether she ever makes a WNBA roster as a free agent remains to be seen, but for now, the league has sent a clear message about what they value—and what they don't.