2025 reached new heights in women’s sports, be it the rise of WNBA viewerships, or the highest NWSL transfer fees and tennis grand slams.

And yet, Caitlin Clark, the biggest name in the WNBA, was left off USA TODAY’s top 10 women athletes of the year. Nevertheless, rookie Paige Bueckers made it to the top 3.

Ranking 3rd overall, the Dallas Wings star was in the headlines even before she went pro. Bueckers won the 2025 NCAA title with the UConn Huskies, capping off her collegiate career on a high.

The franchise's 12th win was majorly possible as Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, Bueckers became the cornerstone of Dallas despite a 10-34 season.

The 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year became the only rookie to earn an All-WNBA Team selection.

“On my birthday (on October 20), I reflected on the year 23 itself and how much of a journey it was. I stayed the most present, and it ended up being one of the most fun, joyful, just peaceful years of my life. Just embracing everything that kind of came my way”, Bueckers shared with USA TODAY.

While it was all a dream come true for Bueckers, Caitlin Clark missed crucial game time. She was out for 31 games of the season with a groin injury, not being able to contribute nearly enough to earn a spot in the top 10.

Her team made it to the playoffs before A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces edged them out.

Wilson’s 2025 season was unreal. With a fourth WNBA MVP, second scoring title, third DPOY, and a second Finals MVP en route to a championship, she topped USA TODAY’s list.

As HC Becky Hammon put it, Wilson is simply “Everest. There is no one else around.”

While Paige Bueckers stole the WNBA spotlight from Clark, other women athletes excelled in their fields

Skier Mikaela Shiffrin racked up 100-plus World Cup wins, taking 2nd position on the list. It was a big year for Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, too, as she took home the US Open title with the highest single-season prize money of $15,008,519.

At 6, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone redefined greatness on the track, while Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier was placed at 5 for her leadership in the CBA negotiations.

Catarina Macario, Hilary Knight, NiJaree Canady, and Kyndal Stowers rounded the top 10.

Paige Bueckers’ presence among them signals the arrival of a new era for women's basketball and women's sports in general.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Joyita Das