Is there an age limit for the WNBA draft? Taking a closer look at draft eligibility rules
Caitlin Clark (left); Angel Reese (right)
The 2024 WNBA Draft will have more attention than perhaps any draft in the history of the league due to the collegiate star power set to reach the professional level. While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will generate much of the attention after helping bring plenty of eyes to women’s college basketball, there will be 36 players hearing their names called.
Unlike the NBA, which allows players who are one year removed from high school to enter the draft, the WNBA requires players to stay in college for longer.
The league’s rules stipulate that a player must be 22 years old, or set to turn 22 years old, during the calendar year of the draft, to turn professional. Furthermore, American-born players must spend four years at the collegiate level if they are under the age of 22 years old.
While many expected Clark and Reese to turn professional after last year’s national title game, which the latter’s LSU Tigers won 102-85, neither player was eligible to enter the 2023 WNBA Draft due to the age limit. The former turned 22 in January, while the latter is set to turn 22 in May, three weeks after Monday’s 2024 WNBA Draft.
When did Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese announce their decisions to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft?
Just over a month after turning 22 years old, Caitlin Clark announced she would enter the 2024 WNBA Draft in a post shared to X, stating:
“While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa. I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft. It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa.
“[My] teammates, who made the last four years the best; my coaches, trainers, and staff who always let me be; Hawkeye fans who filled Carver every night; and everyone who came out to support us across the country, especially the young kids. Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without my family and friends who have been my side through it all. Because of all of you, my dreams came true.”
Check out Caitlin Clark’s announcement below:
Angel Reese followed suit after her LSU Tigers were eliminated by Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, announcing her decision in an interview with Vogue, stating:
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college. I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro—and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.” [h/t Vogue]
The two players are expected to bring an increased interest in the WNBA. The league will look to capitalize on the incoming star power of the draft class, which also features Cameron Brink and Kamilla Cardoso, among others.
