Understanding the major differences between NBA and WNBA Draft eligibility rules is essential for new fans of women’s basketball.
The WNBA Draft takes place Monday, April 15 in New York City. With a growing audience in the women’s basketball community, many fans are confused about the eligibility requirements for the draft. Unlike the NBA, where players simply need to be 19 years old in the draft year and one year removed from high school (unless they are international players), the WNBA has a more complex set of rules.
The WNBA’s stricter eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that players are set up for success, whether they pursue a professional basketball career or not. With the WNBA being a smaller league, it becomes crucial to control the number of draftees each year. While league expansion is addressing roster issues, there remains a surplus of talented players vying for limited spots, thus making the WNBA’s eligibility rules beneficial for both the league and its players.
Let’s delve into some key differences between the WNBA’s draft rules and those of the NBA.
1. Players Must Graduate from College Before Being Drafted
One of the most significant differences in WNBA eligibility rules is that players must graduate from college before declaring for the draft. They can opt for either a shorter associate’s degree or a complete bachelor’s degree, but they must fulfill this requirement alongside other criteria.
This rule ensures that student-athletes have a fallback plan and are prepared for life beyond basketball, given the competitive nature of the WNBA. With fewer teams, making and maintaining a roster spot is challenging, so having an education provides additional career options. This focus on education highlights the importance of being a student-athlete in the WNBA.
Furthermore, this requirement aids the WNBA by ensuring a more even distribution of talent across different draft years, allowing teams to scout players over extended periods instead of relying on the limited samples provided by NBA one-and-done players. This ultimately reduces uncertainty when it comes to selecting WNBA draftees compared to their NBA counterparts.
2. Players Must Turn at Least 22 in the Year They Are Drafted
Another distinction from the NBA’s draft rules is the age requirement. WNBA draftees must turn 22 in the calendar year of the draft, though they do not need to be 22 on the actual draft day.
This age rule allows some players to declare for the WNBA Draft after three years of college, depending on their birth dates. In such cases, these athletes can earn a three-year associate’s degree before declaring for the draft, managing their academic workload alongside their basketball commitments.
For those turning 22 in the year they would complete a four-year degree, they must wait until then to declare, allowing the WNBA to maintain control over the number of eligible players each year. This results in WNBA rookies typically being 21 or 22, which means they enter the league more mature and prepared for the demands of professional athletics compared to many NBA players.
3. Players Must Denounce Their Remaining NCAA Eligibility
Given the timing of the WNBA Draft shortly after the NCAA tournament, players have a narrow window to declare. Most players who have completed four years in college are out of eligibility, which simplifies their decision-making process.
While the NBA has a similar requirement for players to renounce their NCAA eligibility when entering the draft, there are key differences. NBA players can return to college if they declare but later discover limited interest after workouts and the draft combine, provided they meet a certain deadline. However, they cannot sign an NBA contract during this period.
In contrast, WNBA players who declare for the draft lose their NCAA eligibility entirely, even if they could have returned. They must make this decision within 48 hours of their last game or by April 1, whichever is later. Consequently, WNBA players must carefully consider their options before declaring.
Ultimately, these rules exist to safeguard players and ensure they are well-prepared for success. Whether they join the WNBA or pursue other career paths, they have an education to support them. Additionally, these regulations help the WNBA avoid drafting mistakes and ensure that each season brings in promising new talent.
