The brightest stars of women’s college basketball saw their dreams come true at the 2025 WNBA draft in New York City on Monday night. From Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen’s dazzling outfits to Serena Sundell and Hailey Van Lith’s timeless little black dresses, the players arrived in full glam for their special evening. While the fashion was impressive, we couldn’t overlook the players’ expressive manicures—many used this moment to showcase the hands we typically see dominating on the court.
As Saniya Rivers’ statement handbag declared: “The WNBA been poppin.” Here are the standout manicures from the 2025 WNBA draft.
### Kiki Iriafen (Drafted 4th by Washington Mystics)
Forward Kiki Iriafen celebrated her Nigerian roots in a custom Nneka Alexander dress, pairing it with bold jewelry and nails. “I wanted a pop of color, so I went with red—something I’ve never done before. It feels bold and grown-up, and I added some sparkle for fun,” she said.
### Paige Bueckers (Drafted 1st by Dallas Wings)
The top pick accessorized her head-to-toe Coach suit with sleek black cat-eye gel nails. “I had silver cat-eye last year and loved it, so this time I matched the black to my outfit.”
### Sonia Citron (Drafted 3rd by Washington Mystics)
Sonia Citron embraced a feminine look with a fitted Coach blazer-skirt set and soft pink gel nails. “I usually get acrylics, but tonight I tried Gel X for the first time—and went longer than usual. I didn’t know my outfit yet, so I played it safe with this classic style.”
### Aneesah Morrow (Drafted 7th by Connecticut Sun)
With the season over, Aneesah Morrow took the chance to experiment with long acrylic tips. “I usually go for bling French tips, but today I tried matte with an outline. Now that I’m not playing, I can finally enjoy my nails.”
### Aaliyah Nye (Drafted 13th by Las Vegas Aces)
Aaliyah Nye stuck with a trusted nail artist for her draft-day look. “I always wear French tips, and I love black. I went to my usual spot in Alabama to get them done.”
### Hailey Van Lith (Drafted 11th by Chicago Sky)
Hailey Van Lith rocked one of spring’s biggest trends: milky nails. “I went for a sheer white chrome—simple and chic to let the dress stand out. It fits the vintage vibe. I got them done at Vanity Projects in NYC.”
### Sania Feagin (Drafted 21st by Los Angeles Sparks)
“Normally I keep it basic, but tonight I went with French tips—SNS powder done back in South Carolina.”
### Serena Sundell (Drafted 26th by Seattle Storm)
Serena Sundell proved simplicity doesn’t have to be boring with a classic French manicure. “I wanted something sleek to match my dress. I’ve always been a classic girl.”
### Sarah Ashlee Barker (Drafted 9th by Los Angeles Sparks)
(No quote provided.)Sarah Ashlee Barker’s soft pink gel nails are a perfect example of staying true to yourself. “Honestly, pink is my favorite color,” she says. “I didn’t want anything too bright—just something simple that included my favorite shade.”