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28 March 2025

Sedona Prince's WNBA Future Clouded By Controversy

As TCU advances to the Sweet 16, off-court allegations complicate Prince's draft prospects

As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, Sedona Prince, the towering 6-foot-7 center from TCU, stands at a pivotal crossroads in her basketball career. After an arduous seven-year college journey, Prince is ready to make her mark in the professional league, having enjoyed a remarkable season with the Horned Frogs, who have advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. The excitement surrounding Prince is palpable, but it is accompanied by a cloud of controversy due to multiple allegations of domestic abuse that have surfaced over the years.

Prince, now 24, began her collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns in 2018 but faced significant setbacks, including a broken leg that sidelined her for an entire season. Following her recovery, she transferred to Oregon, where she made her presence known, averaging 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in her first season back on the court. However, her time at Oregon was marred by further injuries, leading her to miss the 2022-23 season. In 2023, she found a new home at TCU, where she has thrived and put up impressive numbers, averaging 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and three blocks per game this season.

Despite her on-court success, Prince's path to the WNBA has been complicated by serious allegations. In February 2025, reports emerged detailing accusations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from several former partners dating back to 2019. One former partner claimed that Prince sexually assaulted her, while another lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct was dismissed in 2022. Additionally, a third partner accused Prince of abuse in the summer of 2024, and she was involved in a physical altercation with an ex-girlfriend in January 2025. Although no charges have been filed against her, the allegations have raised concerns among WNBA executives as they evaluate her as a draft prospect.

"You’ve got to take it into consideration. It’s unfortunate that that’s been a blemish on what’s been a great season for her," one anonymous general manager told The Athletic. The WNBA has a history of addressing domestic violence issues, having created a joint domestic/intimate partner violence policy in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement. However, Prince's situation is unique, as she has not faced any legal repercussions for the allegations against her.

Prince's on-court performance this season has certainly captured the attention of WNBA scouts. Her size and skill set make her an intriguing prospect, particularly in a league that increasingly values versatility. TCU head coach Mark Campbell praised her talents, stating, "The talent is flat-out undeniable and unquestionable. There’s maybe 10 players in the world that are 6-7 with her skillset and basketball IQ. She impacts every shot around the basket all game." This season, Prince has excelled in the pick-and-roll with her teammate Hailey Van Lith, another top prospect expected to be drafted in 2025.

Prince's statistics speak volumes about her abilities; she shoots nearly 44 percent on mid-range two-pointers and better than 70 percent around the rim. Furthermore, she blocks nearly nine percent of all opponents' shots, placing her in the 97th percentile nationally, according to CBB Analytics. However, concerns about her age—turning 25 before the WNBA season—and her injury history loom large. "You’re (24) playing against 18-year-olds, of course, you should be dominating them," one general manager noted, highlighting the challenges she may face in the WNBA.

In recent months, an online petition calling for Prince's removal from TCU garnered over 200,000 signatures, reflecting the public's awareness of the allegations against her. As the NCAA Tournament progresses, Prince has not addressed these allegations during news conferences, leading to further speculation about how they might impact her draft prospects. The WNBA draft is set to take place just eight days after the national championship, leaving little time for teams to conduct thorough interviews with Prince regarding her off-court issues.

Despite the controversies, many general managers remain optimistic about Prince's future in the league. "She’s a very talented player that I think would be good in our league. And it sounds like she might get a chance to prove that," one GM said. The consensus among executives is that her talent and potential may outweigh the off-court concerns. The WNBA has previously dealt with players facing domestic violence allegations, but the league has also been careful in its evaluations, especially when no legal charges have been filed.

As the Sweet 16 games unfold, Prince's performance will be closely monitored by scouts and executives alike. She is not only a key player for TCU but also a pivotal figure in the ongoing conversation about women's sports and the challenges female athletes face both on and off the court. Her initial fame came after she filmed a viral social media video in 2021 that highlighted the disparities between the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments, sparking significant conversations and changes in the sport.

Prince's journey has been anything but straightforward, but she has shown resilience and determination throughout her college career. As she prepares for the next chapter in her basketball journey, the looming questions about her character and fitness for the WNBA will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussions leading up to the draft. Whether she can navigate these challenges and make a successful transition to the professional level remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sedona Prince is a name to watch in the coming weeks.