Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aari McDonald

Discover the career path of Aari McDonald, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Aari McDonald is an American professional basketball player, most recently with the Atlanta Dream, who was drafted third overall in the 2021 WNBA draft. She played college basketball at the University of Washington before transferring to the University of Arizona, where she gained significant recognition for her performance.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 17, 2019: Breaks Scoring Record

On November 17, 2019, McDonald broke the single-game scoring record with a 44-point performance against 22nd-ranked Texas.

October 2021: Stint in Hungary

In October 2021, McDonald had a four-game stint in Hungary with Uni Gyor MELY-UT.

2021: NCAA Tournament Run

In 2021, Aari McDonald led the Arizona Wildcats through a successful NCAA tournament run, leading the Wildcats past Stony Brook and BYU, scoring 31 points against Texas A&M in the Sweet Sixteen, and 33 points in the Elite Eight match against Indiana, advancing to the championship appearance. She scored 26 points against UConn.

2021: WNBA Draft and Rookie Season

In 2021, Aari McDonald was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA draft after playing college basketball. During the 2021 WNBA season, she averaged 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30 games and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2021: Drafted by Atlanta Dream and Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2021, McDonald was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA draft, and was subsequently named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2022: Return to Atlanta Dream

In 2022, McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream and averaged 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 36 games.

August 25, 2023: Signs with Perth Lynx

On August 25, 2023, McDonald signed with the Perth Lynx in Australia for the 2023-24 WNBL season.

2023: Third Season with the Atlanta Dream

In 2023, McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream for a third season.

February 1, 2024: Trade to Los Angeles Sparks

On February 1, 2024, McDonald was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks alongside the 8th pick in the 2024 WNBA draft in exchange for Jordin Canada and the 12th pick.

2024: Signs with Beijing Great Wall

In 2024, McDonald signed with the Beijing Great Wall of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association for the 2024-2025 season.

April 15, 2025: Re-signs with Sparks

On April 15, 2025, McDonald re-signed with the Sparks. However, she did not make the final roster for the season.

June 2, 2025: Signs with Indiana Fever

On June 2, 2025, McDonald signed with the Indiana Fever via emergency hardship exception due to injuries to stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.