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 currently playing for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. She was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2021 WNBA draft. Before turning pro, McDonald had a successful college basketball career, playing for both the Washington Huskies and the Arizona Wildcats.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 17, 2019: Record-Breaking Scoring Performance

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

October 2021: Stint in Hungary

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

2021: NCAA Tournament Run

In 2021, Aari McDonald led Arizona to the Elite Eight for the first time, scoring 31 points against Texas A&M in the Sweet Sixteen and 33 points against Indiana in the Elite Eight, despite an ankle injury. She also scored 26 points against UConn, earning Arizona its first championship appearance.

2021: WNBA Draft and Season

In 2021, Aari McDonald was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA draft and played her first season, later being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2021: WNBA Draft and All-Rookie Team Selection

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

2022: 2022 WNBA Season

In the 2022 WNBA season, Aari McDonald averaged 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 36 games with the Atlanta Dream.

August 25, 2023: Signing with the Perth Lynx

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

December 29, 2023: Knee Injury

On December 29, 2023, Aari McDonald was ruled out for six weeks with a torn medial collateral ligament, an injury she sustained two days earlier against the UC Capitals. She later returned to help the Lynx reach the WNBL grand final series, finishing as the league's scoring champion.

2023: Third Season with the Dream

Aari McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream for a third season in 2023.

February 1, 2024: Trade to Los Angeles Sparks

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

2024: Signing with Beijing Great Wall

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

April 15, 2025: Re-signing with the Sparks

On April 15, 2025, Aari McDonald re-signed with the Sparks, but she did not make the final roster and did not play the season with the team.

June 2, 2025: Signing with the Indiana Fever

On June 2, 2025, Aari McDonald signed with the Indiana Fever via emergency hardship exception due to injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. She was later released and re-signed.