The stage is set for a pivotal night in women's basketball. The 2026 WNBA Draft tips off this Monday, April 13th, at 7 p.m. ET from The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, and all eyes are on the Dallas Wings as they hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year. With the draft airing live on ESPN, a new generation of stars is ready to make the leap to the professional ranks.

This year's draft carries extra significance as it welcomes the league's two newest franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, who will make their first selections after building initial rosters in a recent expansion draft. The event will feature three rounds of 15 picks each, with a talented and diverse pool of prospects vying for their spots.

Unlike last year's clear-cut favorite in Paige Bueckers, the race for the top selection is wide open, giving the Wings a fascinating decision. The frontrunners include elite UConn shooter and 2025 national champion Azzi Fudd, who could become the program's seventh No. 1 pick. Choosing Fudd would also create a historic back-to-back UConn streak at the top of the draft, a feat not seen since Tina Charles and Maya Moore in 2010 and 2011.

International experience is also in the mix with 19-year-old Spanish professional Awa Fam, who has been competing at a high level since age 15 and boasts FIBA World Cup silver medals. Domestically, UCLA's 6-foot-7 championship center Lauren Betts could make history as the Bruins' first-ever No. 1 selection, while TCU's Olivia Miles aims to become the highest-drafted player from her school, surpassing a two-decade-old record.

With multiple programs poised for historic nights and franchise-altering talent available, the 2026 draft promises to reshape the WNBA landscape and deliver unforgettable moments for fans tuning in.