The future of the WNBA is about to be written. With the 2026 college season in the books, the league's next generation of stars is ready for their moment at the draft podium. This year's event promises high drama, as there's no consensus top pick, setting the stage for a thrilling night where franchises will shape their futures.
Mark your calendars: The 2026 WNBA Draft will be held on Monday, April 13th, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. The main broadcast on ESPN begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. For fans wanting the full experience, tune into ESPN2 at 5:30 p.m. for the "WNBA Draft Orange Carpet Special," where 15 invited prospects will make their grand entrances.
All eyes will be on the Dallas Wings, who hold the coveted first overall pick for the second consecutive year. After selecting UConn phenom Paige Bueckers in 2025, the Wings are in a position to add another franchise cornerstone. The race for the top spot is wide open, with several elite talents in contention.
UCLA's dominant national champion, center Lauren Betts, is a prime candidate. She's joined by UConn's sharpshooting guard Azzi Fudd, TCU's dynamic playmaker Olivia Miles, and international standout Awa Fam. In the latest projections, Fudd is pegged as the potential #1 pick, which would make her the second straight UConn guard to lead the draft class, following her former teammate Bueckers to Dallas.
The draft order sets the stage for a night of strategic picks and potential surprises. Here is how the first round will unfold:
1. Dallas Wings
2. Minnesota Lynx (from Chicago Sky)
3. Seattle Storm (from Los Angeles Sparks)
4. Washington Mystics
5. Chicago Sky (from Connecticut Sun)
6. Toronto Tempo
7. Portland Fire
8. Golden State Valkyries
9. Washington Mystics (from Seattle Storm)
10. Indiana Fever
11. Washington Mystics (from New York Liberty via Connecticut Sun)
12. Connecticut Sun (from Phoenix Mercury)
13. Atlanta Dream
14. Seattle Storm (from Las Vegas Aces)
15. Connecticut Sun (from Minnesota Lynx via Washington Mystics)
This draft is more than just a selection process; it's the culmination of years of hard work and the starting point for new rivalries and legendary careers. As these athletes prepare to step onto the professional stage, they carry the hopes of their new teams and the excitement of fans eager to see the next chapter of WNBA history begin.