While the confetti has barely settled from UCLA's thrilling 2026 national championship victory, the basketball world is already pivoting to the next major event: the 2026 WNBA Draft. With a star-studded class headlined by international phenom Awa Fam, this draft promises to reshape franchises for years to come.
Fam, a versatile and skilled forward, is the consensus favorite to be selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. Her unique combination of size, footwork, and playmaking ability, particularly in the pick-and-roll, makes her a generational talent. If selected, she would become the first international player to go No. 1 since the legendary Lauren Jackson in 2001, offering the Wings a perfect frontcourt partner for superstar Paige Bueckers.
The intrigue doesn't stop at the top pick. This mock draft projects where other elite talents from a memorable March Madness will land. Notre Dame's dynamic guard Olivia Miles, whose elite passing and ball-handling would have made her a top-three pick in 2025, is forecast to join the Minnesota Lynx at No. 2. She would provide a crucial infusion of youth and skill behind veteran Kayla McBride on a championship-contending roster.
Further down the board, fans will be watching to see where established collegiate stars like UCLA's championship center Lauren Betts and versatile forward Gabriela Jaquez land. Their dominant tournament performances have solidified their status as high-impact prospects ready to contribute immediately at the professional level.
For WNBA fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, this draft marks the arrival of the league's next wave of icons. The skills and star power entering the league will drive new rivalries, highlight reels, and of course, fresh jersey sales. Stay tuned as these future stars prepare to make their mark and inspire the next generation of athletes.
