A new crop of future stars are about to enter the ‘W.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is the next major event of the league’s now fast-moving offseason, with the free agency period still at a pivotal stage.
This year’s rookie class doesn’t have a clear consensus No. 1 pick. Last year, it was a layup for the Dallas Wings, who didn’t have to blink twice to take UConn star Paige Bueckers.
One year later, the Wings are picking first once again with another top Huskies prospect in the mix at No. 1.
So, when is the WNBA draft, who are the top prospects and where will it be available to watch and stream? Here’s everything to know:
When is the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The draft is set for Monday, April 13.
What time is the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Coverage will begin at 7 p.m. ET and run until 9:30 p.m. ET.
Where is the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City is the venue for the draft.
How many rounds is the WNBA draft?
There are three rounds in the draft, with 15 picks in each.
Who has the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
For the second straight year, the Wings are picking first overall after winning the draft lottery. The rest of the current top five, in order, are the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky.
The full three-round order can be viewed here, with new expansion teams in Portland and Toronto involved.
Where to watch the 2026 WNBA Draft on TV, online
The draft will be broadcast on ESPN. Streaming will be available on ESPN.com/watch and the ESPN mobile app.
Who are the top prospects in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Four prospects arguably have a decent shot at going first to Dallas. With the Wings and Bueckers connection in mind, Huskies guard Azzi Fudd may make sense for Dallas. The two have chemistry, can play off each other and would be the long-term backcourt pairing. But on the other hand, Fudd’s game got exposed against the elites of the women’s NCAA Tournament that ended UConn’s flawless hopes. Maybe giving Bueckers a taller frontcourt partner is the better route.
If so, UCLA star Lauren Betts has propelled herself to No. 1 pick discourse. The 6-foot-7 center enjoyed a monstrous tournament that resulted in a first ever Bruins’ women’s hoops title, and she was a key reason. Traditional centers may not be as coveted anymore, but Betts’ size, statistics and general profile are highly intriguing, especially for a team like Dallas.
After Betts is 6-foot-4 center Awa Fam, who has been playing for Valencia in Spain. Fam is much more of a project at this stage than someone who can provide immediate impact considering her age and U.S. experience, though her potential is what excites teams. But the transition from overseas to the ‘W isn’t as straightforward just yet, and Bueckers likely needs someone who can get up to speed faster and help contend sooner.
The fourth option is point guard Olivia Miles, who was a top prospect last season before she decided to return to college for a fifth year, leaving Notre Dame after four seasons for TCU. Miles, 5-foot-10, is an extremely well-rounded guard who can take on the offensive load and has improved her 3-point and free-throw numbers to more impressive rates. But, with Bueckers in Dallas, it may be best for her to land somewhere else.
Other big names to watch in the first round include Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA), Kiki Rice (UCLA), Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA) and Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina), among others.
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