The 2026 WNBA Draft is forthcoming, and 15 groups will choose 45 gamers from three rounds. Amid the free company chaos, the league will see its first official draft because the new collective bargaining settlement. This 12 months’s festivities embody growth groups Toronto Tempo and Portland Fireplace.
Curt Miller and the Dallas Wings maintain the No. 1 choose for the second consecutive season. Paige Bueckers was the consensus high choose final 12 months, however who will Dallas choose this time round? Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and Awa Fam are all high candidates within the deep class. In the end, who will likely be chosen first general? 15 prospects will make their orange carpet debuts within the Large Apple. Will there be chaos and mock drafts shredded? Or will the draft go as predicted?
Tomorrow, goals turn into actuality… class of 2026, your second is right here 🏀
Tune in to the WNBA Draft at 7:00pm/ET on ESPN
WNBA Draft introduced by @StateStreetETFs SPY pic.twitter.com/021Es78z0E
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 12, 2026
Ballislife has our employees mock draft choices and predictions from the primary spherical, courtesy of Sara Jane Gamelli and Geoff Magliocchetti. We assembled a snake-type draft with alternating picks 1-12.
*Choices had been made mid-free company*
1. Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd, UConn
At first, I initially had Lauren Betts, of UCLA, heading to the Lone Star state No. 1 general. That was till the Wings wheeled and dealt, creating free company chaos by signing former Lynx pair Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith. The Wings moreover signed Li Yueru and Awak Kuier, which presents much more depth. Now, Dallas has my consideration.
Azzi Fudd goes No. 1 general to the Wings and can reunite with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, with whom she gained an NCAA Nationwide Championship. On condition that Dallas re-signed long-time veteran Arike Ogunbowale to a multi-year deal, it’s clear the case for Fudd has gained momentum. A two-way guard, Fudd is the highest flamethrower within the draft and ranked fifth in 3-point share (44.7%) in her ultimate 12 months with the Huskies. Fudd is a defensive-minded participant who additionally led the nation with 117 threes. Having familiarity with Bueckers might make them one of the crucial deadly duos within the WNBA. Dallas reconstructed its roster, and Fudd could be an ideal match within the backcourt. That is very true since she thrives off-ball and may get to her spots/cuts.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
2. Minnesota Lynx (from Chicago): Lauren Betts, UCLA
This offseason was presupposed to be a no tough stuff sort of deal for the Lynx, however they’ve endured a number of notable departures this offseason, none extra obvious than these of Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith. That doesn’t even account for the standing of franchise face Napheesa Collier after she spent this season recovering from ankle surgical procedures.
It’d be silly to depend the Lynx out till we see an precise pattern dimension, although, particularly in the event that they land the abilities of a game-changer like Betts. A 12 months of working with Collier in any capability would make for one heck of a niche 12 months, if the Lynx are so inclined to have interaction in a single, in fact. If not, Lauren Betts would rapidly make up for the misplaced put up prowess.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
3. Seattle Storm (from Los Angeles): Olivia Miles, TCU
Olivia Miles was a projected top-pick in final 12 months’s WNBA Draft earlier than returning to school. Having transferred to TCU from Notre Dame, Miles guess on herself. A number of mock drafts anticipated her to land with the Seattle Storm final 12 months, and right here we’re.
I do count on Miles to get drafted among the many high three, however I just like the match with Seattle. Sure, the crew did implode following the firing of former head coach Noelle Quinn. In free company, Skylar Diggins, Brittney Sykes, Gabby Williams, and Nneka Ogwumike bolted for greener pastures.
The final 4 days of free company have been a whirlwind, however the Storm locked up its frontcourt by re-signing Ezi Magbegor. Though it’s all the time a risk she might be later traded, each Magbegor and Dominique Malonga have the possibility to turn into the franchise cornerstones… and so does Miles.
It might be an adjustment for Miles, who led TCU to the Elite Eight. She would immediately turn into the crew’s main level guard and franchise face. Miles is essentially the most elite level guard on this draft class, with unbelievable court docket imaginative and prescient, IQ, and facilitating abilities.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
4. Washington Mystics: Awa Fam, Spain
The draft may’ve been the right recess from the free company frenzy. However the Mystics’ technique might properly heart (pun supposed) on the destiny of Shakira Austin, who has a max supply sheet from the Toronto Tempo. That would make them take a waiver on Fam, the worldwide sensation trying to shake issues up on the high.
If something, Washington might use slightly construct with Stef Dolson transferring on, and Fam’s propensity for playmaking, notably off the pick-and-roll, might mesh rather well with final 12 months’s yields of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
5. Chicago Sky (from Connecticut): Kiki Rice, UCLA
The Sky have been making waves throughout the W world in free company. As soon as thought of a struggling franchise, the Sky have invested in a number of gamers this week. After transport Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, the Sky has since signed Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, Azurà Stevens, Rachel Banham, Courtney Vandersloot, and Elizabeth Williams.
Beneath contract are Kamilla Cardoso, Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld, and Jacy Sheldon. In my protection, I made my draft choose earlier than Vandersloot re-signed. I personally really feel Kiki Rice is a steal within the draft and might be the face of the franchise sooner or later. All through her complete NCAA profession, she’s been an elite defender and a lot extra with the UCLA Bruins.
Rice may be 5’11”, however her vertical is kind of spectacular. She has the poise and elite decision-making that might make a distinction in Ch-City. Though she’s projected to be chosen later, she’s pro-ready.
Rice had a profession senior season, averaging 14.9 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. To not point out, she shot a career-best 38.5 % from three and 45.8 % from the ground. Whereas protection defines her, she will be able to do all of it.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
6. Toronto Tempo: Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA
Toronto has wasted no time getting right down to enterprise, constructing a backcourt headlined by Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes. Such an assault can proceed with the versatile Gabriela Jaquez, one of many outstanding risers along with her match efficiency.
The area she generates, to not point out the additional defensive tenacity, could be coveted by any crew, however it may be downright explosive for an growth crew trying to get off on the fitting foot.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
2026 WNBA Offseason: 2026 WNBA Free Company Tracker | Collective Bargaining Settlement Deal | Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream | WNBA Growth Draft | Participant Contracts (East) | Participant Contracts (West) | Free Company Core Tags
WNBA Participant Information: Nneka Ogwumike Returns to LA | Jackie Younger Returns to Aces | Tempo Land Mabrey, Sykes | Kelsey Mitchell Returns to Indiana Fever | Aces Carry Again Core | BG Lands in Connecticut | Liberty Signal Satou Sabally | Skylar Diggins Headed to Chicago
7. Portland Fireplace: Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
I used to be torn between deciding on Flau’jae Johnson No. 5 general to the Sky, however I strongly imagine that she has the chance to turn into a franchise face within the Rose Metropolis. One of many two growth groups, Portland, hasn’t made an enormous splash in free company and signed Bridget Carleton to a three-year deal on the max.
Within the draft, the Fireplace chosen and signed Chloe Bibby, Maya Caldwell, Emily Engstler, and Maya Caldwell. That stated, Portland very a lot wants dimension, however Johnson is likely one of the greatest gamers obtainable on the board.
By deciding on her at No. 7, Johnson might turn into the chief of this crew, since there’s no actual outlined participant at the moment. She’s a confirmed winner, gained a nationwide championship with LSU, and led the Tigers to a number of Elite Eight appearances. Johnson is flexible and may get downhill. I can’t consider a greater crew to develop her recreation and fine-tune her recreation. On condition that Portland is headed for long-term improvement, it is a good alternative for Johnson. Plus, Damian Lillard and Johnson might bond of their music careers.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
8. Golden State Valkyries: Raven Johnson, South Carolina
What can Golden State do to retain the momentum of their fabulous freshman tour? Touchdown a sterling first-round riser like Raven Johnson will surely be a robust step in the fitting path. Johnson went for high quality, not amount, in her fifth and ultimate tour of Columbia, averaging not less than 4 factors, assists, and rebounds.
She additionally left a profound impression on head coach Daybreak Staley, who claimed that Johnson would be the participant she’ll miss most of all upon her skilled entry. Coming from the lady who oversaw the rise of Aaliyah Boston, A’ja Wilson, and extra, that’s reward that reigns within the stratosphere.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
9. Washington Mystics (from Seattle): Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
I’m going with the Washington Mystics to pick South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson No. 9 general. The Mystics are an intriguing franchise, one which many say mirrors the NBA’s Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Washington hit a grand slam by drafting Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen within the 2025 WNBA Draft. Though they narrowly missed the playoffs, the crew is preserving its youth whereas constructing for the long run. Over the following three years, the Mystics will maintain 14 draft picks.
My choose was contingent on heart Shakira Austin, who obtained a restricted qualifying supply from Washington on April 7. Subsequently, Austin has signed a multi-year supply sheet with the Toronto Tempo, and the Mystics have two days to match that. If she doesn’t return, the Mystics will want frontcourt depth, particularly since Stefanie Dolson departed for the Storm.
Amoore is technically the purpose guard, however she’s subsequent to see motion on the hardwood because of struggling an ACL damage final 12 months. Latson might be a steal within the draft and is a participant who led the nation in factors (25.2 PPG) throughout her junior 12 months at Florida State. She since transferred to South Carolina for her senior 12 months.
Latson can rating in bunches, and her means to complete and drive is second-to-none. In 2025, she shot a career-high 48.6 % from the sector and averaged 14.1 factors and three.1 assists below Daybreak Staley and a loaded Gamecocks squad. Her scoring manufacturing dipped, however South Carolina rostered a number of weapons.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
10. Indiana Fever: Nell Angloma, France
With Caitlin Clark again within the fold, Indiana will face sizable expectations after final 12 months’s semifinal run. Indiana splurged on veterans of the acquainted and new selection alike, with Clark and Aliyah Boston nonetheless on their rookie offers, however that might create a little bit of a barrier for younger gamers looking for minutes.
That makes Indianapolis prime territory for a challenge choose like Nell Angloma, a French ahead who hasn’t hit her 20s. If Angloma is straight away prepared for WNBA motion, she might compete with Makayla Timpson for the fitting to fill Natasha Howard’s departed minutes.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
11. Washington Mystics: Gianna Kneepkens, UCLA
And as soon as once more, the Washington Mystics are on the clock. This time, I’m taking them to pick UCLA guard Gianna Kneepkens. Kneepkens is a guard with dimension who can play a number of positions. Transferring to UCLA for her senior 12 months, Kneepkens is a high-volume scorer who’s one other sleep choose within the draft.
Having averaged 12.8 factors, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals with UCLA in her ultimate 12 months, she completed her school profession capturing 43.1 % from past the arc. Mix that with Sonia Citron, who’s a natural-born 3-point risk. This duo might convey much-needed scoring and 3-point prowess to the nation’s capital.
Kneepkens is a sterling shooter who takes environment friendly photographs and has tailored to any scenario to this point. At 6 ft, she’s a strong rebounder, a flexible defender, who would slot in properly with this growing Mystics squad. On condition that Washington didn’t make too many free company strikes (up to now), I count on them to proceed to construct their roster by means of the draft.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
12. Connecticut Solar (from Phoenix): Cottie McMahon, Ole Miss
Because it prepares to embark on its Comet period, endurance will likely be a advantage in terms of ready on the ultimate Solar choose(s) after they not directly traded out of the highest 5. Luckily, there’s a plethora of constant choices towards the underside of the primary spherical, notably within the type of the artistic scoring risk Cotie McMahon.
The previous Ohio State Buckeye averaged slightly below 20 factors in her lone tour of Oxford, partly stealing a few of the highlight from her SEC sisters. That creates extra of a starry outlook for the long run Texans, who discovered sterling defensive assist in Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers over the last draft and now should fill within the scoring gaps, particularly with Mabrey gone.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
13. Atlanta Dream: Angela Dugalić, UCLA
With the thirteenth general choose, I’m taking the Atlanta Dream to pick UCLA’s Angela Dugalić. Atlanta meant enterprise after they re-signed Allisha Grey, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, and Naz Hillmon in free company. Nonetheless, they went out and traded for frontcourt power in Angel Reese.
Taylor Thierry and Te-Hina Paopo are below contract, and I do not assume the Dream wants any extra guard depth. At 6 ‚4”, Dugalić brings dimension to Atlanta, however can also be a robust rebounder with sturdy defensive prowess. With Brittney Griner on her technique to Connecticut, Dugalić would very a lot complement each Jones and Reese.
We are able to’t overlook that Dugalić was a starter for UCLA’s Cori Shut and produced off the bench in her senior season. She was greater than able to beginning, which I believe individuals could overlook. In opposition to Duke within the Elite Eight, she delivered 15 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists, and two steals. She has the right quantity of size and dimension across the rim that might solidify Atlanta’s frontcourt as one of many strongest.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
14. Seattle Storm (from Las Vegas): Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA
If a pickup recreation breaks out at The Shed, solely UCLA would be capable of kind a 5. The Bruins might’ve simply had six girls in New York, because the efforts of Charlisse Leger-Walker weren’t forgotten by these gathered. Leger-Walker established herself as a strong two-star between UCLA and Washington State, and top-heavy Seattle is keen to restock the backcourt after dropping veterans Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams to the free company chaos.
The shortage of invite and a comparatively late choice makes Leger-Walker notably harmful, as she’ll be a potential-packed expertise burdened with nearly nothing to lose.
-Geoff Magliocchetti
15. Connecticut Solar (from Minnesota): Rori Harmon, Texas
I wished to take Madina Okot right here, however the Connecticut Solar has loads of frontcourt depth with Aaliyah Edwards. Aneesah Morrow, Brittney Griner, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. The Solar will bid farewell to the Nutmeg state because it prepares to spend its ultimate season in Connecticut earlier than relocating to Houston. The crew hasn’t made many free company strikes, as Lelia Lacan and Saniya Rivers are additionally on rookie-scale contracts. I’m going to swing for the hills right here. Some don’t see Rori Harmon as a first-round choose, however she could be an amazing addition to Connecticut. Having performed her complete profession for Texas, Harmon is an elite defender who could be an ideal match for the Solar’s tradition. Most have her projected as a second- or third-round choose because of her lack of scoring quantity and 3-point capturing. And whereas Harmon didn’t take many threes, she shot a career-best 44.8 % from past the arc.
Connecticut has some strong defenders, and Harmon’s shot is a piece in progress. However a crew similar to Connecticut can enhance that. Based mostly on the gamers taken, free company, and what Connecticut wants, I’m taking Harmon right here. She has a small stature, however don’t let that cease you. Her defensive presence, together with the flexibility to facilitate, might kind her into a pleasant backup position.
-Sara Jane Gamelli
The 2026 WNBA Draft will likely be held on Monday, April 13, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York Metropolis. Protection will air on ESPN from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET
