As the new year begins, the WNBA Draft would typically be right around the corner. This time, however, the future of the league itself remains unclear. Ongoing CBA negotiations between the WNBA and its players have created real doubt about whether a 2026 season — or draft — will even occur.
Traditionally, the draft has been held in April, shortly after the NCAA Tournament wraps up, leaving rookies with little time before training camps. For 2026, there is no announced timeline, no host city, and no confirmation that teams will be selecting players at all.
That uncertainty has left both college stars and international prospects waiting. Still, if the league does move forward, here is how the first round of a 2026 WNBA Draft could unfold.
1. Dallas Wings — Awa Fam (Spain, Center, 6-4)
After landing Paige Bueckers at the top of the 2025 draft, Dallas could again be positioned to add a franchise-changing talent. Fam brings a modern skill set for a big — capable of scoring inside, facilitating offense, and thriving in pick-and-roll action. Her versatility would pair seamlessly with Bueckers as a long-term foundation.
2. Minnesota Lynx — Azzi Fudd (UConn, Guard, 5-11)
Fudd’s career has been slowed by repeated knee injuries, but she appears to have turned a corner. Her shooting ability is elite, and her efficiency from beyond the arc makes her a strong fit on any roster, even one already built to contend like Minnesota.
3. Seattle Storm — Olivia Miles (TCU, Guard, 5-10)
Miles impacts every area of the game and regularly flirts with triple-double numbers. After choosing to transfer rather than enter the previous draft, she remains the most complete point guard in this class and would be a natural fit in Seattle’s backcourt.
4. Washington Mystics — Lauren Betts (UCLA, Center, 6-7)
Once widely expected to be the top pick, Betts now faces questions in a league shifting toward speed and spacing. Even so, her rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring make her too valuable to ignore in the early lottery.
5. Chicago Sky — Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, Guard, 5-10)
Johnson’s game is built on defensive effort, quickness in transition, and confidence off the dribble. Selecting her would reunite her with Angel Reese, recreating a championship-winning LSU pairing at the professional level.
6. Toronto Tempo — Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina, Guard, 5-8)
For a brand-new franchise, scoring punch matters. Latson has proven she can fill it up at a high level, though a recent leg injury could affect how teams evaluate her draft position.
7. Portland Fire — Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA, Guard, 5-11)
Shooting translates, and Kneepkens has been one of the most reliable perimeter threats in college basketball. Her efficiency and volume make her a logical building block for an expansion roster.
8. Golden State Valkyries — Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss, Forward, 6-0)
While her defensive consistency remains under scrutiny, McMahon’s strength, footwork, and scoring instincts stand out. Golden State could benefit from adding another physical offensive option.
9. Washington Mystics — Yarden Garzon (Maryland, Guard, 6-3)
After struggling mightily from three-point range, Washington may look to address shooting concerns. Garzon’s long track record as a high-percentage shooter makes her an appealing solution despite a slight dip this season.
10. Indiana Fever — Madina Okot (South Carolina, Center, 6-6)
Indiana’s up-tempo offense could use more interior resistance. Okot provides rebounding and shot-blocking, giving the Fever a defensive anchor in the paint.
11. Washington Mystics — Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA, Guard, 6-0)
Jaquez offers size, spacing, and shooting versatility. Her ability to coexist with ball-dominant guards could help Washington modernize its offense.
12. Connecticut Sun — Iyana Martín Carrión (Spain, Guard, 5-9)
One of Europe’s top young guards, Martín Carrión brings international experience and scoring upside. She represents a high-reward option for a team in transition.
13. Atlanta Dream — Raven Johnson (South Carolina, Guard, 5-8)
Johnson’s defensive mindset and championship résumé could help her carve out minutes on a veteran-heavy Atlanta roster.
14. Seattle Storm — Serah Williams (UConn, Forward, 6-4)
Though her scoring dipped after transferring, Williams’ length, mobility, and interior skills still give her value as frontcourt depth.
15. Connecticut Sun — Janiah Barker (Tennessee, Forward, 6-4)
Barker’s athleticism and flashes of scoring potential make her a reasonable late-first-round gamble.
