The WNBA Draft 2026
Azzi Fudd goes to the Dallas Wings
Photo courtesy of John Mac/Wikimedia Commons
On Apr. 13, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft 2026 took place in New York City. This draft came after a highly eventful season, and fans were anxious to see who would be the first overall draft pick.
Azzi Fudd to the Dallas Wings
It came as no surprise to many fans that guard Azzi Fudd was selected as the first overall draft pick by the Dallas Wings. Fudd has been a standout at the collegiate level, averaging 14.7 points per game (ppg). Fudd played for the University of Connecticut (UConn) for the past four years and is from Arlington, Virginia. Fudd attracted an abundance of media attention when former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers disclosed their relationship.
On Jul. 17, 2025, Bueckers announced that she and Azzi Fudd were dating, which many fans had speculated for a while. Last year, Bueckers was also drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings. During their time together at UConn, the two were truly an unstoppable backcourt duo and fans are excited to see them reunite on the court.
Olivia Miles to the Minnesota Lynx
The guard transferred to Texas Christian University (TCU) her graduate year after being the projected second overall pick during last year's draft when Paige Bueckers went first overall. She had a career-high average of 19.6 points and attended Notre Dame prior to entering the transfer portal. Miles is from Summit, New Jersey and is projected to excel at the professional level.
Awa Fam Thiam to the Seattle Storm
The 6’4 center from Alicante, Spain, went third overall in the draft this year. In Spain, she plays for Valencia Basketball at a professional level. She is only 19 years old and has not officially started training camp with the Storm yet, as she will continue playing for Valencia for the moment.
Lauren Betts to the Washington Mystics
Coming off an NCAA Championship win, it was evident that Betts would be in the first five draft picks. She is 6’7 and was born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, before committing to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for basketball. Betts was the first pick out of six from UCLA, making history.
Gabriela Jaquez to the Chicago Sky
Also from UCLA, Jaquez improved each year during her collegiate career. In the NCAA Final this year, she earned 21 points and 10 rebounds, making her an essential part of UCLA’s success. She averaged 13.5 ppg throughout the season at UCLA and has proven to be a versatile player.
Kiki Rice to the Toronto Tempo
Rice marked the third draft pick from UCLA and led the team in assists throughout the season with 170 total. Rice was the first-ever draft pick for the Toronto Tempo, as this will be their first season in the WNBA.
Iyana Martín Carrión to the Portland Fire
At only 5’9, the Oviedo, Asturias, Spain native became the number seven overall pick during the draft. She played for Club Baloncesto Avenida, and, having been a sensational player for her national team, she is expected to be a standout in Portland.
Flau’jae Johnson to the Golden State Valkyries
The guard from the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers becoming the eighth overall pick was no surprise to many fans. However, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm almost immediately after being selected by the Valkyries. In return, the Valkyries received draft rights to Marta Suárez, according to ESPN.
Angela Dugalić to the Washington Mystics
Another pick from UCLA, Dugalić, will be joining her teammate Lauren Betts in Washington with the Mystics, as reported by ESPN. She is a 6’4 forward from Des Plaines, Illinois with a lot of promising talent. Coming off an NCAA win, she will be entering the season with confidence.
Raven Johnson to the Indiana Fever
Johnson is a guard from the University of South Carolina (SC) and won two NCAA championships with the team during her time playing. Johnson will be reunited with Aliyah Boston, her former teammate at SC. The Fever is definitely shaping up to be a formidable team with the recent draft additions and the presence of many talented veterans.