2026 WNBA Draft Results

Round 1

The 2026 WNBA Draft has talent in the first round. Find out who goes where.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 13, 2026.

1. Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd, SG, Connecticut A+ Grade
   
   
   The Dallas Wings got the first building block of their long-term rebuild in Connecticut point guard Paige Buekers in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Dallas will take one of four players with the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft if they hold on to the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. What they do with that pick if they stay at 1 largely depends on whether pending unrestricted Free Agent Arike Ogunbowale from the 1 at point guard to the 2 at shooting guard since she's quite the combo guard. Teaira McCowan failed to live up to expectations at center and got waived as a result
   
   
   
   Before I tell everyone about the four players in the running to go first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft. I want to quickly state that the Dallas Wings may want to trade down to get as many assets as possible to build around Paige Buekers.
   
   
   
   The 2027 WNBA Draft is loaded. There are as many as seven players in the 2027 WNBA Draft that would go first overall in this draft if they were eligible for this years WNBA Draft. Those seven players include combo guard JuJu Watkins who can play the 1 at point guard, the 2 at shooting guard, the 3 at small forward, or the 4 at power forward for the USC Trojans making her the most versatile player since Angel Reese coming out of LSUU, Zhang Ziyu a 7-4 center from China, Mikaylah Williams a combo guard that can play the 1 or the 2 at LSU, Madison Booker can play the 1, 2, or the 3 at Texas, Iowa State center Audi Brooks, Milaysia Fuliwiley a combo guard that can play the 1 or 2 at LSU, and Notre Dame point guard Hannah Hildalgo. The 2028 WNBA Draft is currently headlined by Connecticut small forward Sarah Strong who started on Connecticut as a freshman last year before winning 2026 Big East Player Of THe Year as a true sophomore. Getting any combo of the players I mentioned in 2027 and Sarah Strong in 2028 puts you in a much better position long-term then keeping the first overall pick and drafting the best player available in this draft. The thing is, I don't see the Wings moving down unless they get 4 from the Mystics and their 2027 first which does involve the option to swap picks with the Chicago Sky meaning the Wings would get that pick from the Sky if the Sky finished in the bottom five once again. If an expansion team wants the Wings to move down from 1 to 6 or 7 it would probably cost three first round picks from that expansion team.
   
   
   
   There's four players that could go first overall. Connecticut shooting guard Azzi Fudd, International center Awa Fam whose a great shooter, yet extremely raw defender, UCLA center Lauren Betts whose a great defennder, but can only hit shots from short-range, and TCU point guard Olivia Miles. I do not see Myles going first overall unless an expansoin team trades up for the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft despite Candice Parker hinting her as a candidate to go first overall. That leaves Fudd, Fam, and Betts as the three candidates to go first overall if the Dallas Wings stay put.
   
   
   
   What's going to happen with Arike Ogunbowale? That will ultimately determine who the Wings take at 1 if they keep this pick. Azzi Fudd is the only player that can shoot and defend at a high level in this draft, plus she's best friends with Paige Bueckers. That would be the soundest argument for taking Fudd if Ogunbowale leaves. If Arike Ogunbowale comes back, I think this pick will be one of the two centers, Fam if Betts fails to correct her weaknesses before this draft. Betts if she corrects her weaknesses or leads UCLA on a title run in the 2026 Women's College Basketball Tournament assuming Arike Ogunbowale gets re-signed by the Dallas Wings. For now, I'm mocking Azzi Fudd to the Dallas Wings because I do not believe Dallas brings back Arike Ogbunbowale because was arrested for allegedly punching a man in a nightclub in Miami after the Unrivaled Championship.
   
   
   
   The 5-11 165 lb Azzi Fudd averaged 12.1 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 1 assist per game, 1 steals per game, a 45.7% field goal percentage, a 91.2% free throw percentage, and a 43% three point percentage as a true freshman in 2021-2022. Azzi Fudd only played 15 games as a sophomore osting 15.1 pointns er game, 1.9 rebounds per game, 1.9 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, a 45.6% field goal percentage, a 88.2% free throw percentage, and a 34% three point percentage a a sophomore in 2022-2023. Azzi Fudd only played two games as a junior posting 11 points per game, 2.5 reounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 1 steal per game, a 32% field goal percentage, a 100% free throw percentage, and a 28.6% three point percentage as a junior in 2023-2024. Azzi Fudd got a medical redshirt during her third season after only playing two games.
   
   
   
   Azzi Fudd got a medical redshirt during her junior season after only playing two games. Azzi Fudd had 13.6 points per game, 2 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game, 1.4 steals per gmae, a 47.4% field goal percentage, a 91.7% free throw percentage, and a 43.6% three point percentage while taking Connecticut to the 2025 Women's Basketball Tournament where Connecticut won it all in 2024-2025 as a junior redshirt. Azzi Fudd had 17.3 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game, 2.5 steals per game, a 48.1% field goal percentage, a 95.5% free throw percentage, and a 44.7% three point percentage as a senior redshirt guiding Connecticut to a third straight Final 4 in 2025-2026.
   
   
   
   Azzi Fudd can shoot from short range, medium range, or long range. She passes well. She defends effectively against the 1 at point guard as well as the 2 at shooting guard regardless of what critics have to say about her size in terms of height and weight. Azzi Fudd for the most part has the same strenghts at shooting guard that Paige Bueckers had a year ago.
   
   
   
2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, PG, TCU A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-10 lb Olivia Miles redshirted her freshman season in 2020-2021. Olivia Miles had 13.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 7.4 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, a 45.5% field goal percentage, a 67.7% free throw percentage, and a 27% three point percentage as a freshman redshirt in 2021-2022. Olivia Miles had 14.3 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, 6.9 assists per game, 2.1 steals per game, a 46% field goal percentage, a 76.7% free throw percentage, and a 22.8% three point percentage as a sophomore redshirt in 2022-2023. She missed all of the 2023-2024 season.
   
   
   
   Olivia Miles had 15.4 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 5.8 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, a 48.3% field goal percentage, a 79% free throw percentage, and a 40.6% three point percentage in her final at Notre Dame as junior redshirt in 2024-2025. Olivia Miles transferred to TCU and had 19.6 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, 6.6 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, a 48.1% field goal percentage, a 83.9% free throw percentage, and a 35.1% three point percentage as a senior redshirt at TCU in 2025-2026.
   
   
   
   Olivia Miles can shoot from short range, medium range, or long range. Olivia Miles may be the best passer in College Basketball. She's an elite defender despite her size that defends well against the 1 at point guard or the 2 at shooting guard.
   
   
   
   Olivia Miles might be the most complete player outside of Azzi Fudd. I was a little surprised that she went second, but this is easily another A+ grade.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Seattle Storm: Awa Fam, C, Valencia Basket A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-4 Awa Fam only averaged 9.1 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game on Valencia Basket in 2025-2026. She could go first overall if she improves defensively. Seattle gets Awa Fam to pair with last years first round pick Dominique Molanga who should move to the 4 at power forward.
   
   
   
   Awa Fam can score from short range, medium range, or long range. Awa Fam is extremely raw as a defender and she needs to show more aggressiveness when defending. If you want a center that can make an offensive impact, she's a better choice to be drafted than UCLA center Lauren Betts. If you want a center that can defend anyone and attack from short range, you should go with Lauren Betts.
   
   
   
4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA A+ Grade
   
   
   The Washington Mystics have a young nucleus of talent. They may have whiffed on the 2024 WNBA Draft. They probably had the best draft outside of the Dallas Wings in 2025 by getting Georgia Amoore at point guard, Sonia Citron at shooting guard, and Kiki Iriafen at power forward. Washington also got a quality backup point guard in Jacy Sheldon. Amoore missed last season recovering from her injury, but she will be lethal if she's healthy in 2026. If the Mystics can get a center, small forward, and someone to push Jacy Sheldon for the sixth woman off of the bench this team will have seven quality players and could have the pieces to contend for a playoff spot with picks 4, 9, and 11 in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
   
   
   
   UCLA center Lauren Betts is an obvious selection here if she makes it to 4. I think the Mystics are open to trading up to get Betts with the additional draft capital they have this year. They can always pick swap with the Chicago Sky in 2027 to get that final piece to their starting five in 2027 if it costs 4, 9, and 11 to move up to 3 or 2 to get Lauren Betts. I don't think the Mystics can get up to 1 unless they give the Dallas Wings this pick and the 2027 first round pick swap that they have with the Chicago Sky. I honestly don't see the Mystics doing that with how stacked next year is. Washington could also move this pick for a second first round pick in 2027 if both Fam and Betts are off the board too to maximize their chances at getting a good starting five and then use picks 9 and 11 to attempt to fill out the starting lineup for this upcoming season. In this scenario, Betts fell to 4 and she's the pick here.
   
   
   
   The 6-7 Lauren Betts did not have success as a freshman with her first breakout season coming in her sophomore season, but she was a backup to Cameron Brink at Stanford before transferring to UCLA as a sophomore. Lauren Betts had 14.9 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, 1 assist per game, 2 blocks per game, a 64.3 field goal percentage, a 61% free throw percentage, and a 0% three point percentage as a sophomore in 2023-2024. Lauren Betts had 20.2 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists per game, 2.9 blocks per game, a 64.8% field goal percentage, a 62% free throw percentage, and a 0% three point percentage as a junior as UCLA made the Final 4 in 2024-2025. Lauren Betts had 17.1 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, 1 steal per game, 2.1 blocks per game, a 58.2% field goal percentage, a 68.6% free throw percentage, and a 0% three point percentage as a senior taking UCLA back to the Final 4 this season.
   
   
   
   Lauren Betts is probably the most durable of the consensus top four draft picks between Azzi Fudd, Awa Fam, and Olivia Miles. She can defend the 1 at point guard, the 2 at shooting guard, the 3 at small forward, the 4 at power forward, or the 5 at center. The main drawback is that her offensive game is limited to short range plays in the low post. Betts did improve her medium range shots and now passes like a point guard when generating assists. She still does not hit a three point shot, but if you are willing to look past that you should draft her.
   
   
   
   Kiki Iriafen and Lauren Betts can be a pain in the ass for offenses to attack in the front court on day 1. I don't see either player dominating into an elite player on offense until 2028 at the earliest. The defensive play of these two will allow the Washington Mystics to limit offensive players from short range which will cause the Washington Mystics to steal some games since they got stability at guard as well. Washington now has Georgia Amoore at point guard, Sonia Citron at shooting guard, Michaela Onyenwere at small forward, Kiki Irafen at power forward, and Lauren Betts at center.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Chicago Sky: Gabriela Jaquez, SG, UCLA A+ Grade
   
   
   The 6-0 Gabriela Jaquez had 13.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, a 53.9% field goal percentage, a 86% free throw percentage, and a 39% three point percentage as a senior at UCLA in 2025-2026. Gabriela Jaquez didn't break out until this season though, but she led UCLA with 21 points in UCLA's Championship win over South Carolina.
   
   
   
   Gabriela Jaquez can make shots from short range, medium range, and long range. She's the best shooter on UCLA outside of Kiki Rice. She's the younger brother of Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat. Great pickup by the Chicago Sky. Gabriela Jaquez will play the 2 at shooting guard with Rickea Jackson at the 3.
   
   
   
6. Toronto Tempo: Kiki Rice, PG, UCLA A+ Grade
   
   
   Toronto will have Kiki Rice at point guard and Mariana Mabrey at shooting guard. That guard combo will be potent.
   
   
   
   The 5-11 Kiki Rice had 11.6 points per game, as a freshman, 4.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, a 41.1% field goal percentage, a 79.1% free throw percentage, and a 21.7% three point percentage as a freshman in 2022-2023. Kiki Rice had 13.2 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, a 44.9% field goal percentage, a 87.6% free throw percentage, and a 31.2% three point percentage as a sophomore in 2023-2024. Kiki Rice had 12.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 5 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, a 4.5% field goal percentage, a 87.1% free throw percentage, and a 36.5% three point percentage as a junior in 2024-2025. Kiki Rice had 14.9 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game, 1.5 steals per game, a 49% field goal percentage, a 90.2% free throw percentage, and a 38.5% three pont percentage as a senior in 2025-2026.
   
   
   
   Kiki Rice can shoot shots from short range, medium range, and long range. She passes well. She can defend the 1 at point guard or the 2 at shooting guard. Kiki Rice is UCLA's best shooter among the players in the 2026 WNBA Draft from the tape I've seen.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Portland Fire: Iyana Martin, PG, Perfumerias Avenida B Grade
   
   
   Portland wanted to get a point guard. They got a late first round talent, but I don't dislike this pick either.
   
   
   
   The 5-9 Iyana Martin can shoot from short range, medium range, or long range effectively. She averaged 14.5 points per game on Perfumerias Avenida and played with Spain in some International Basketball tournaments.
   
   
   
   Iyana Martin was my fifteenth best player, but best available point guard on the board.
   
   
   
8. Golden State Valkyries: Flau'Jae Johnson, SG, LSU A+ Grade
   
   
   The 5-10 Flau'Jae Johnson had 11 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, 1.9 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, a 42.4% field goal percentage, a 69.6% free throw percentage, and a 33% three point percentage as a freshman on an LSU team that won the Women's Basketball Championship in 2022-2023. Flau'Jae Johnson had 14.9 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 2.1 steals per game, 1 block per game, a 50.4% field goal percentage, a 76.9% free throw percentage, and a 38% three point percentage as a sophomore in 2023-2024. Flau-Jae Johnson had 18.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 1.7 steals per game, a 46.8% field goal percentage, a 81% free throw percentage, and a 38.3% three point percentage as a junior in 2024-2025. Flau'Jae Johnson had 14.2 points per game 4.2 rebounds per gmae, 2.5 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, a 46.5% field goal percentage, a 69.3 free throw percentage, and a 39.3% three point percentage as a senior in 2025-2026.
   
   
   
   Flau'Jae Johnson can hit shots from short range, medium range, and long range. Her peak may have arrived during her freshman season, but LSU made the Sweet 16 in all four seasons Flau'Jae Johnson played there.
   
   
   
   Golden State got a top 5 player at 8. This is easily an A+ pick.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Washington Mystics: Angela Dugalic, PF, UCLA C Grade
   
   
   The Washington Mystics took Angela Dugalic at 9. She will be a backup to Kiki Irafen. She was thirty fourth on our WNBA Draft Simulator. Washington has a backup to Betts back on a 3 year extension while Dugalic is a backup power forward to Irafen.
   
   
   
10. Indiana Fever: Raven Johnson, PG, South Carolina C- Grade
    
    
    She will only play if Caitlin Clark gets injured again. If Clark is healthy she might only see the court when Clark is in foul trouble. A shooting guard to groom under Kelsey Mitchell or Sophie Cunningham would have been a better choice.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Washington Mystics: Cotie McMahon, SF, Ole Miss A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 Cotie McMahon transferred from Ohio State to Ole Miss this season. Cotie McMahon had 19.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, a 37.4% three point percentage, a 73.5% free throw percentage, and a 28.6% three point percentage at Ole Miss as a senior in 2025-2026. She can hit shots from short range and medium range. She can defend the 1 at point guard, the 2 at shooting guard, the 3 at small forward, and the 4 at power forward. Hitting shots from long-range is her weakness.
    
    
    
    She could challenge Michaela Onyewere for the backup small forward job. That's why this is a good pick.
    
    
    
12. Connecticut Sun: Nell Angloma, SF, Lattes Montpellier B+ Grade
    
    
    The Connecticut Sun love International players. Nell Angloma was sixteenth on my board and the top second round player available.
    
    
    
    
    
13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina A Grade
    
    
    The 6-6 Madina Okot transferred from Mississippi State to South Carolina. Madina Okot had 12.8 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 1 assist per game, 1.3 steals per game, 1.4 blocks per game, a 57.5% field goal percentage, a 70.2% free throw percentage, and a 44.8% three point percentage as a senior in 2025-2026. Atlanta will have Angel Reese and Brianna Jones on their front court. Madina Okot will come off the bench with those two veterans.
    
    
    
14. Seattle Storm: Taina Mair, PG, Duke Dry Cornbread Grade
    
    
    Seattle took a player outside of my top 60 at 14. Then one of their fans had the nerve to say they are getting Sarah Strong in 2028. Enjoy your dry cornbread Seattle.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Connecticut Sun: Gianna Kneepkens, SG, UCLA A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 Gianna Kneepkens had 12.8 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, 2.8 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, a 49.3% field goal percentage, a 93.3% free throw percentage, and a 42.9% three point percentage in 2025-2026. Gianna Kneepkens impressed me as a defender defending the 1 at point guard and the 2 at shooting guard. She didn't impress me as a shooter on tape, but she's a consensus top 10 prospect.