On Monday, April 14, the Women’s National Basketball Association hosted the 2026 draft, giving viewers lots of fun surprises to look forward to for the upcoming season.
The WNBA draft consists of 3 rounds of various teams selecting collegiate and international players. The picks are selected based on the inverse order of previous seasons rankings. Collegiate players must be at least 22 years of age and international players are required to be at least 20 years of age.
Azzi Fudd, a senior coming from University of Connecticut was drafted first overall to the Dallas Wings. Azzi Fudd is coming off a great season at UConn, averaging 17.3 points per game, and is set to reunite with her former teammate and 2025 No.1 pick, Paige Bueckers. At the #2 spot, Olivia Miles from Texas Christian University is heading to the Minnesota Lynx. She is expected to bring an aggressive play style and strong leadership to Minnesota. Awa Fam Thiam took the #3 spot and is going to be playing with the Seattle Storm this upcoming season.
Flau’jae Johnson, a guard from Louisiana State University was originally drafted by the Golden State Valkyries at the No.8 spot, but was traded to the Seattle Storm. She is predicted to bring dynamic playmaking and high energy defense. The deal was pre-set by both organizations. It sent Johnson to Seattle, and gave the Valkyries the No.16 pick and a 2028 second round pick. Although this was pre-set, it was definitely a highly talked about topic for the night!
This draft the UCLA Bruins made history by being the first program to have five first round picks get drafted. UCLA has had a groundbreaking year, winning the NCAA March Madness Women’s tournament.The team took pics 4-6, Lauren Betts went 4th to the Washington mystics, Gabriela Jaquez went 5th to the Chicago Sky, and Kiki Rice going 6th to the Toronto Tempo. UCLA surpassed the previous record held by UCONN of 4 players being picked in the first round in the 2002 draft.
These players are entering a transformational time in Women’s Basketball, with the new seven-year CBA agreement that establishes the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women’s professional sports history. This results in player salaries increasing. In comparison, last year’s first draft pick, Paige Beukers received a salary of $78,831, and this year’s pick, Azzi Fudd is estimated to receive around $500,000.
The 2026 draft class represents more than just incoming rookies, it signals the future of the WNBA. With a mix of collegiate stars, international talent, and expansion teams entering the league, the stage is set for an exciting and transformative season.
Sources:
WNBA draft 2026: Best picks, sleepers and biggest takeaways
National Champion UCLA Has Record Night at WNBA Draft 2026
WNBA And WNBPA Reach Tentative Deal on Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement
