One Final Look at Predictions for the 2026 WNBA Draft

 

The 30th year of the WNBA has almost arrived! Here are the latest draft predictions and who to watch for in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Lottery Pick Projections

1. Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd, UConn

The First Overall Pick stirs up controversy and debates each year, but this year, it had been like no other. In past years, such debates may have been had over numerous players within a strong draft class, but in the 2026 draft it is commonly debated to be either Azzi Fudd or Olivia Miles. Both coming off impressive final collegiate seasons, Fudd and Miles both exhibit what the Dallas Wings need: a true point guard. Searching for the perfect guard to play around the 2025 First Overall Pick, Paige Bueckers, the Wings are fortunate to have such great options once again. In their senior seasons, both Fudd and Miles played phenomenally on all levels, though Miles outscored Fudd in every category aside from shooting splits. An all-around player, Miles can do it all as she averaged 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game for TCU. That said, not only did Fudd barely miss the 50-40-90 club (48.1 FG%, 44.7 FG3%, and 95.5 FT%) in her senior season, but she already has experience playing with Bueckers. Fudd and Bueckers were crucial in UConn's 2025 National Championship victory. Despite only playing 35 of 103 games together in their four years at UConn together, it was during those games that Fudd and Bueckers showed the lasting chemistry they shared on the court. Although Fudd and the Huskies fell short in the 2025-2026 season to South Carolina in the Final Four, Fudd holds an elite resume including 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, a National Championship, and numerous Big East awards. It is for these reasons that Fudd is not only a great fit for Bueckers and the roster the Wings have built in the off-season, but also the best option all around.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, TCU

Although I do not personally believe that Miles will go first overall, I am confident that the Lynx will snag her with the second pick. As previously stated, Miles had an incredible season at TCU despite only being there for one season. After spending four seasons playing and one redshirt season at Notre Dame, Miles transferred to TCU for her final year of eligibility. One may think that making such a huge change may alter the play of a player's final season, but that was not so for Miles. Miles' switch was seamless and becoming the #1 option for TCU rather than a sidepiece for Notre Dame's star guard, Hannah Hidalgo was the best decision of her career. Miles' game was elevated as she increased her averages in almost every category. For these reasons, I believe that not only will Miles go second overall to the Lynx, but that her transition to the pros will also be smooth with effectiveness off the bat.

3. Seattle Storm: Lauren Betts, UCLA

Coming off a huge victory helping lead UCLA to their first National Championship in program history, Lauren Betts is a player to keep your eyes on. Although the Dallas Wings are no longer in need of a power big and the Lynx are in good hands with Napheesa Collier, Betts is talented in such a way that she could go first had the rosters been a little different. Playing a pivotal role in leading UCLA to the Final Four in the 2024-2025 season and winning the National Championship just a year later, Betts is the dominant defender and post-player that the Seattle Storm need. Holding various awards such as 2026 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 2025-2026 Big Ten Player of the Year, and so much more, Betts knows what it takes to not only have personal success, but also team success. Averaging a whopping 2.1 blocks per game alongside 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, Betts would fit in well with Seattle Storm center Ezi Magbegor after the sudden departure of star forward, Nneka Ogwumike.

4. Washington Mystics: Awa Fam Thiam, Spain

Entering the 2026 season with one of the youngest teams in WNBA history, the Washinton Mystics are in need of a dominant forward/center to control the paint. Since last year's draft, the Mystics have become more comfortable in the guard category since adding Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore, essentially eliminating any chance they pick a guard with the fourth overall pick. There is one person who would be a great addition to the Mystics: Awa Fam Thiam. At just 19 years old, Fam has accomplished so much in her career playing overseas. The Spain native averaged 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game for Valencia in the 2025-2026 Euroleague season. Beyond this, Fam has experience playing against numerous professionals in the World Cup, proving her ceiling to be high with great potential in the WNBA. Not only does Fam have the post skill and potential, but also the height the Mystics need as she stands at 6'6". Will Fam live up to the hype and become a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and become one the youngest players drafted in WNBA history?

Top Draft Sleepers to Watch

Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA

Following winning a National Championship with fellow prospect, Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez is a player to keep in mind during the 2026 WNBA Draft and the season to follow. Spending all four years of her collegiate career at UCLA, Jaquez played a crucial role in the Bruins journey to the Final Four as well as their massive win over South Carolina in the National Championship. The lead scorer in this matchup with the Gamecocks, Jaquez was on fire as she put up 21 points and 10 rebounds. This insane double-double lead the Bruins past South Carolina with ease. Regardless of if she had come off of this outstanding performance or not, Jaquez was consistent all season averaging 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for UCLA. For these statistical reasons as well as the fact that she is insanely athletic, Jaquez is not one to sleep on when looking at the 2026 Draft Class as she could very well be one of the first players selected following the lottery picks.

Flau'jae Johnson, LSU

One other player to focus on in the upcoming draft is guard Flau'jae Johnson. The LSU guard is one of the most fundamentally sound players to enter the draft as she has shown time and time again that she can compete with the best regardless of any differences or adversity. In each of her four years played at LSU, Johnson has played with efficiency and consistency as she averaged 14.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in her college career. Having played alongside 2x WNBA All-Star, Angel Reese, Johnson is clearly aware of what it takes to be successful at the next level. If Johnson can continue to play with the grit, determination, and clutchness she has displayed throughout her college career, there is no doubt that she will also be successful as a professional. Like Jaquez, Johnson is also one to look out for as she will likely be a First-Round pick in the 2026 Draft.