Key Takeaways
- The 2026 WNBA Draft will kick off on Monday, April 13, 2026, at The Shed in New York, marking the start of a highly anticipated offseason event.
- Unlike recent years, there is no clear consensus No. 1 pick; the top spot has been up for debate for weeks, generating significant discussion among analysts and fans.
- After a busy first week of WNBA free agency, the Dallas Wings appear poised to select UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick.
- Other prospects in contention for the No. 1 spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles.
- USA TODAY’s final mock draft projects TCU forward Marta Suarez to be taken 14th overall by the Seattle Storm, noting her solid stat line (17.1 pts, 7.4 reb, 2.3 ast per game) and shooting efficiency (45.3% FG, 37.0% 3PT).
- The Storm’s draft arsenal includes picks Nos. 3 (acquired from the Los Angeles Sparks), 14 (from the Las Vegas Aces), 16 (from the Dallas Wings), and 39, giving them multiple opportunities to add talent.
- Atlanta Dream’s strategy at pick No. 13 is to select the best available player, with South Carolina center Aliyah Okot seen as a developmental fit under head coach Karl Smesko, who could improve her defense and three‑point shooting.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is set to begin in just a few hours, with the proceedings scheduled to start at 2:51 p.m. ET on April 13 at The Shed in New York City. Historically, the league has entered draft night with a clear frontrunner for the No. 1 overall selection, but this year the top spot remains unsettled. Analysts have spent weeks debating which prospect deserves the premiere pick, and the conversation has intensified following the first wave of WNBA free‑agency moves.
The Dallas Wings, holding the first pick, appear to have narrowed their focus after evaluating the free‑agency landscape. Many insiders now argue that the Wings should take Azzi Fudd, the guard from the University of Connecticut Huskies. Fudd’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive versatility has made her a favorite among those who believe she can immediately impact a franchise seeking a foundational piece. However, the Wings’ decision is not yet final; other notable candidates remain in the mix. Spanish forward Awa Fam has drawn praise for her size, shooting range, and international experience. UCLA center Lauren Betts offers a dominant interior presence, rebounding prowess, and the potential to anchor a defense. Meanwhile, TCU guard Olivia Miles brings elite ball‑handling, court vision, and a knack for creating opportunities for teammates, making her an attractive option for a team looking to upgrade its backcourt.
Beyond the top‑of‑the‑board speculation, USA TODAY’s final mock draft offers a detailed look at where several prospects might land. The publication projects that Marta Suarez, a forward from Texas Christian University, will hear her name called at No. 14 overall, selected by the Seattle Storm. Suarez’s collegiate résumé—averaging 17.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.0% from three‑point range—suggests she could contribute right away as a versatile wing capable of stretching the floor and rebounding effectively. The Storm’s draft capital is particularly noteworthy: they hold picks Nos. 3 (obtained from the Los Angeles Sparks), 14 (from the Las Vegas Aces), 16 (from the Dallas Wings), and 39, giving them multiple avenues to add talent and address various roster needs.
The article also touches on the Atlanta Dream’s approach at pick No. 13. Rather than targeting an immediate star, the Dream intend to choose the best player available, with South Carolina center Aliyah Okot frequently mentioned as a likely candidate. Analysts note that Okot would benefit from the tutelage of head coach Karl Smesko, who is known for developing big men’s defensive skills and improving their perimeter shooting. Such a fit could allow Okot to refine her game while providing the Dream with a versatile front‑court piece for the future.
Overall, the 2026 WNBA Draft promises intrigue at the top of the board, with the Dallas Wings weighing several high‑impact prospects for the No. 1 pick, while teams like the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream position themselves to capitalize on later selections. The unfolding free‑agency period has already begun to shape team priorities, setting the stage for a draft that could significantly alter the competitive landscape of the league.