On Thursday the WNBA announced the 15 players who have been formally invited to the draft, which is set for Monday, April 9. This gives fans at home a strong indication of that the first round of the draft will look like — though it doesn't tell us who will be drafted at what position.
We put together a mock draft of all three rounds earlier this week, but free agency moves have inspired a fresh look at the most likely names to go round one. With that in mind, here's another glance at the possible first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft:
No. 1, Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd (UConn)
There are plenty of compelling reasons why Fudd should be the No. 1 overall draft pick, and also plenty of compelling reasons why it could be someone else. TCU's Olivia Miles put in an impressive March Madness performance before the team was eliminated, and the improvement she's demonstrated in especially the last season makes her a worthy candidate.
But: Fudd's entire collegiate career has included ups, downs, adversity, and success. She knows how to lead, and she knows how to win. She's the best off-ball shooter in the draft, her catch-and-shoot 3s are impressive, and she works especially well with a crucial piece of the Wings' ultimate vision for success: Paige Bueckers. She may not be known for creating shots for herself, but if she's paired with Bueckers she doesn't have to — and that pairing is almost sure to re-energize a fanbase still feeling the pain of last season.
No. 2, Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles (TCU)
Miles is playing an entirely different version of basketball now than she did three years ago, and has especially grown in terms of shooting jumpers and playmaking. Defense isn't her strong suit, but that doesn't mean she can't learn — and the Lynx will give her plenty of lessons. The team also needs to draft big and draft well after free agency, and Miles will bring skill and star power to Minnesota.
No. 3, Seattle Storm: Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Betts could be drafted anywhere between spots 2 and 4, but, from where I see it, she's just a little bit better than Awa Fam in the ways that matter. At 22, Betts is slightly older than Fam's 19, but she's a powerhouse defender and clocked in an average of 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks this season to Fam's 7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in Valencia.
Betts is also mobile, which isn't always a guarantee at her height, and indicates she has plenty of room for growth in the league.
No. 4, Washington Mystics: Awa Fam (Spain)
Fam is easily the most exciting international prospect the WNBA has seen in years and will be an incredible addition to any team. It's entirely possible she'll be drafted higher than No. 4. The Mystics don't need size, but if Fam happens to be available at this point in the draft, it's impossible to imagine them picking anyone but her.
Rebounding is one of her biggest question marks, and it's unclear what exactly is holding her up in terms of developing the skill. But there's no time like the present to learn.
No. 5, Chicago Sky: Flau'jae Johnson (LSU)
Johnson may have weathered her share of highs and lows this season, but she's proven over her years at LSU that she's league-ready. She's excellent when defending the wing and is, in general, a defensive wizard.
Her shooting does need some work, but with the right staff and team around her, Johnson could definitely get that in. The absence of former LSU teammate Angel Reese (who was traded from the Sky to the Atlanta Dream this week) might give Johnson the ability to come into the Sky and own the team from day one.
No. 6, Toronto Tempo: Nell Angloma (France)
Angloma has been gaining international attention all season while averaging 15.5 points and 5.6 rebounds for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration in France. She's a pretty formidable presence on the court and has excellent reactory skills in the fact of defenders. At 19 (she'll turn 20 during the season), Angloma also has plenty of room for growth. Joining the league's first international team as an international prospect also has a pretty fun vibe to it.
The rest of the first round may fall as follows:
- No. 7, Portland Fire: Raven Johnson (South Carolina)
- No. 8, Golden State Valkyries: Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA)
- No. 9, Washington Mystics: Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss)
- No. 10, Indiana Fever: Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina)
- No. 11, Washington Mystics: Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA)
- No. 12, Connecticut Sun: Kiki Rice (UCLA)
- No. 13, Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot (South Carolina)
- No. 14, Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez (TCU)
- No. 15, Connecticut Sun: Angela Dugalić (UCLA)