While the ongoing CBA negotiations surround the 2026 WNBA Draft with a feeling of uncertainty, there is a lot of excitement around the players set to enter the WNBA. College stars such as Lauren Betts, Flau’Jae Johnson, Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Ta’Niya Latson promise to continue their stardom as pros seamlessly. Much like this year, the top of the draft is also expected to feature an exciting young big from Europe. In 2025, Dominique Malonga shot to the top of the draft and went second to Seattle. In 2026, Spanish teen Awa Fam may follow in her footsteps.
While Fam is undoubtedly the most exciting European prospect on the draft boards right now, she isn’t the only youngster from Europe who has a case as a first-round pick.
French wing Nell Angloma and Spanish guard Iyana Martin could also be selected in the first round.
Nell Angloma is an interesting prospect out of France
At 6’1”, Angloma brings a lot of size to the wing. She is also a multi-level scorer and can create many of her own shots. Angloma has been playing professionally in France since 2021 and thus comes with the kind of experience WNBA teams like to see from international prospects. She also made waves at the U19 World Cup, averaging 17 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for France.
Her 2025-26 season with the French club Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration has also been largely successful so far. BLMA competes in the top French league as well as the EuroCup, allowing Angloma to play against some of the top players in Europe.
So far, she has only failed to reach double-digit points three times and exceeded the 15-point mark four times, including a near double-double with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal against Lyon.
Iyana Martin is playing well in Spain
Martin is one of the top Spanish prospects alongside Awa Fam. In 2023, she was named MVP at the U19 World Cup. Two years later, she was named EuroLeague Young Player of the Year.
This season, Martin plays for CB Avenida, competing in the top Spanish league and the EuroCup. Her scoring potential has been on full display, as she has already put up more than 15 points in four of her nine games. Martin’s 3-point shot hasn’t been falling consistently so far, but she is not afraid to let it fly and has had some efficient shooting performances already. She has also amassed 36 assists and 13 steals.
Any team looking for a young point guard with some experience as a pro later in the first round should keep an eye on Martin.