How does the WNBA Draft Lottery work?

The WNBA Draft Lottery is right around the corner. The Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics are the four teams in the lottery this year. LA technically has the best odds to earn the No. 1 pick, but the Wings have a pick swap with the Sky giving them similar odds to the Sparks. With all of that being said, how exactly does the WNBA Draft Lottery work?

WNBA Draft Lottery process

The WNBA Draft lottery begins with 14 lottery balls. The balls are placed into a machine to begin the process. Four lottery balls are drawn at the end.

Whichever team holds the four-digit number from the four lottery balls that are drawn is the team that receives the No. 1 pick. This is then done again to determine the No. 2 pick. The No. 3 pick will then go to the team with the worst overall record across the most recent two WNBA seasons.

It is not a complicated process. However, anything can happen when two teams have similar odds. The Wings and Sparks are expected to compete for the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, but nothing is guaranteed. Of course, if the Sky earn a higher pick than the Wings then Dallas will likely utilize their pick swap, which they received in a previous trade.

When is the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery?

The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for Sunday, November 17 at 5 PM EST. ESPN will broadcast the lottery.

The lottery holds no shortage of importance. It is obviously what determines which teams get the best overall picks in the draft. However, teams such as Dallas and LA currently have head coach openings. If either of those teams land the No. 1 overall pick, it could impact their head coach pursuit.

The draft lottery may also impact free agency. Stars may see a specific team earn the No. 1 pick and decide to reach out to that team. This isn't guaranteed to happen, but it is something to monitor.

The WNBA Draft Lottery is pivotal to say the least. Of course, this year also features an expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries, which is another impactful part of the offseason.

For now, all eyes are on the upcoming draft lottery. Whichever team lands the No. 1 pick will likely select UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers. She features the potential to become a WNBA superstar at some point down the road.