The Dallas Wings officially own the number one pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, giving them back-to-back chances to draft a franchise-altering player. The top of the 2026 draft class is so stacked that no player has separated themselves as the clear number one pick yet. Awa Fam is still incredibly young, but has already proven herself against long-time pros, Lauren Betts offers the kind of size and paint presence that is difficult to teach, and Azzi Fudd started her senior season at UConn with hot 3-point shooting performances and high scoring games.
The Wings have a tricky decision to make, as they could utilize their top pick in several different ways. Drafting a big to pair with star guard Paige Bueckers seems like the obvious choice. If that’s their choice, the top pick will come down to Fam or Betts. Fam is more versatile and promises a high ceiling, but Betts is an efficient scorer on the inside and a great rim protector, and also looks ready to be a star in the W.
Azzi Fudd is also an interesting prospect for the Wings, though. They need 3-point shooting after finishing twelfth in 3-point percentage this past season, and Curt Miller already knows that Fudd can thrive next to Bueckers from their time together at UConn. Plus, Awak Kuier looks ready to make her return to the W, and Luisa Geiselsöder and Li Yueru are reserved free agents. On top of that, the Wings could attract a frontcourt boost in free agency.
Unless one or two players really separate themselves from the rest, the Wings’ decision at number one will impact other teams’ picks, especially if their preference remains a mystery for a while.
The draft order is set, but a few teams could go several different ways
The lottery panned out exactly according to odds. The Lynx will draft second because they own the Sky’s first-round pick, the Storm will get to use the Sparks’ pick at number three, the Mystics got number four, and the Sky will get to pick fifth due to a past trade with the Sun.
Much like the Wings, the Lynx could go in a few directions with their lottery pick. They could use Lauren Betts’ size in an undersized frontcourt, but they already have a young big in Dorka Juhasz, who should be back in the W next season. They could also use a traditional point guard with Olivia Miles’ potential. Moreover, a 3-point shooter like Fudd or a two-way presence like Flau’jae Johnson could also thrive in the Lynx’s system.
The Storm’s dream target is likely Olivia Miles. Drafting a young point guard to develop behind Skylar Diggins (given Diggins re-signs in free agency) and prepare for an eventual takeover with Dominique Malonga is exactly what Seattle needs. If she is off the board by the time the Storm pick, the decision becomes a little trickier.
The Mystics and Sky need guards or wings, as they already have Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin and Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, respectively, but probably also wouldn’t say no to adding another talented big to the mix—especially if Angel Reese’s future with the Sky remains uncertain or the Mystics believe that Austin doesn’t want to stay in Washington long-term.