The Dallas Wings have secured the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft for the second consecutive year. Unlike last year, when Paige Bueckers was the clear favorite for the top spot, this time the selection is wide open with multiple strong candidates, including one of Bueckers’ former teammates.
Next year’s WNBA Draft promises to be particularly exciting as the league will expand to 15 teams. This makes obtaining a first-round pick more valuable than ever, as more teams compete to strengthen their rosters.
Here is a projected mock draft for the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft:
1. Dallas Wings – Our Fam (Center, Spain)
While many expect the Wings to reunite Paige Bueckers with Aggie Fudd, a former teammate, the team is prioritizing the Spanish center Our Fam. Known for her high potential, she is expected to make an immediate impact in Dallas’ frontcourt. Though some fans may have concerns, Our Fam could become one of the league’s top players.
2. Minnesota Lynx – Aggie Fudd (Guard, UConn)
Despite injury worries, Fudd’s offensive skills, especially as a 3-point shooter, make her an ideal choice for the Lynx to boost their offense.
3. Seattle Storm – Olivia Miles (Guard, TCU)
After missing last year’s draft and the Storm picking another player, Seattle has now selected Miles at No. 3. Known for her exceptional passing, she adds valuable playmaking, though her shooting remains a question.
4. Washington Mystics – Lauren Betts (Center, UCLA)
Betts may not fit the Mystics’ most pressing needs but offers exceptional talent and could bring a resurgence of dominant post play in a league moving toward pace-and-space.
5. Chicago Sky – Flau’jae Johnson (Guard, LSU)
Johnson, who has improved her efficiency this season, reunites with former college teammate Angel Reese. The Sky hopes she will add scoring punch from the perimeter.
6. Toronto Tempo – Tanya Latson (Guard)
Toronto, as an expansion team, should focus on picking players with high upside like Latson, who is a skilled scorer though her ability to handle WNBA defenses is uncertain.
7. Portland Fire – Gianna Kneepkens (Guard, UCLA)
While less star potential than before, Kneepkens’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc could make her a key role player for Portland.
8. Golden State Valkyries – Coty McMahon (Forward, Ole Miss)
The Valkyries aim to build a young core, and McMahon’s improved shooting this season makes her a strong candidate to support their future.
9. Washington Mystics – Kiki Rice (Guard, UCLA)
Rice brings elite passing and strong perimeter defense, making her an important pick to fill the Mystics’ point guard need.
10. Indiana Fever – Yarden Garzon (Guard, Maryland)
Garzon, known for her elite 3-point shooting during her college career at Indiana, strengthens the Fever’s guard and wing depth.
11. Washington Mystics – Aiyana Martin (Guard, Spain)
Though not for immediate impact, Martin represents a promising defensive backcourt option and a hopeful future asset for the Mystics.
12. Connecticut Sun – Jania Barker (Guard, Tennessee)
Barker, once seen as a potential superstar, is now showing steady progress, especially defensively, making her an intriguing pick for the Sun.
13. Atlanta Dream – Sera Williams (Forward, Wisconsin)
Williams is a powerful defender and versatile player who could anchor the Dream’s defense, despite questions about her shooting.
14. Seattle Storm – Gabriela Jaquez (Guard, UCLA)
A big draft riser this season, Jaquez is a reliable scorer and shooter who stands out in UCLA’s strong lineup.
15. Connecticut Sun – Madina Okot (Center, South Carolina)
Okot’s youth and size make her a compelling option to strengthen the Sun’s frontcourt with future potential.
Fan Take: This draft outlook is crucial for WNBA fans as the league continues to grow and brings new talent that could shift the balance of power. The expansion to 15 teams means fresh opportunities and more star players emerging, promising an even more competitive and exciting future for the sport.
