The 2026 WNBA Draft is proving to be a particularly challenging event to forecast. This uncertainty stems not only from the high caliber of eligible players but also from the fact that most teams currently have only a handful of players under contracts. Amid ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the players and the league, many players, excluding those on rookie deals, have refrained from signing contracts beyond 2025. Consequently, with an enormous free agent pool, predicting the draft’s outcome is nearly impossible. The usual free agency period prior to the draft is on hold, and even the draft date remains unclear.
Despite these complications, basketball continues, with many prospects eager to join the WNBA as the CBA talks proceed. While mock drafts might seem futile, they remain an enjoyable exercise. Here’s a speculative look at the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft:
1. Dallas Wings select Our Fam (Spain) – Pham stands out with her post skills, passing, and agility, especially at just 19 years old. Playing with Paige Backers and under coach Jose Fernandez, known for working with international talent, could accelerate her growth and give the Wings a dynamic young duo.
2. Minnesota Lynx pick Lauren Betts (UCLA) – After acquiring this pick from Chicago Sky, the Lynx, despite Napheesa Collier’s upcoming ankle surgery, remain focused on immediate contributors. Betts offers a strong presence in the post and added size (6-foot-7) for the Lynx lineup.
3. Seattle Storm select Olivia Miles (TCU) – Having missed out on her last year, the Storm might draft Miles, whose impressive stats and ability to produce triple-doubles could complement their roster, especially with the suspension of center Dominick Malonga.
4. Washington Mystics choose Azi Fudd (UConn) – With much of their core under contract, the Mystics need shooting, and Fudd delivers as a top shooter in this class, boasting nearly 50% from beyond the arc.
5. Chicago Sky pick Frau Jay Johnson (LSU) – Amid internal turmoil, the Sky need solid backcourt depth. Johnson’s athleticism and evolving efficiency make her a prime candidate to fill that role.
6. Toronto Tempo select Latson – As an expansion team, Toronto might lean on Latson, the leading scoring guard in this class, known for her efficiency and lower turnovers, making her a smart first-round pick.
7. Portland Fire choose Kiki Rice (UCLA) – Rice has matured into a versatile lead guard with strong scoring, passing, rebounding, and leadership skills, valuable qualities for an emerging team.
8. Golden State Valkyries pick Gabriella Jacks (UCLA) – Jacks shines with all-around skills and efficient shooting, making her an appealing choice to contribute immediately for the Valkyries.
9. Washington Mystics select Jania Barker (Tennessee) – Barker’s versatility as a tall guard with defensive prowess and mobility fits well with a rebuilding Mystics team prioritizing growth.
10. Indiana Fever draft Raven Johnson (South Carolina) – Johnson’s decision to stay in school appears wise; her efficient shooting and strong assist-to-turnover ratio provide defensive-minded playmaking the team requires.
11. Washington Mystics pick Nell Anguloma (France) – A promising international talent, Anguloma is a skilled slasher with strong scoring and shooting numbers in France, a classic draft-and-stash player.
12. Connecticut Sun select Gianna Neepkens (UCLA) – To address their lack of shooting, the Sun might draft Neepkens, who boasts impressive long-range accuracy and playmaking, though her defense needs work.
13. Atlanta Dream choose Marta Suarez (TCU) – Suarez fills the growing demand for stretch forwards, with efficient scoring and shooting percentages, ideal for spacing the floor alongside established wings.
14. Seattle Storm draft Coty McMahon (Ole Miss) – Known for her physicality and hustle, McMahon has flourished after transferring to Ole Miss, and the Storm could invest in her development for WNBA success.
15. Connecticut Sun select Tony Morgan (Kentucky) – Morgan has evolved into a top playmaker with high assists, blending scoring capabilities and improved shooting, potentially rising in draft value.
Fan Take: The uncertainty surrounding the 2026 WNBA Draft highlights the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, with contract negotiations and team strategies shaping the future. For fans, this draft promises a fresh wave of talent who could redefine the league’s competitive balance and excite audiences for years to come.
