The 2026 WNBA Draft is finally here tonight, and this class is stacked with immediate-impact guards, high-upside internationals, and polished bigs ready to step in and contribute. With free agency shaking up rosters over the past week, team needs have come into sharper focus—especially at the top for Dallas, who landed the No. 1 pick after a lottery win. Here’s my full first-round projection, complete with scouting notes on every player and how they fit their new squad.
1. Dallas Wings – Azzi Fudd, SG, UConn (5’11”, senior) Azzi Fudd is the perfect franchise piece for a Wings team already featuring Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers in the backcourt. One of the most elite shooters the college game has ever seen, Fudd knocks down threes at a historic clip while moving off the ball like a pro. She’s a knockdown catch-and-shoot threat who can also create her own looks off screens, and her improved decision-making in ball screens makes her a nightmare to guard. Dallas gets instant spacing and scoring punch that complements their veteran guards without overlapping roles.
2. Minnesota Lynx – Olivia Miles, PG, TCU (5’10”, senior) Olivia Miles brings elite playmaking and vision to a Lynx backcourt that needs a true floor general. The TCU transfer is a walking triple-double threat who sees the floor like few others in this class—her ability to orchestrate in transition and in half-court sets is special. She’s a scoring threat in her own right and has the size to defend multiple positions. Minnesota gets a high-IQ leader who can run the show from day one.
3. Seattle Storm – Awa Fam, C/F, Spain (6’4″, 19 years old) Awa Fam is the highest-upside prospect in the draft. Already playing professionally in Europe’s top leagues with Valencia, she brings pro-ready experience, elite mobility for her size, and instincts as a rim protector and help defender. Fam finishes in transition, rolls hard in pick-and-roll, and has the tools to develop into a versatile two-way big. Seattle’s frontcourt gets a long-term anchor with star potential who can grow alongside their established core.
4. Washington Mystics – Lauren Betts, C, UCLA (6’7″, senior) Lauren Betts dominated the postseason and delivered on her massive potential during UCLA’s championship run. She’s the most polished interior player in the class—efficient around the rim, elite at drawing fouls, and a rim protector who alters shots without leaving her feet. Betts has soft touch, great footwork in the post, and the basketball IQ to make quick decisions. Washington finally lands a true center who can anchor the paint and provide a physical presence on both ends.
5. Chicago Sky – Kiki Rice, PG/G, UCLA (5’11”, senior) Kiki Rice is a winner through and through. The UCLA guard brings high-level leadership, crafty scoring, and elite basketball IQ to a Sky team looking for backcourt versatility. She can run the point or play off the ball, knocks down shots at a high clip, and defends with toughness. Chicago gets a guard who elevates teammates and competes at the highest level right away.
6. Toronto Tempo – Flau’jae Johnson, G, LSU (athletic wing/guard) As an expansion team, Toronto needs versatile, high-motor two-way players who can grow with the franchise. Flau’jae Johnson checks every box—explosive athlete with elite defensive instincts, the ability to create her own shot, and a competitive fire that translates immediately. She’s a scoring threat in transition and off the dribble who can guard multiple positions. The Tempo get a building block with star upside.
7. Portland Fire – Nell Angloma, F, France (5’11”) Nell Angloma brings international flair and athletic upside to Portland’s wing rotation. Physical and long, she’s a developing perimeter threat who can guard multiple positions and finish above the rim. Her length and quickness make her a disruptive defender, and her growing skill set gives her serious two-way potential. The Fire add a high-ceiling wing who can contribute immediately on the defensive end.
8. Golden State Valkyries – Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA (elite shooter) Gianna Kneepkens is the premier shooter in this class. Her off-ball movement, quick release, and deep range make her a spacing nightmare who can stretch defenses to the limit. She’s also a smart passer and solid defender who plays within the flow of the offense. Golden State gets a high-floor guard who fits perfectly as a complementary piece around their star talent.
9. Washington Mystics – Gabriela Jaquez, G/F, UCLA (high-motor wing) Gabriela Jaquez is all about competitiveness and versatility. A tough, high-energy guard/forward, she plays with incredible motor on both ends, can score in a variety of ways, and brings winning experience from UCLA’s title run. Washington (with multiple first-round picks) adds another piece of championship DNA who can guard multiple positions and impact winning culture right away.
10. Indiana Fever – Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina (dynamic scorer) Ta’Niya Latson is an explosive guard who can create her own shot at all three levels. She’s a proven scorer with deep range and the ability to attack off the dribble. Indiana gets another dynamic playmaker to build around their young core and add firepower to the backcourt.
11. Washington Mystics – Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina (defensive leader) Raven Johnson is a lockdown defender and natural leader. SEC Defensive Player of the Year pedigree, elite instincts, and championship experience make her a perfect two-way guard. Washington continues to load up on high-character, high-IQ talent who can defend at an elite level.
12. Connecticut Sun – Iyana Martín Carrión, G, Spain (pro-experienced guard) Iyana Martín Carrión brings professional experience and polished playmaking from overseas. She’s a smart, unselfish guard with size and the ability to run a team. The Sun love international talent with immediate readiness, and she gives them depth and upside in the backcourt.
This is a deep, talented class loaded with guards who can score and defend, bigs with size and skill, and internationals ready to make an impact. Expect some movement on draft night—trades are always possible—but these players have the talent and fit to change franchises immediately. Who are you hoping your team lands tonight? The WNBA is about to get even more exciting.
