WNBA Draft 2026: The Players to Watch When the Picks Come In
The 2026 WNBA Draft takes place tonight, April 13, at in New York City. With a new CBA, a salary cap that jumped from $1.5 million to $7 million, two expansion teams making their first ever picks, and one of the deepest and most debated draft classes in recent memory, this is a draft night worth watching from the first pick to the last. Here are Her Game Network’s first 7 picks predictions for where this class lands.
First round pick order
1. Dallas Wings • 2. Minnesota Lynx (from CHI) • 3. Seattle Storm (from LAL) • 4. Washington Mystics • 5. Chicago Sky (from CON) • 6. Toronto Tempo • 7. Portland Fire
ROUND 1
1. Dallas Wings
Olivia Miles | PG • TCU
Miles is one of the best playmaking prospects this draft has seen in years. She can throw every pass in the book with either hand and has an innate ability to see the floor and create opportunities from nothing. Dallas already has Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale two elite scorers who thrive with the ball in their hands which makes Miles the perfect fit. She doesn’t need to be the focal point. She needs to be the engine that makes everyone else better. Let Miles run the show, let Bueckers and Arike do what they do, and watch this offense become one of the most dangerous in the league.
2. Minnesota Lynx
Awa Fam | C • Valencia (Spain)
► Via trade from Chicago Sky
At just 19 years old, Fam is already holding her own against WNBA veterans in international competition. The 6’6 Spanish center is an elite pick and roll partner, a strong passer for her position, and a versatile defensive presence. Minnesota has been missing a true frontcourt anchor and Fam gives them exactly that. Her upside is as high as anyone in this class.
3. Seattle Storm
Lauren Betts | C • UCLA
► Via trade from LA Sparks
Betts capped her college career by leading UCLA to the national championship and was the best player in the class for most of the season. At 6’7, she is a dominant rim protector and a disruptive defensive force who also has the touch to score inside and out. The Storm need frontcourt help and Betts is the most physically polished big in this draft. She will contribute from day one.
4. Washington Mystics
Azzi Fudd | SG • UConn
Fudd is one of the most gifted pure scorers this draft class has to offer. She averaged 17.3 points while shooting 44.7 percent from three in her final season at UConn, and her ability to create her own shot off the dribble is rare. Washington has three first-round picks tonight and the flexibility to be aggressive. Taking Fudd here gives them a perimeter scorer who can contribute immediately.
5. Chicago Sky
Raven Johnson | PG • South Carolina
► Via trade from Connecticut Sun
Johnson is a winner. Dawn Staley called her “the best point guard in the country” and she was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. She led South Carolina to three straight Final Fours and brings an elite defensive mindset and high basketball IQ to whatever team drafts her. The Sky are rebuilding and Johnson’s leadership, playmaking, and lockdown defense give Chicago a foundational piece to build around.
6. Toronto Tempo
Kiki Rice | PG • UCLA
The Tempo pick sixth in their first ever WNBA Draft and they need a culture setter from day one. Rice is a big, physical guard who can defend multiple positions, is a reliable playmaker who takes care of the ball, and has proven herself in big moments for UCLA. She brings a winning pedigree to a new franchise that needs to establish its identity immediately.
7. Portland Fire
Flau’jae Johnson | SG • LSU
Johnson is one of the most recognizable names in this draft class a two time finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and a scorer who can create off the dribble. Portland is building a brand from scratch and Johnson’s star power, scoring ability, and marketability make her the perfect player to put in front of a brand new fan base.
How to watch
The 2026 WNBA Draft airs tonight at 7pm ET on ESPN. The Orange Carpet Show begins at 5:30pm ET on ESPN2. Her Game Network will have reaction and analysis as the picks come in follow us on all social media platforms and check back here for the post draft recap.