The Dallas Wings have won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft lottery for the second consecutive year, thanks to holding the highest odds at 42 percent during Sunday’s drawing. The Minnesota Lynx follow with the second pick, trailed by the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky rounding out the top five selections.
This draft marks a historic expansion, with the first round now featuring 15 picks due to the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. These two new franchises will determine the order of the No. 6 and No. 7 picks through a coin flip at a later date.
Breakdown of Top Draft Prospects and Their Potential Impact
With the Dallas Wings again holding the top choice, attention turns toward the impressive pool of talent available, as teams look to reshape their rosters amid ongoing collective bargaining uncertainties and an impending unprecedented free agency period that will clarify team needs.
1. Awa Fam: A Promising Forward for the Dallas Wings
Standing at 6’5″ and just 19 years old, forward Awa Fam combines size, agility, and an evolving skill set that stretches beyond traditional post roles. Her versatility as a rim protector who is also comfortable scoring from the perimeter places her among Europe’s most exciting emerging talents.
Fam’s defensive length and mobility allow her to guard multiple positions and switch effectively, while her passing, an often underappreciated aspect of her game, adds significant value in today’s playmaking-focused frontcourts. Offensively, she excels in transition and can score at various levels, fitting well with WNBA teams prioritizing speed, spacing, and versatility.
With continued growth, Fam could emerge as a dominant forward in the league’s future.
2. Azzi Fudd: Minnesota’s Shooting Guard Target
The Minnesota Lynx could acquire Azzi Fudd from UConn, a guard known for her efficient and prolific scoring ability. At 5’11” and 22 years old, Fudd combines elite shooting accuracy with high volume scoring, demonstrated by her nearly 44 percent three-point shooting during the NCAA tournament and career-best averages this season including 20.4 points per game.
Her sharp shooting and off-ball movement make her a significant scoring threat capable of stretching opposing defenses. Fudd’s playmaking and star potential align with Minnesota’s goals to build a championship-contending roster.
3. Lauren Betts: Seattle Storm’s Frontcourt Reinforcement
At 6’7″, UCLA’s center Lauren Betts offers Seattle a chance to solidify their frontcourt alongside young talent Dominique Malonga. With a remarkable 64 percent career shooting rate and the ability to pass effectively from the post, Betts brings size, efficiency, and rim protection to a team in the midst of rebuilding through coaching changes and free agency.
Betts’ traditional back-to-the-basket style contrasts with Malonga’s mobility, potentially creating one of the league’s most formidable young frontcourt duos.
4. Olivia Miles: The Mystics’ Dynamic Playmaking Point Guard
Washington Mystics, entering 2026 with multiple first-round picks, may look at Olivia Miles, a 5’10” guard from TCU known for controlling the game’s tempo and facilitating offense. Averaging career highs in points (17.6) and assists (7.6) this season, Miles excels at creating opportunities and thrives as a rebounder from the guard position.
Her ability to push in transition and make smart decisions makes her one of college basketball’s most effective playmakers and an ideal fit for rebuilding teams seeking a floor general.
5. Flau’Jae Johnson: Chicago’s Versatile Wing Option
The Chicago Sky, having finished 12th in the standings last season after sacrificing draft capital for short-term gains, hold a lottery pick and face a crossroads: commit to youth or seek a veteran trade. If they select college star Flau’Jae Johnson, a 5’10” wing from LSU, they would add a highly efficient scorer shooting 56 percent from the field and 57 percent from beyond the arc this year.
Johnson’s two-way versatility and scoring make her an attractive cornerstone player for the Sky’s future.
6. Ta’Niya Latson: Scoring Catalyst for Toronto Tempo
As one of the first expansion teams, Toronto Tempo could draft Ta’Niya Latson, a prolific scorer standing 5’8” who led the NCAA in scoring last season. Although she has adjusted to a new role at South Carolina with fewer shot attempts, Latson’s improved three-point shooting accuracy and ability to attack defenses at multiple levels position her as a potential offensive foundation piece for the expansion franchise.
7. Gianna Kneepkens: Offensive Skill for Portland Fire
Portland Fire’s pick, guard Gianna Kneepkens from UCLA, offers a blend of shooting efficiency and versatility. A career 43-percent shooter with Utah before transferring, Kneepkens has an ability to attack off the dribble and generate quality shots, complemented by her cutting skills off the ball.
Her combination of experience and efficiency suits an expansion team aiming to establish a distinct offensive identity.
8. Kiki Rice: Lead Guard Potential for Golden State Valkyries
At 5’11”, guard Kiki Rice is thriving in her senior year at UCLA, posting career highs in points and rebounds. The Golden State Valkyries could add a versatile backcourt presence capable of initiating offense and defending multiple positions, aiding the team’s continued development after their inaugural season.
9. Marta Suarez: Multifaceted Forward for the Mystics
Marta Suarez, a 6’3” guard/forward from TCU, has demonstrated versatile skill by blending forward size with guard-level playmaking, stretching defenses with her passing and scoring. Averaging a career-high 18.5 points this season, Suarez represents a valuable piece for the Washington Mystics as they rebuild with a strong draft class.
10. Serah Williams: Frontcourt Strength for Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever face uncertainty about their best direction, but post depth is a clear need. At 6’4″, Serah Williams from UConn offers physicality, rebounding, and rim protection. After transferring from Wisconsin, where she averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds, Williams displays the skills necessary to complement existing stars and anchor the paint.
11. Cotie McMahon: Power and Versatility for Mystics
Ole Miss guard/forward Cotie McMahon, shooting a career-best 54 percent from the perimeter, stands out for her downhill power and ability to create mismatches. Her competitiveness and transition prowess make her a fitting target for the Mystics as they pursue a tough, versatile roster identity.
12. Nell Angloma: International Talent for Connecticut Sun
France’s Nell Angloma combines size, strength, and playmaking as a guard with defensive length, fitting the Sun’s rebuilding plans. After impressive performances at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup and a solid start in France’s league, Angloma presents an international prospect with potential for a long-term role.
13. Yarden Garzon: Shooting Threat for Atlanta Dream
At 6’3″, Maryland guard Yarden Garzon brings elite perimeter shooting—career 42 percent three-point accuracy—to a Dream roster emphasizing outside shooting. Although adjusting to a new system has lowered her current shooting percentage, her proven ability gives Atlanta a valuable long-range option.
14. Iyana Martin: Playmaking Point Guard for Seattle Storm
Spain’s Iyana Martin, 19 years old and recognized as MVP of the FIBA U19 World Cup at 17, offers elite playmaking and leadership abilities. The Storm, navigating free agency and roster questions, could benefit from her maturity, tempo control, and scoring skills as they seek to regain contention.
15. Madina Okot: Frontcourt Depth for Connecticut Sun
South Carolina’s Madina Okot, a 6’6” center with experience in Kenya and NCAA programs, has recorded a double-double average this season and could add significant frontcourt depth for the Sun. Although there is discussion of potential NCAA eligibility extensions, Okot is draft-eligible and brings size and rebounding skills that align with Connecticut’s rebuild.
Significance of the Draft Lottery and What Lies Ahead
The Dallas Wings securing the No. 1 pick again presents a prime opportunity to select a transformative young talent like Awa Fam, who could shape the team’s future on both ends of the court. As the league welcomes the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, strategies will vary widely, with expansion teams seeking cornerstone players to establish competitive identities.
With the collective bargaining agreement still uncertain, the offseason will be crucial, highlighted by an expansion draft and a landmark free agency period that promises to redefine team compositions. The influx of high-caliber prospects, including promising internationals and versatile guards and forwards, underscores the draft’s importance as franchises position themselves for future success.
For the Wings, Lynx, Storm, Mystics, and other teams, choices made in the 2026 draft could determine the next era of the WNBA, emphasizing youth, versatility, and skill as cornerstones of championship-contending rosters.
