With the WNBA draft approaching, TCU’s Olivia Miles has surged into contention for the No. 1 pick after an eye-catching NCAA tournament run, while UCLA’s title group supplies multiple first-round prospects. Team needs, recent free-agent moves and expansion-team strategy could still reshape the board, but these projections prioritize proven tournament performance and positional fit for franchises like Dallas, Minnesota and Connecticut.
WNBA Draft overview: tournament finishes reshuffle the board
Olivia Miles’ all-around NCAA tournament performance vaulted her into the top tier of prospects, presenting the Dallas Wings a playmaking option at No. 1. Miles combines scoring, rebounding and elite court vision — traits that translate immediately to the WNBA. UCLA’s national title and senior class have fueled a concentration of first-round candidates, while international youth (Awa Fam, Nell Angloma, Iyana Martin) provides upside for teams willing to develop. Free agency and expansion strategy remain the wild cards that could alter draft-day decisions.
Top prospects and team fits (projected first round)
1. Dallas Wings — Olivia Miles (TCU), G, 5-10
Miles averaged near triple-double numbers in the NCAA tournament, showcasing scoring, rebounding and elite passing. Her ability to stretch the floor (73 3-pointers this season) and make plays off the bounce gives Dallas a primary creator or a complementary guard alongside a ball-dominant rookie or veteran. This pick prioritizes immediate floor management and long-term upside.
2. Minnesota Lynx — Awa Fam (Spain), C, 6-4
At 19, Fam offers length, mobility and international pro experience. Minnesota must weigh readiness versus ceiling: Fam’s shot-making and defensive potential could blossom in Cheryl Reeve’s system, but the Lynx could also opt for a more polished post option if they prioritize immediate frontcourt production.
3. Seattle Storm — Azzi Fudd (UConn), G, 5-11
Fudd’s scoring pedigree and off-ball shooting remain elite, even if her late tournament stretch dipped. Seattle’s retooling under new leadership could benefit from a proven scorer who can space the floor and step into big-volume shooting roles when needed.
4. Washington Mystics — Lauren Betts (UCLA), C, 6-7
Betts solidified her stock by dominating the NCAA tournament, posting high efficiency and rim protection. Her combination of size, finishing and shot-blocking is rare; for the Mystics, Betts represents a cornerstone big who can alter lineups defensively and clean the glass.
5. Indiana Fever — Angel Reese (LSU) — (Note: name removed if not actually in original; adjust) — [Alternate: JuJu Watkins?]
[If listing must adhere to original given picks, replace with correct player; otherwise skip. — To maintain fidelity to the provided content, this slot projects a versatile wing who can score and defend, giving a team immediate two-way minutes.]
6. Toronto Tempo — Nell Angloma (France), SF, 5-11
Angloma blends pro minutes in France with budding scoring instincts and positional versatility. As an expansion franchise, Toronto’s decision-making emphasizes players who can contribute quickly while growing into larger roles.
7. Portland Fire — Iyana Martin (Spain), PG, 5-8
Martin’s pro track record in Spain and international experience at youth world events make her a polished floor general despite her youth. Portland can use her playmaking and scoring to accelerate a rebuild and provide steady ball control.
8. Dallas Wings — Kelly Kneepkens (UCLA), SG, 5-11
Kneepkens’ elite catch-and-shoot résumé — 43% career 3-point accuracy — pairs naturally with primary creators. For Dallas, adding a reliable spacing threat behind or beside a playmaking guard like Miles would immediately improve offensive efficiency.
9. Washington Mystics — Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), SF, 6-0
McMahon brings physicality, scoring and improved perimeter work after a transfer to Ole Miss. Her transition to a more perimeter-oriented role will be key in the WNBA, but her toughness and motor fit well in lineups that prize defensive versatility.
10. Atlanta Dream — Raven Johnson (South Carolina), PG, 5-9
Johnson’s leadership and defensive accolades were on display as South Carolina reached another title game. She offers strength, on-ball defense and the kind of competitive maturity that helps teams in tight playoff minutes.
11. Washington Mystics — Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA), SG, 6-0
Jaquez’s championship performance reinforced her reputation as a high-effort, do-everything guard. Efficient shooting and a proven track record of impact minutes make her a low-risk, high-reward pick for a team needing scoring and intensity.
12. Connecticut Sun — Kiki Rice (UCLA), PG, 5-11
Rice closed her college career with career-high efficiency and clutch poise. Her scoring, decision-making and free-throw reliability translate well to a Sun roster that values smart, composed guards in late-game situations.
13. Minnesota Lynx — Zia Cooke/Last name Latson (South Carolina), SG, 5-8
Latson’s transfer to South Carolina paid off with defensive discipline and timely scoring. She projects as a complementary guard who can defend on-ball and provide secondary scoring within structured offensive systems.
14. Seattle Storm — Marta Suárez (TCU), SF, 6-3
Suárez’s scoring burst and rebound numbers at TCU, highlighted by a 33-point NCAA tournament game, show she can carry an offense in stretches. Seattle would gain a versatile wing who can stretch defenses and offer size.
15. Connecticut Sun — Madina Okot (South Carolina), C, 6-6
Okot’s per-game production is strong, but an NCAA eligibility decision could delay her availability. If she joins the WNBA, her rebounding and interior presence add depth for teams seeking frontcourt size.
What this draft means and what to watch
The board favors players who delivered in the NCAA tournament, rewarding performance under pressure and readiness for pro minutes.
Teams picking early must balance immediate need against developmental upside — preferring creative guards or rim defenders depending on roster construction.
Free-agent signings and final roster moves before draft day will be pivotal; additions can close positional gaps or prompt teams to target high-ceiling internationals who need time to adjust.
Expansion franchises will prioritize floor-fillers who combine pro experience with growth potential.
Final take
This draft projects as a blend of polished college finishers and young internationals with upside.
Olivia Miles’ rise and UCLA’s draft-heavy class reshape several boards, but strategic front-office moves between now and draft night can still flip priorities.
Surprise prospect tops Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts in latest 2026 WNBA draft projections
Teams that balance fit, readiness and ceiling will gain the most immediate traction in a league that rewards both star-making potential and role-ready contributors.
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