The 2026 WNBA Draft is taking shape, with the league officially inviting the next generation of women's basketball superstars to the event at New York City's The Shed at Hudson Yards on Monday, April 13th.
The annual college draft will tip off eight days following the 2025/26 NCAA tournament final, as the WNBA gears up to open preseason play on Saturday, April 25th.
For the third straight year, ticketed fans will be able to attend the marquee event, with live coverage also airing across ESPN networks.
The Dallas Wings own the overall No. 1 pick for the second straight year, looking to pad its roster after selecting reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers first in 2025.
The Minnesota Lynx will select second, before the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky close out the lottery, with 2026 expansion teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire welcoming their first-ever rookies with the sixth and seventh picks.
As for the class of 2026, NCAA stars Azzi Fudd (UConn), Lauren Betts (UCLA), Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina), and Flau'jae Johnson (LSU) are expected first-round picks alongside international talent like Spain's Awa Fam (Valencia Basket) and Iyana Martin (Perfumerias Avenida).
"Every year, the draft is a defining moment for our league and its future stars," said WNBA chief growth officer Colie Edison in the league's Thursday announcement. "We're excited to create an unforgettable experience as we welcome the next generation of WNBA talent."
How to buy tickets to watch the 2026 WNBA Draft
Tickets to the 2026 WNBA Draft are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Fans looking to tune in from home can watch the April 13th draft live at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
