Basketball’s newest class steps up tonight, as tonight’s WNBA Draft sees teams look to build out their 2026 rosters with both NCAA and international standouts.
Dallas has the No. 1 pick for the second year in a row, followed by Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Chicago, before expansion sides Toronto and Portland take their rookie picks.
"The NCAA draft is just gonna be a cherry on a cake for us," Portland Fire general manager Vanja Černivec told reporters in Portland. "Can’t wait to go through that journey with you, our fans and our staff."
Top prospects include both backcourt and frontcourt talent, with UConn star Azzi Fudd, UCLA center Lauren Betts, TCU guard Olivia Miles, and Spanish big Awa Fam leading most mock WNBA drafts.
The draft spans three 15-selection rounds, though not every team has the same amount of picks. However, draft-day swaps are also common, with teams like Chicago already moving capital to open up potential transactions.
Much speculation surrounds Dallas's projected No. 1 selection, after the Wings took UConn superstar Paige Bueckers first in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
"Teams in recent years have been built through the draft, and when they’re built through the draft, other players want to play with great players," Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller said late last year. "Paige is a magnet. People want to play with great players."
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Draft on ESPN
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce tonight's draft live on ESPN, with exclusive coverage starting at 7 PM ET.
Earlier programming includes the WNBA Orange Carpet Special (ESPN2, 5:30 PM ET) and WNBA Countdown Presented by Google (ESPN, 6:30 PM ET), will all coverage also available for streaming via the ESPN App.
