Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of women's basketball! We're diving into the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery, and it's a wild ride. Love, talent, and controversy are all on the table as we explore the top picks and their impact on the league.
Vaishnavi (VZ) and Ben (BZ) are here to guide you through this thrilling episode of EE-SPN. Today, we're breaking down the projected top five picks of the 2026 WNBA Draft and the strategies these teams are employing to shape their future.
The WNBA's regular season is an intense four months, spanning from May to September, with the playoffs extending into mid-October. Currently, the league boasts 13 teams, but get this: two new expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, are set to join the league in 2026, bringing the total to a whopping 15 teams! Imagine the competition!
Now, let's talk draft lottery odds. These were determined based on the cumulative records of the five teams that missed the playoffs in the previous two years (2024 and 2025). And the number one pick goes to... the Dallas Wings! Yes, they've secured the top spot for the second year in a row. Last year, they drafted Paige Bueckers from the University of Connecticut, and she's been a sensation. But here's where it gets interesting: Bueckers, the Rookie of the Year and an All-Star starter, was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Wings, who finished last with a record of 10-34. Dallas struggled on both ends of the court, dealing with injuries and a new head coach, Chris Koclanes.
Our projection for the number one overall pick? Azzi Fudd, a 5'11" shooting guard and Buecker's former UConn teammate. Fudd's shooting stats are impressive, with nearly 50% from the field and 53% from three in the first nine college games. But here's the real twist: Bueckers and Fudd are in a romantic relationship! It's unprecedented to have two back-to-back number one overall picks dating, let alone on the same team. Their on-court chemistry is undeniable, having won a national championship together in 2025, with Fudd named Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the NCAA Women's Final Four. This draft pick is sure to spark debates and turn heads.
Moving on to the second overall pick, the Minnesota Lynx have secured this spot after trading with the Chicago Sky. Usually, teams in this position are struggling, but the Lynx were championship contenders last year, starting strong with an 8-0 record and ending as the top seed with a 34-10 record. Their star, Napheesa Collier, was even in the running for the MVP award. Our projection for this pick is Awa Fam from Spain, a 6'5" forward with incredible size and versatility. Fam's impact could be crucial for the Lynx as they aim for another championship run before their window closes.
The third overall pick belongs to the Seattle Storm, who had a rocky season with a 23-21 record. They acquired this pick from the Los Angeles Sparks. Last year, the Storm selected center Dominique Malonga from France with the second overall pick, but she'll need to step up her game to bring the Storm back to its former glory. Our projection for this pick is Olivia Miles, a 5'10" point guard from Texas Christian University. Miles is averaging 17 points and seven assists, shooting 50% from the field. With talented guards like Skylar Diggins, Erica Wheeler, and Brittney Sykes already on the team, drafting Miles will provide an opportunity for her to learn from seasoned WNBA veterans.
The Washington Mystics are building a young, talented team with three first-round picks from the 2025 WNBA draft and their fourth overall pick in 2026. Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have made significant contributions and were recognized as all-stars. Our projection for the Mystics' pick is Lauren Betts, a dominant 6'7" giant from UCLA. Betts led UCLA to the number one seed in the NCAA tournament and the Final Four last season. While her traditional back-to-the-basket style may not fit every team, her ability to protect the paint and finish inside will make her a valuable asset for any squad.
Lastly, the Chicago Sky holds the fifth pick, which they acquired from the Connecticut Sun. The Sky finished last in their conference with a disappointing 10-34 record. Similar to Dallas, Chicago has been plagued by poor coaching, injuries, and a lack of coordination. They need a clear vision and a strong foundation to build upon. Originally, they had Minnesota's pick for 2026, but they traded it for the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Hailey Van Lith, who hasn't quite lived up to expectations yet. Our projection for the Sky's pick is Flau'jae Johnson from Louisiana State University, a 5'10" guard who's one of the most recognizable players in college basketball. Johnson has won a national championship with Angel Reese, a current Chicago Sky star, but their friendship has cooled due to off-court drama. It'll be intriguing to see if they can reconnect and rekindle their dynamic duo status in the WNBA.
It's still early in the college season, with many teams having played fewer than 10 games. As March Madness approaches, these athletes will showcase their skills, and these projections may shift. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
That's a wrap for this episode! Thanks for joining us on this journey. Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments. We'd love to hear your take on these draft picks and the future of the WNBA!
