Women’s basketball is about to get even more exciting. The 2026 WNBA Draft is here, and for fans eagerly watching the next generation of talent step into the spotlight, tonight is the night they have been waiting for.
Fresh off one of the most thrilling NCAA tournament seasons in recent memory, some of college basketball’s biggest names are ready to hear their names called and begin their professional journeys. Here is everything you need to know to watch, stream, and follow the action.
When Does the 2026 WNBA Draft Start?
- Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: The Shed at Hudson Yards, New York City
The event kicks off at 7 PM Eastern Time, but the excitement begins even before the picks are announced. An exclusive Orange Carpet ceremony and a special edition of WNBA Countdown will air on ESPN ahead of the main event, giving fans a chance to see their favourite prospects arrive in style.
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Draft
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN App
The draft will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. If you do not have cable, you can still catch every pick live by streaming through the ESPN app — available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.
Who Are the Top Prospects to Watch?
This year’s draft class is loaded with talent. After leading UCLA to a historic NCAA championship, center Lauren Betts is widely expected to go near the very top of the board.
Other highly anticipated names include:
- Olivia Miles — playmaking guard with elite vision
- Azzi Fudd — sharpshooting guard with big-game experience
- Awa Fam — versatile big with international flair
- Kiki Rice — athletic guard with incredible upside
- Flau’Jae Johnson — explosive scorer and cultural icon in the making
ALSO READ: 2026 WNBA Draft Results: Every Pick Tracked — Azzi Fudd Goes No. 1 to Dallas Wings
Dallas Wings Hold the No. 1 Pick — But Who Will They Choose?
The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick for the second consecutive year — a rare feat in any professional league. Last year the choice was straightforward with Paige Bueckers headlining the class. This time around the decision is far less clear-cut, making draft night all the more unpredictable and exciting.
Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of two brand new WNBA franchises — the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo — making their draft debuts and injecting fresh energy into the league’s expanding landscape.
2026 WNBA Draft Full Pick Order
🏀 First Round
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings |
| 2 | Minnesota Lynx |
| 3 | Seattle Storm |
| 4 | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Chicago Sky |
| 6 | Toronto Tempo |
| 7 | Portland Fire |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 9 | Washington Mystics |
| 10 | Indiana Fever |
| 11 | Washington Mystics |
| 12 | Connecticut Sun |
| 13 | Atlanta Dream |
| 14 | Seattle Storm |
| 15 | Connecticut Sun |
🏀 Second Round
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle Storm |
| 2 | Portland Fire |
| 3 | Connecticut Sun |
| 4 | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Los Angeles Sparks |
| 6 | Chicago Sky |
| 7 | Toronto Tempo |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 9 | Los Angeles Sparks |
| 10 | Indiana Fever |
| 11 | Toronto Tempo |
| 12 | Phoenix Mercury |
| 13 | Atlanta Dream |
| 14 | Las Vegas Aces |
| 15 | Washington Mystics |
🏀 Third Round
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings |
| 2 | Chicago Sky |
| 3 | Connecticut Sun |
| 4 | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Los Angeles Sparks |
| 6 | Toronto Tempo |
| 7 | Portland Fire |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 9 | Seattle Storm |
| 10 | Indiana Fever |
| 11 | New York Liberty |
| 12 | Phoenix Mercury |
| 13 | Atlanta Dream |
| 14 | Las Vegas Aces |
| 15 | Minnesota Lynx |
Why This Draft Matters
The 2026 WNBA Draft is not just about individual picks — it is about the future of women’s basketball as a whole. With two new franchises joining the league, expanded media coverage, and a generation of players who have grown up in the spotlight, tonight’s event represents a genuine milestone for the sport.
Whether you are a die-hard WNBA fan or just discovering women’s basketball for the first time, tonight is worth tuning in for.
Tip: Set a reminder for 7 PM ET and open the ESPN app early — draft nights can get busy!
