The 2026 WNBA Draft brought a new wave of talent into the league, with Azzi Fudd selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during a star-studded event at the The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Fudd’s selection marked a historic moment, as she reunites with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, making them the first college teammates to be drafted No. 1 overall by the same franchise in consecutive years. The top of the draft saw elite talent come off the board quickly. Olivia Miles went No. 2 to the Minnesota Lynx, followed by Spain’s Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3 to the Seattle Storm.
A strong showing from UCLA highlighted the first round, with national champion Lauren Betts going fourth to the Washington Mystics and teammate Gabriela Jaquez selected fifth by the Chicago Sky.
One of the night’s notable moves involved former LSU standout Flau’jae Johnson, who was selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries before her draft rights were traded to the Seattle Storm.
Other first-round selections included Raven Johnson to the Indiana Fever at No. 10 and Madina Okot to the Atlanta Dream at No. 13.
The draft also made history for UCLA, which set a record for the most players selected in a single WNBA draft, underscoring the program’s dominance at the collegiate level.
With three rounds completed and rosters beginning to take shape, teams will now look to integrate their new talent ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.
