2026 WNBA Draft Picks Azzi Fudd First, League Plans First International Game

Azzi Fudd was picked first in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This is the same draft where the league announced plans for its first-ever international game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

League Eyes Inaugural International Contest Amidst Draft Day Buzz

The WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has indicated the league is exploring the possibility of holding its first regular-season international game. This comes as the 2026 WNBA Draft unfolded, seeing Azzi Fudd projected as the top pick by the Dallas Wings, a move that reunites her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who was last year's No. 1 selection. The league's ambition for international reach signals a potential expansion of its footprint beyond North America.

This potential international fixture follows a pattern of growing global engagement, with women's college basketball having previously opened its season in Paris. The specifics regarding the proposed international game, including opponent and location, remain in discussion, though recent WNBA activity includes a game between the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm in Vancouver on August 2nd, marking the third WNBA Canada Game.

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Draft Day Dynamics: Fudd Reigns Supreme, Miles Follows

The much-anticipated 2026 WNBA Draft saw Azzi Fudd land with the Dallas Wings, a decision widely circulated and now confirmed by mock drafts and official reports. Her selection not only highlights her collegiate performance but also sets up a dynamic pairing with Paige Bueckers, adding to the Wings' roster strength. Following Fudd, Olivia Miles of TCU was reportedly selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx. The draft also saw Iyana Martín Carrión, a Spanish guard, selected by Portland with their first-ever pick, signaling an increasingly international talent pool entering the league. Other notable draft mentions include players like Kiki Rice, Ta'Niya Latson, and Lauren Betts, each projected to contribute significantly at the collegiate level and potentially at the professional level.

The draft order, influenced by the lottery, saw teams like the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun also holding significant picks. The Mystics, for instance, secured picks through trades involving the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty. The draft process itself underscores the league's ongoing efforts to identify and integrate new talent, with mock drafts predicting top contenders like Betts, Fudd, and Miles for the No. 1 spot.

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Offseason Moves and Contractual Undertones

Beyond the draft, the WNBA offseason has been marked by significant player movement and ongoing negotiations. Reports indicate veteran players like Kayla McBride and Kelsey Plum are returning to their respective teams, Minnesota and Los Angeles. In a notable development, Shakira Austin has re-signed with the Washington Mystics for three years, reportedly worth $3.57 million, fending off an offer from the newly formed Toronto Tempo.

Simultaneously, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been actively involved in discussions surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). =Progress is reported, with Engelbert suggesting the upcoming deal will be "historic."= Discussions have reportedly included provisions for player housing, with a proposed shift from league-wide coverage to focusing on rookies and minimum-salary players, alongside developmental players, throughout the CBA's duration. The timeline for concluding these negotiations remains fluid, with potential implications for the start of training camp.

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Commissioner's Cup: A Developing Tradition

The WNBA Commissioner's Cup continues to carve out its place as an integral part of the league's calendar. The championship game, which saw the Indiana Fever defeat the Minnesota Lynx in 2025, highlights the Cup's role in showcasing WNBA talent and providing an additional competitive element. =The competition, designed to combine intensity, narrative, and purpose, offers a substantial prize pool and takes place at the arena of the team with the best record in Cup play.= Its inception has aimed to further elevate the league's profile and provide fans with more high-stakes matchups throughout the regular season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the first player picked in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Azzi Fudd was the first player picked in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She was selected by the Dallas Wings.
Q: Is the WNBA planning an international game?
Yes, the WNBA is looking into holding its first regular-season international game. The details like who will play and where are still being discussed.
Q: What other players were picked high in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Olivia Miles was reportedly picked second by the Minnesota Lynx. Spanish guard Iyana Martín Carrión was selected by Portland, and other top players like Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts are expected to be drafted.
Q: What is happening with player contracts and the CBA?
Some players like Kayla McBride and Kelsey Plum are staying with their teams. Shakira Austin re-signed with the Washington Mystics for three years. The league and players are also talking about a new CBA that might change player housing rules.
Q: What is the WNBA Commissioner's Cup?
The Commissioner's Cup is a competition within the WNBA season. It has a prize pool and is designed to add more excitement. The Indiana Fever won it in 2025.