2026 WNBA Draft: Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd Compete for Top Pick

The 2026 WNBA Draft race for the top pick is tight between Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd. Two new teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, are also entering the draft.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Key Selections and Player Movement Define Final Projections

The impending 2026 WNBA Draft presents a complex tableau, with player projections showing considerable flux in the immediate lead-up to the event. While official team selections remain undisclosed, mock drafts highlight a dynamic race for the No. 1 pick, primarily featuring Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd.

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The projected top draft slots are contested by several prominent collegiate and international players, indicating a potentially deep talent pool. Shifts in mock drafts suggest a fluid evaluation process, influenced by recent performances and perceived team needs.

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Recent publications show:

  • Olivia Miles, a guard from TCU, has emerged as a leading contender for the top selection, appearing at No. 1 in several projections. Her offensive dynamism and perceived potential are frequently cited.

  • Azzi Fudd, a player from UConn, has also been a consistent presence at the top of draft boards, with some recent analyses repositioning her back to the No. 1 spot. Her efficiency and defensive capabilities are noted.

  • Other players frequently mentioned in the early lottery picks include Kiki Rice (UCLA), Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina), Awa Fam (Spain), and Lauren Betts (UCLA).

Emerging Talent and Shifting Team Dynamics

Beyond the top contenders, a wave of talent is expected to be selected throughout the initial rounds. Mock drafts indicate a concentration of talent from top collegiate programs like UCLA and South Carolina, alongside notable international prospects.

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Notable Prospects Beyond the Top Picks:

  • Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA) and Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA) are consistently projected in the early to mid-first round.

  • Raven Johnson (South Carolina) is highlighted for her facilitation skills and defense, positioning her as a strong draft candidate.

  • International players like Iyana Martín (Avenida, Spain) and Nell Angloma (Lattes Montpellier, France) are also slated for early selections, demonstrating the league's global reach.

The introduction of two new franchises, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, expands the draft landscape, creating additional roster spots and potentially altering team strategies for acquiring talent.

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Background: A League Reconfiguring

This year's draft occurs against a backdrop of significant league evolution. The recent negotiation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the WNBPA signals a period of stabilization and potential growth.

The expansion with the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo introduces an element of the unknown, as these franchises will be actively building their inaugural rosters. This expansion not only adds competition but also necessitates a strategic approach to talent acquisition from the outset. The varying projections for the top picks underscore the subjective nature of scouting and the inherent unpredictability of the draft process itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the top players expected to be chosen in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd are the main players being considered for the number 1 pick. Other strong players include Kiki Rice, Ta'Niya Latson, Awa Fam, and Lauren Betts.
Q: Which new teams are joining the WNBA in 2026?
The Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo are the two new teams. They will be building their first rosters through this draft.
Q: Why are the draft projections changing before the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Projections are changing because teams are still looking at how players perform recently and what players they need. The two new teams also make the draft less predictable.
Q: What is the current status of the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The top draft spots are being fought over by players like Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd. New teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are also entering the league, changing how teams might draft players.