The landscape of the 2026 WNBA Draft is a fluid entity, with recent projections highlighting a contest for the top selection. Emerging as a contender for the coveted No. 1 spot is Olivia Miles, a guard from TCU. Her performance this past season, marked by averages of 14.1 points and 3.6 assists, alongside defensive capabilities described as "South Carolina-style," has garnered significant attention.
The perceived top pick status has seen considerable flux, with different outlets projecting various players for the premier slot. Notably, Azzi Fudd, previously a strong candidate for No. 1, has seen her position fluctuate in recent mock drafts.
Other players generating buzz for early selections include:
Kiki Rice, a senior point guard from UCLA, noted for her strong late-season performance.
Ta'Niya Latson, a senior shooting guard from South Carolina, whose transfer from Florida State to her current program reportedly yielded positive results.
Lauren Betts, also from UCLA, whose senior season performance has placed her in consideration for high draft positions.
Gabriela Jaquez, a wing from UCLA, whose projected draft slot has remained consistent.
Gianna Kneepkens, a guard from UCLA, another player whose projected placement has seen little movement.
Nell Angloma, a French guard from Lattes Montpellier, whose draft projection has also remained steady.
Iyana Martín, a Spanish guard from Avenida, is seen as a strong point guard prospect, particularly noted for her success against WNBA-caliber competition.
The Washington Mystics are noted for holding multiple first-round picks for the second consecutive year, presenting opportunities to address roster needs, particularly at the point guard position. This comes after drafting Georgia Amoore last year, who subsequently missed her entire rookie season due to an ACL injury. The Mystics are reportedly considering players such as Flau'jae Johnson (LSU) and Raven Johnson (South Carolina) with their earlier selections. The Connecticut Sun are also noted as a team with multiple draft picks, with Charlisse Leger-Walker (UCLA) and Kiki Rice (UCLA) appearing in their projected selections.
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Background: A Draft Class in Motion
The upcoming WNBA Draft is occurring in the wake of significant team-building activity, including an expansion draft that saw the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire establish their inaugural rosters. This was followed by a period of free agency, which has undoubtedly influenced team needs and, consequently, draft projections. The dynamic nature of these mock drafts reflects the inherent uncertainties and strategic considerations that define the pre-draft period. Players like Iyana Martin Carrion (Spain), noted for her passing, shooting, and scoring, along with her defensive resilience, are being evaluated against these evolving team compositions. The WNBA draft board itself is described as a "puzzle," with projections attempting to piece together player talent and team requirements.
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