The 2026 WNBA Draft is officially here! As of Monday, April 13, 2026, the basketball world is descending upon New York City for an event that marks a major turning point in the league’s history. For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Wings hold the coveted No. 1 overall selection. After a transformational 2025 season led by Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, the Wings are now widely expected to select her former teammate, UConn sharpshooter Azzi Fudd, or TCU’s generational playmaker Olivia Miles to form a dynastic backcourt.
This year’s draft marks a monumental expansion for the WNBA. Following the debut of the Golden State Valkyries last season, two more franchises—the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire—will make their inaugural selections at No. 6 and No. 7 tonight. The class of 2026 is hailed as one of the deepest in history, headlined by national champion Lauren Betts of UCLA and the rising Spanish star Awa Fam.
Here is the final lowdown on today's events and a look back at the historic Masters finish from yesterday.
When is the 2026 WNBA Draft?
- Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Orange Carpet Special: 5:30 pm ET (ESPN2)
- WNBA Draft Lottery Special: 6:30 pm ET (ESPN)
- Draft Start Time: 7:00 pm ET (ESPN)
ESPN will carry live coverage of the 2026 WNBA Draft tonight. Fans can also stream the action via ESPN+ or Fubo. The signature "Orange Carpet" returns, where fashion remains a centerpiece; expect top picks like Azzi Fudd and Kiki Rice to set new trends before walking the stage.
WNBA Draft Order 2026: First Round
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings |
| 2 | Minnesota Lynx (via Chicago) |
| 3 | Seattle Storm (via Los Angeles) |
| 4 | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Chicago Sky (via Connecticut) |
| 6 | Toronto Tempo (Expansion) |
| 7 | Portland Fire (Expansion) |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 9 | Washington Mystics (via Seattle) |
| 10 | Indiana Fever |
Watch Today's Draft Anywhere with a VPN
If you're traveling today, a VPN is essential for accessing your U.S. streaming accounts. We recommend NordVPN for its reliable speeds, ensuring you see the No. 1 pick walk the stage in real-time without geo-blocks.