EE-SPN Ep. 13: 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery
But here’s the core truth you’ll want to understand from the start: the 2026 draft reshapes more than just a team’s roster—it signals which franchises will be competitive for years to come. Now, let’s dive into our top five projected picks and what they could mean for each organization.
For context, the WNBA season runs four months from May to September, with playoffs extending into mid-October. The league currently features 13 teams, and with the Golden State Valkyries added in 2025, two new expansion clubs—Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire—will debut in 2026, bringing the total to 15 teams.
Draft lottery odds reflected the two-year (2024–2025) cumulative records of the five non-playoff teams from the prior season. Dallas Wings earned the first overall pick, followed by Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky.
Dallas snagged the first pick for a second consecutive year after selecting Paige Bueckers from UConn in the 2025 draft. Bueckers’ rookie campaign was spectacular—Rookie of the Year, All-WNBA Second Team, and an All-Star starter—yet Dallas still finished dead last at 10–34. The Wings struggled offensively (10th in the league) and defensively (11th), hindered by injuries and adjustments to head coach Chris Koclanes.
We project Azzi Fudd, a 5’11” guard from UConn and Bueckers’ former teammate, to be the top pick. In the early 2026 college season, Fudd posted near 50% shooting overall and 53% from three in the first nine games, a level of offensive impact Dallas would welcome. The twist that makes this scenario especially compelling: Bueckers and Fudd are openly dating, a rare dynamic for back-to-back No. 1 picks heading to the same franchise.
Their chemistry is already proven at the highest level, having won the 2025 NCAA Women’s Championship with Fudd earning Most Outstanding Player honors. In Dallas, the backcourt pairing of Bueckers and Fudd would generate headlines and provide a fireworks-show level of offense, while other pieces around them could be shored up to maximize the team’s ceiling.
Minnesota earns the second pick after flipping with Chicago. The Lynx were in title contention a year ago, opening 8–0 and finishing 34–10 as the top seed, with Napheesa Collier in the MVP conversation. We project Awa Fam from Spain as the second pick—the 19-year-old, 6’5” forward is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best young prospects for the WNBA. Her length and shot-blocking presence should immediately bolster Minnesota’s front line, helping them chase another championship window before it slams shut.
The third overall pick goes to Seattle Storm, who had a roller-coaster season at 23–21 and earned a pick acquired from the Los Angeles Sparks. After drafting center Dominique Malonga (France) with the 2025 second overall, Seattle saw solid rookie production, but they’ll need more to reclaim their past glory. We project Olivia Miles, a 5’10” point guard from Texas Christian University, to go third. Miles posted strong numbers after transferring to TCU—averaging around 17 points and seven assists while shooting about 50% from the field.
For Seattle, Miles offers a dynamic guard to pair with the team’s veteran backcourt and the 6’5” length on the perimeter. The key for the Storm is long-term fit: how Miles links with Malonga in a backcourt-frontcourt rhythm and whether the team should consider trimming older guards to balance the roster for a title push.
Washington Mystics are constructing a youthful core with several 2025-eligible rookie contributors. With Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen delivering solid first seasons and earning All-Star recognition, Washington sits at the fourth slot with a chance to add a transformative piece. We project Lauren Betts, a 6’7” center from UCLA, to land with the Mystics at four. Betts controlled the paint and anchored UCLA’s run to the top seed and Final Four last season. While her play centers on back-to-the-basket strength—an archetype that isn’t as ubiquitous in today’s more versatile post play—her size and shot-blocking ability make her an immediate interior threat and a potential system anchor. The fit depends on whether Washington wants a traditional post to balance their perimeter talent or to rework lineups to leverage Betts’ shot-blocking and finishing ability.
Finally, Chicago Sky own the fifth pick, acquired from the Connecticut Sun. Chicago finished last in their conference at 10–34 and have faced coaching turnover, injuries, and roster disarray. They originally controlled Minnesota’s 2026 pick but traded it for Hailey Van Lith (11th overall in 2025), who has yet to meet expectations. We project Flau’jae Johnson from LSU to go fifth. Johnson is a 5’10” guard known for elite scoring efficiency (52.2% so far this season) and a national championship in 2023 with a former Sky star, Angel Reese. A recent off-court controversy cooled that on-court friendship, adding another layer of intrigue as Johnson and Chicago navigate a rebuilding phase. Johnson’s energy and scoring punch could be exactly what Chicago needs to restore momentum.
As the college season unfolds and teams approach March Madness, these projections are bound to shift. The landscape will evolve as players showcase their growth, adjust to the pro game, and news breaks about team needs and strategies.
That’s a wrap for this episode. Thanks for listening!
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About the Contributors
Vaishnavi is a senior and Arts & Entertainment editor for El Estoque. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and binge-watching TV.
Benjamin is a senior and Editor-in-Chief for El Estoque. He loves soccer, collecting vinyl records, and reviewing offbeat cinema.
