April 13, star National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) women’s basketball players shone in the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft. Dynamic guards such as Azzi Fudd (35), Olivia Miles (5), Flau’jae Johnson (4) and Kiki Rice (1), along with captivating centers Lauren Betts (51), Awa Fam Thiam (11) and Madina Okot (11), headlined the draft board. Prior to the selection, mock draft boards and media outlets constantly altered their pick for the first overall selection between Fudd, Miles, Fam Thiam and Betts. Following the excessive debates surrounding the first overall pick, Fudd heard her name called for the Dallas Wings.
Fudd will join her former University of Connecticut (UConn) teammate Paige Bueckers (5) in Dallas as the seventh player from UConn selected first overall. The duo proved themselves accomplished at the collegiate level, winning the 2025 NCAA tournament in which the media selected Fudd as the Most Outstanding Player (MOP). The success, however, followed seasons of hardships for Fudd. As the number one recruit in the 2021 class, Fudd missed 11 games her freshman season, 22 games her sophomore season due to injury and tore her ACL in 2023. In her redshirt junior and senior seasons, Fudd missed no games following her return in 2024.
“Azzi Fudd came straight back from her injury. A lot of people were doubting if she would come back stronger or weaker. I’m super excited to see her back on the court with Paige. They have great chemistry and keep each other working hard and pushing each other to be the best on the court at all times. The Dallas Wings are in for a great season,” junior Kennedy Sylvester said.
The night continued with the Minnesota Lynx selecting Miles as the second overall pick. The dynamic point guard will join superstar Napheesa Collier (24) to add flashy passing as well as floor spacing. Miles’ selection represents Texas Christian University (TCU)’s highest drafted player. With the completion of the first two selections, the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics selected Fam Thiam and Betts, respectively. Both centers’ skills include lockdown defense and the ability to move exceptionally with the ball to create their own shot.
Impressively, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) head coach Cori Close not only celebrated Betts’ selection, but all six of her seniors heard their names in the draft. With the six draftees, UCLA became the first school in WNBA history with over four selections in the draft, five of which occurred in the first round. The Chicago Sky drafted guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) with the fifth overall pick. Juquez’s draft stock rose following the national championship, where she scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Following Jaquez, the Toronto Tempo expansion team selected Rice with the sixth overall pick, and their first in team history. The trio rounded out UCLA’s lottery selections.
“UCLA having three lottery selections shows dominance and perseverance. Last year, this team got knocked out of the tournament but came back better and more dominant. They made a game everyone thought was going to be close or a blowout because of how talented that team is and the leadership those seniors bring. No matter if you like UCLA or not, you can see dominance,” magnet freshman Miles Evans said.
The Golden State Valkyries picked Johnson, Louisiana State University (LSU)’s star guard and rapping sensation, with the eighth overall pick. Following the selection of forward Marta Suarez (7) by the Storm, the Valkyries subsequently traded Johnson to the Storm for Suarez and a second-round pick. Impressively, Johnson managed to balance a rap career while simultaneously playing at an all-American level. As a national champion with the Tigers in 2023, Johnson assumed leadership responsibilities following the departure of center Angel Reese (5). Johnson finished her career tied second for the most wins in LSU history. Along with her on-court game, Johnson famously surprised her alma mater, Sprayberry High School, with a new locker room and donated thousands to the Baton Rouge community, forever cementing her as an LSU legend.
Contracts stand out as an additional positive to this year’s rookie class. Due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) officially ratified in March 2026, rookie contracts grew exponentially. The 2025 first overall selection, Bueckers, earned $76,000 during her first year in the league. In stark contrast, Fudd will earn around $500,000 in her first season alone. The continued offseason efforts of the WNBA Players Association will allow for future athletes to receive adequate and livable wages. With the regular season set to tip off May 8, the 30th season of the WNBA will now usher in a new wave of talent.
