Draft 2026

After agreeing to a historic CBA, and amid a whirlwind free agency and expansion draft period, the WNBA’s 2026 Draft went on without a hitch. The night featured one shocking trade, a very expected first overall pick, and some surprising sliding (and rising) up the draft board.
But, as we learned from last year seeing Atlanta Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao and Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa-Makani thrive, it’s not about where you land in the draft as a rookie, but rather, what you make of your limited opportunities. Sliding in this year’s draft shouldn’t immediately write anyone off.
Preseason games tip off on April 25, with the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty being given the honor of unofficially starting off the WNBA’s 30th season that day. Ahead of that slate of games, let’s take a look at some of the standout selections from this year’s draft, and how each rookie fits in with their new teams.
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<h2>Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings</h2>
<div id="attachment_258679" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258679" class="wp-image-258679" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn after being drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA draft</div>
This pick might’ve felt like writing on the wall for some, but Fudd’s fit goes beyond fulfilling the dream of reuniting her with her former championship-winning backcourt partner in Paige Bueckers. The sharpshooter is finally realizing her dream of playing in the WNBA after an arduous, injury-riddled start to her UConn Huskies career. 
 
The Wings shot 30.4 percent from 3-point range as a team in 2025. Fudd just finished up her college career as a 42.2 percent 3-point shooter. 
 
She immediately raises their ceiling in that respect. Dallas now has the luxury of playing a three-guard lineup between Fudd, Bueckers, and All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, who are all complemented by recent signings of reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and former Minnesota Lynx forward Jess Sheppard. 
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<h2>Gabriela Jaquez, Chicago Sky</h2>
<div id="attachment_258680" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258680" class="wp-image-258680" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271214236-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Gabriela Jaquez (L) of UCLA after being selected with the 5th pick in the first round by the Chicago Sky during the 2026 WNBA Draft</div>
Role players who manage to shine on the biggest stages in college basketball will always boost their stock ahead of the draft. Jaquez just experienced first-hand how an electric NCAA Tournament run, which ended in a championship for the UCLA Bruins, can make you a top pick. 
 
Jaquez landed 5th overall to a new-look Chicago Sky during the 2026 WNBA Draft, and it’s an excellent fit for the guard who recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on 57 percent shooting for UCLA in their championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. 
 
The Sky just signed All-Star Skylar Diggings, in addition to trading for Jacy Sheldon. Their guard room seems rounded out with the addition of Jaquez, who had a career year as a shooter in 2025-26. 
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<h2>Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm</h2>
<div id="attachment_258681" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258681" class="wp-image-258681" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="535" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-768x514.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271206601-2048x1369.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Flau jae Johnson of LSU prior the 2026 WNBA Draft</div>
One of the bigger shocks of draft night was the Golden State Valkyries’ trade of Flau’jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick and the rights to Marta Suárez. Johnson has been a star at LSU for the last four years and was one of the best guards available in the first round of this year’s draft. 
 
She averaged 14.6 points per game in her career with the Tigers, in addition to 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 46.7 percent shooting from the field overall. 
This was a huge move for the Storm, who are in full rebuild mode after selecting Awa Fam Thiam and Johnson to their 2026 roster. Johnson can become the face of a franchise thanks to her sure-handed hooping and her dual-threat status as a basketball star and a musical artist. Seattle, likely looking ahead to a deep 2027 draft class, made the choice to snag Johnson to add to their extremely young team. 
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<h2>Ta’Niya Latson, Los Angeles Sparks</h2>
<div id="attachment_258694" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258694" class="wp-image-258694" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271222412-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Ta’Niya Latson (R) of South Carolina after being selected with the 20th pick in the second round by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2026 WNBA Draft</div>
On the flip side of what Jaquez experienced in this year’s NCAA Tournament, Latson saw her draft stock fall quite a bit this year. The former FSU star transferred to South Carolina for her final year of college basketball, seeking a way to round out her game beyond just being a threat driving to the basket. While she shot a career-best 48.6 percent from the field in 2025-26, she was also far less of a focus for the Gamecocks as an initiator on offense. 
 
That might’ve contributed to her falling all the way to the Los Angeles Sparks, who suddenly have a great guard room between All-Star Kelsey Plum, veteran Erica Wheeler, and now Latson. Despite a weaker showing during the NCAA Women’s Championship game, Latson was, and is, still a guard worth investing in. The Sparks might’ve landed a steal in the 2nd round. 
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<h2>Janiah Barker, Las Vegas Aces</h2>
<div id="attachment_258695" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258695" class="wp-image-258695" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2261080050-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Janiah Barker of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers</div>
Barker, who went to the Las Vegas Aces at 29th overall, is another sneakily good pick from the 2nd round. Las Vegas could use some depth in its frontcourt after losing Kiah Stokes and Megan Gustafson in free agency, and Barker is a raw talent who is about to share a team with the best center in the WNBA &#8211; and, potentially, the best center to ever play in the WNBA. While she’s a forward by trade, learning the ropes from A’ja Wilson can’t hurt her early career development. 
 
The former Tennessee Lady Vol finished up her college career averaging 11.2 points per game in addition to 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and shooting 46.8 percent from the field overall. She could develop into a stretch-4 under the right system, which would be huge for Las Vegas’ bench as they seek to rebuild that part of the team. 
The potential is what’s most intriguing with Barker as she lands with the Aces. Her gamble of transferring to Tennessee might not have paid off in the way she thought it would, but she’s landed in possibly the best scenario for a young forward looking to grow in the WNBA. 
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<h2>Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx</h2>
<div id="attachment_258696" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-258696" class="wp-image-258696" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271213282-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Olivia Miles (R) of TCU after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft</div>
Miles getting taken off the board at 2nd overall in this year’s draft should come as a shock to no one. She was the best point guard available for the Lynx and head coach Cheryl Reeve, and the team’s selection of the Horned Frogs star means one obvious thing about Minnesota’s offensive game planning for 2026: the pick-and-roll will rule. 
All-Star and perennial MVP candidate forward Napheesa Collier is the perfect pairing with Miles, as both are proficient PnR executors. In 2025, the Lynx averaged 34.5 points in the paint per game, which was essentially middle-of-the-pack scoring across the league. 
 
They were atop the league in three-point shooting, hitting at a clip of 37.8 percent overall, but they could add a new dimension to their offense with the addition of Miles to the court. Making Collier a greater threat in the paint by way of a clinical PnR game alongside Miles would raise their contention ceiling even higher.

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A Perfect Fit: How 2026 Draft Picks Align with Their New Teams

Free Agency 2026

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The following is a press release from the Las Vegas Aces:
LAS VEGAS (April 15, 2026)–Las Vegas Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas, announced today that the team has re-signed four-time WNBA M’VP A’ja Wilson, who was instrumental in the Aces earning three WNBA titles over the past four seasons. With the re-signing of Wilson, the Aces officially return 90% of their scoring power (75.5 of 83.6 ppg) from 2025.
“A’ja is truly one of one, who has led this franchise to where it is today,” Fargas said. “Not only has she catapulted into the history books and surpassed almost every record in existence, but she does so with the utmost confidence, authenticity and grace. We look forward to continuing to see her thrive in an Aces uniform.”
“YKWTFGO,” stated Wilson, who closed 2025 as the only player in W history to earn M’VP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals M’VP and lead the league in scoring in the same season.
Wilson in 2025 also became the only player in history to collect a fourth WNBA M’VP honor. She also took home the M’VP trophy in 2020, 2022 and 2024. She is a two-time WNBA Finals M’VP, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time All-Star, six-time All-WNBA selection and a five-time All-Defensive Team member. Further, Wilson earned 13 Western Conference Player of the Month, 28 Western Conference Player of the Week and three WNBA Rookie of the Month honors.
Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks for the Aces during the 2025 regular and 26.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.5 blocked shots in her 12 playoff games in leading the Aces to their third title in four years. Additionally, Wilson posted averages of 25.3 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.6 spg and 2.3 bpg during the Aces incredible 16-0 winning streak to close out the season.
In addition to her multitude of awards, Wilson is the <a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-Kekmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only player in league history</a> to average at least 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocked shots and 1 steal per game. And she did so twice – in 2024 and 2025. She also is the <a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-mZizX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first player in league history to post a 30/20 game</a> after scoring 32 points and grabbing 20 caroms against Connecticut on Aug. 10, 2025, and is one of just <a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-XJXcV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four players in history to record multiple 20/20 games</a>.
In all, Wilson’s 5,719 career points ranks No. 21 among all-time WNBA scoring leaders and she is currently No. 18 for rebounds (2,494), No. 13 for defensive boards (1,971), No. 9 for blocked shots (533) and No. 17 for stocks (868), after playing in just 267 games, which doesn’t even rank among the top 100 for games played in league history.
A two-time Olympic and two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist, Wilson earned an additional three gold medals playing for USA Basketball junior teams at the 2013 and 2015 FIBA U19 World Cups and the 2014 FIBA U18 AmeriCup. The three-time USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2015, 2022, 2024) earned M’VP honors at the 2022 World Cup, 2015 U19s and 2014 U18s.
The No. 1 Draft pick out of South Carolina in 2018; the Columbia, South Carolina, native has played the entirety of her career in the Sports &amp; Entertainment Capital of the World. In her first year, Wilson averaged 20.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 1.7 bpg en route to earning 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and over her eight seasons in the W, Wilson boasts career averages of 21.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg and 2.0 bpg.
Wilson’s WNBA league career rankings heading into the 2026 season:
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<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/ppgPzgxr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1st in points per game (21.4 ppg)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/rebpgCpmpz">3rd in rebounds per game (9.3 rpg)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/pts20Njnrb">3rd in 20+ point games (162)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/pts30Ldybd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2nd in 30+ point games (37)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/drebpgRezuw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1st in defensive rebounds per game (7.4 rpg)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/bpgZkehr">4th for blocks per game (2.0 bpg)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/blocksWzngf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9th in total blocks (933)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/fgmpgQbdgm">1st in field goals made per game (7.8)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/twopmpgQtcvq">1st in 2-point field goals made per game (7.5)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/ftmpgMdkrd">2nd in free throws made per game (5.5)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/doubledoublesRaiba">5th in double-doubles (120)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-RvjCY">1st in 30-point double-doubles (26)</a></li>
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Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign Three-Time World Champion, Four-Time WNBA M’VP A’ja Wilson

Power Rankings

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2026 WNBA Power Rankings: Offseason Moves

The following is a press release from the Las Vegas Aces:
LAS VEGAS (April 13, 2026)–Las Vegas Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas, announced today that the team has re-signed three-time WNBA champion and 2023 WNBA scoring leader Jewell Loyd, who returns to the Sports &amp; Entertainment Capital of the World after first signing with the Aces in 2025.
“Jewell is a solidified champion and elite competitor who embodies everything we value as an organization,” Fargas said. She is a cornerstone talent in this league, and we are proud to keep her in Las Vegas on the cusp of our title defense this year.”
“Joining the Aces has been the perfect fit from day one. I’m thrilled to remain with this great organization and represent this city alongside my incredible teammates,” said Loyd, a veteran guard who spent her first 10 seasons in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2025.
In 2025, Loyd started the first 25 games before requesting to come off the bench. As a starter, she averaged 10.4 ppg on 36.3% shooting from the field and 35.4% behind the arc. As a reserve, Loyd bumped those numbers to 12.1 ppg, 42.3% from the field and 40.9% from 3-point. Loyd’s production not only bumped up, but after starting with a 12-13 slate, the Aces went 18-1 in their final 19 games.
Heading into the 2026 season, Loyd’s 6,027 career point total ranks No. 14 on the league’s all-time scoring chart. She also ranks No. 9 for 3-pointers made (667), No. 10 for free throw percentage (.882), No. 17 for free throws made (1,344) and No. 22 for field goals made (2,008)
The 5-10 guard, who was selected No. 1 in the 2015 WNBA Draft, is a six-time WNBA All-Star, earned the 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and is a three-time All-WNBA honoree. In 2023 she averaged a league-high 24.7 points per game, and owns a 11-year career scoring average of 16.2 ppg. She also has career averages of 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, while shooting 40.1% from the field and 35.2% from 3-point range.
A two-time Olympic and two-time World Cup gold medalist, Loyd aided Seattle to eight playoff appearances, winning the championships in 2018 and 2020. She also helped the Storm capture the 2021 Commissioner’s Cup title.
In addition to her Olympic and World Cup golds, Loyd also captured gold playing for the USA at the 2010 FIBA U17 World Cup and at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2014.

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Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign Three-Time World Champion Jewell Loyd

The following is a press release from the Las Vegas Aces:
LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2026)–Las Vegas Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas, announced today that the team has re-signed six-time WNBA All-Star guard Chelsea Gray, who was instrumental in the Aces claiming three of the last four WNBA championships.
“Chelsea is a pure example of a true champion,” Fargas said. “She sets the standard for what it means to compete and win at the highest level, and we cannot wait to see the Point Gawd back in an Aces uniform.”
“The Las Vegas Aces are special. And I couldn’t imagine chasing history anywhere else. I’m grateful to be able to continue building on this legacy for the fans and this amazing city,” said Gray, who earned her first WNBA title with Los Angeles in 2016 before winning three with the Aces.
An 11-year veteran and No. 11 pick by Connecticut in the 2014 WNBA Draft, the Aces originally signed Gray as a free agent prior to the 2021 season.
One of the most prolific passers in league history, among all-time WNBA playmakers, the Point Gawd ranks No. 6 for assists (1,870) and No. 10 for assists per game (5.1), numbers which rank second and first, respectively, in the franchise record book. She is 70 assists away from drawing even with Aces head coach Becky Hammon’s franchise record 1,133 assists.
In addition to her six All-Star nods, Gray is a three-time All-WNBA selection and in 2022 earned WNBA Finals MVP honors after putting up 21.7 ppg, 7.0 apg and swishing 54.4% of her shots from afar in the 2022 playoffs. Also in 2022, Gray scored 19 points and added 5 assists to lift the Aces over the Sky 93-83 in the Commissioner’s Cup title game en route to being named the Commissioner’s Cup MVP.
In her five years with the Aces, Gray has contributed 12.2 ppg, 6.0 apg and 3.2 rpg, while netting 37.5% from 3-point in the regular season; and 15.0 ppg, 6.8 apg and 3.6 rpg with a deadly 42.5% behind the arc in 41 playoff games.
Prior to signing with the Aces, Gray played five years with Los Angeles, helping the Sparks to the 2016 WNBA Championship. She averaged 12.8 ppg and 4.6 apg in LA, while draining 39.1 percent of her shots from distance.
The Hayward, California, native sat out the 2014 season recovering from a fractured knee suffered during her senior season at Duke. After her 2015 rookie campaign, which saw her average 6.9 ppg and 2.7 apg, the Sparks acquired Gray from the Sun in a trade on April 14, 2016.
In her four years at Duke, Gray averaged 11.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, 4.4 rpg and 2.7 spg. The 2013 All-American also earned 2013 ACC Player of the Year honors, was a two-time All-ACC first team selection, and was named to the 2013 ACC All-Defensive Team and 2011 ACC All-Freshman Team.

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Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign Four-Time World Champion Chelsea Gray

The following is a press release from the Las Vegas Aces:
LAS VEGAS (April 11, 2026)–Las Vegas Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas, announced today that the team has re-signed All-WNBA guard Jackie Young, who was key to the Aces capturing three WNBA titles over the past four seasons.
“Jackie has been a foundational piece of our success here at the Aces,” Fargas said. “She brings an unmatched competitive drive and will to win that has led to raising three championship banners. She will continue to be a valuable asset to our roster with her re-signing with the Aces.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Aces organization and our amazing fans for their continued belief in me,” said Young, a four-time WNBA All-Star and 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player. “From the moment I got drafted here, the Aces organization and entire Las Vegas community have made this place feel like home. I’m excited to get back to work and compete again for a championship.”
The 2019 No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick out of Notre Dame, Young steadily improved year over year in her first three years in the WNBA. However, in her last four years Young has transformed herself into one of the league’s premier guards. During that time, she earned four WNBA All-Star nods and listed on the All-WNBA second team in 2023 and 2025. Further, starting in 2022, Young’s scoring output has dipped no lower than 15.8 ppg and she’s dished out no fewer than 4.0 apg, hitting high-water marks of 17.6 ppg in 2023 and 4.5 apg in 2025.
After averaging 16.5 ppg and 5.1 apg to go with career-highs of 4.5 rpg and 89.4% shooting from the charity stripe in 2025, Young averaged playoff career-highs of 20.4 ppg and 5.5 apg in helping the Aces secure the 2025 WNBA crown. Additionally, Young was one of just seven players in the league to record a triple-double in 2025, and one of just three with multiple triple-dubs last season after recording her historic first on July 29 and her second on Aug. 27.
Young ranks among the top five in franchise history in numerous categories, including No. 3 for games played (243), assists (1,029), steals (271) and steals averaged (1.1 spg); No. 4 for points scored (3,412), 30-point games (5) and 10-point games (174); No. 5 for assists averaged (4.2 apg), field goal percentage (.467) and 20-point games (57); No. 6 for scoring average (14.0 ppg) and free throw percentage (.860); and No. 8 for rebounds (1,002).
Not only has Young won championships during her time with the Aces, the 27-year-old has won 176 career games, and counting, the <a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-SBnfL">most in WNBA history before turning 28</a>.
Prior to entering the league, the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Princeton, Indiana, played three seasons for Notre Dame and led the Fighting Irish to the 2018 NCAA crown. In 2019, Young was an Associated Press All-America honorable mention, All-ACC second team selection and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors. She averaged 12.4 ppg, 3.5 apg and 6.3 rpg over her three-year collegiate career.

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Las Vegas Aces Re-Sign Three-Time World Champion Jackie Young

Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.
Parker, Holdsclaw and members of the 1996 Olympic team were all in attendance Friday at halftime of the <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-uconn-south-carolina-score-dde3360dc7558a9d98b573a3d07fe500" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">UConn-South Carolina game</a> during the women’s Final Four, where the selections were announced, as was Amar’e Stoudemire and Mike D’Antoni.
They will be joined by longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coach Doc Rivers and Gonzaga coach Mark Few in the Hall of Fame.
Parker won three titles in the WNBA with three different teams: Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas. She is the only player in league history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
She also won two titles while playing in college for Tennessee under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, plus two Olympic gold medals and two WNBA MVP awards.
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Delle Donne won two league MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the second of which came when she led the Washington Mystics to their lone WNBA championship. Delle Donne became the first player in league history to shoot more than 50% from the field, 40% from behind the 3-point line and 90% from the free-throw line.
Holdsclaw won three straight titles at Tennessee from 1996-98, the first team to accomplish that. The 1998 championship was Tennessee’s first undefeated season at 39–0 and the Vols also set an NCAA record for the most wins in a season. Holdsclaw went on to have an 11-year WNBA career.
Stoudemire, who was the only NBA player in this year’s class, was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and six-time All-Star. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Phoenix Suns, where he teamed with D’Antoni.
Rivers has nearly 1,200 victories on his resume, which puts him eighth on the all-time wins list. He led the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008 and also was in charge of the Los Angeles Clippers during their Lob City era.
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Few has won more than 770 games at Gonzaga in his career at the school. He set the NCAA Division I men’s coaching record by winning 81 games in his first three years at the school.
Crawford officiated 2,561 regular-season NBA games and 50 Finals games over his 39-year career. He retired in 2016.
The enshrinement ceremony will take place in August at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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Parker, Delle Donne and Holdsclaw Set for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement

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Skylar Diggins, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jackie Young were foundational to Notre Dame&#8217;s sustained presence in the NCAA Women’s Final Four, with the trio combining for seven championship game appearances. Each player earned multiple All-American honors and were selected as top-five picks in their respective WNBA Drafts, with Diggins drafted No. 3 overall in 2013, and Young and Ogunbowale going No. 1 and No. 5 overall respectively in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Their tenures were highlighted by Ogunbowale and Young leading the Irish to the 2018 NCAA Championship title. Take a look back at Diggins, Ogunbowale, and Young&#8217;s runs at Notre Dame.
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<h2>Skylar Diggins (2009–2013)</h2>
<div id="attachment_257643" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-257643" class="wp-image-257643" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-155941194-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />Skylar Diggins #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 9, 2012</div>
Skylar Diggins’ tenure at Notre Dame was highlighted by her consistent statistical output and back-to-back conference honors. From 2010 to 2013, she was a 4x AP All-American and a 4x All-Big East selection, while also being named the Big East Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
During her postseason career, Diggins led the Fighting Irish to three consecutive Final Four appearances and two national championship games. For her performances in those rounds, she was twice named to the NCAA All-Tournament team.
Collegiate performance spotlight:
2010 Round of 32: 31 PTS, 6 AST, 7 STL
2011 Final Four:  28 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST
2012 Elite Eight: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST
2013 Sweet 16: 27 PTS, 3 REB, 9 AST
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<h2>Arike Ogunbowale (2015–2019)</h2>
<div id="attachment_257644" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-257644" class="wp-image-257644" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="664" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-300x207.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-768x531.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-1536x1062.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940812156-2048x1416.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish cuts down the net after scoring the game winning basket to defeat the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2018 NCAA Women&#8217;s National Championship</div>
Arike Ogunbowale’s collegiate career at Notre Dame included being named a 2x AP All-American and a 2x All-ACC selection. During her tenure, she led the program to back-to-back national championship game appearances in 2018 and 2019. For her performances across multiple deep postseason runs, she was also recognized as a 2x NCAA All-Tournament team member.
In 2018, Ogunbowale led the Fighting Irish to the NCAA Championship highlighted by a game-winner to capture the title, and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Collegiate performance spotlight:
2017 Sweet 16: 32 PTS, 9 REB, 4 3PM
2018 Round of 64:  30 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
2018 Sweet 16: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
2019 Sweet 16: 34 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
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<h2>Jackie Young (2016–2019)</h2>
<div id="attachment_257645" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-257645" class="wp-image-257645" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-940326782-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />Jackie Young #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates her teams lead late in the game</div>
Jackie Young’s run at Notre Dame was decorated by her versatile production across multiple categories. From 2017 to 2019, she was an AP All-American, a 2x All-ACC selection, and a member of the ACC All-Freshman Team.
In 2018, Young helped lead the program to the NCAA Championship, scoring 32 points in the Final Four matchup. During her final season in 2019, she was named the ACC Tournament MVP and became the first player in program history to record two triple-doubles in a single season before being selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft.
Collegiate performance spotlight:
2018 Round of 32: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST
2018 Final Four:  32 PTS, 11 REB, 2 3PM
2019 Round of 32: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST
2019 Elite Eight: 25 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST

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Collegiate Spotlight: University of Notre Dame

A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston cemented South Carolina as a national powerhouse, each leading the Gamecocks to an NCAA Championship and earning multiple National Player of the Year honors during their respective tenures.
As the only two players in program history to be selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft, their combined dominance in the paint redefined the standard of excellence. Take a look back at Boston and Wilson&#8217;s runs at South Carolina.
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<h2>A&#8217;ja Wilson (2014-2018)</h2>
<div id="attachment_257505" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-257505" class="wp-image-257505" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-663891584-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />A&#8217;ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks holds the NCAA trophy and celebrates with her team after winning the championship game against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs of the 2017 NCAA Women&#8217;s Final Four</div>
A’ja Wilson’s collegiate career at South Carolina was lamented with accolades, including being a 4x First Team All-SEC selection and a 3x SEC Player of the Year from 2016 to 2018. During that same period, she was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team three times and earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 and 2018.
In 2017, Wilson led the program to the NCAA Championship and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in the win over Mississippi State. By 2018, she received the Naismith College Player of the Year, the AP National Player of the Year, and the John R. Wooden Award. 
Wilson&#8217;s No. 22 jersey was subsequently retired by the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2025.
Collegiate performance spotlight:
2017 Sweet 16: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL
2017 National Championship:  23 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK
2018 Round of 32: 25 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK
2018 Sweet 16: 20 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK
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<h2>Aliyah Boston (2019-2023)</h2>
<div id="attachment_257492" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-257492" class="wp-image-257492" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/03/GettyImages-1389403314-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />Aliyah Boston #4 of the South Carolina Gamecocks holds a national champions sign after defeating the UConn Huskies 64-49 during the 2022 NCAA Women&#8217;s Basketball Tournament National Championship game</div>
Aliyah Boston’s career at South Carolina was marked by consistent statistical production and defensive output. She hit the ground running as she posted the first triple-double by a freshman in program history and the first by any NCAA Division I player in her debut with the Gamecocks in 2019.
In 2022, Boston was the recipient of the John R. Wooden Award and the AP Player of the Year award. During that same postseason, she led the program to the 2022 NCAA Championship and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after South Carolina&#8217;s win over Connecticut.
From 2020 to 2023, she was a 4x AP All-American, a 4x First-team All-SEC selection, and a 4x SEC All-Defensive Team member.
Collegiate performance spotlight:
2022 Sweet 16: 28 PTS, 22 REB, 2 AST
2022 Final Four:  23 PTS, 18 REB, 4 AST
2022 National Championship: 11 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST
2023 Elite Eight: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST

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Collegiate Spotlight: University of South Carolina

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A'ja Wilson Pours in 36 Points

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Pick	Name	Position	College/Country
16	Dyaisha Fair	Guard	Syracuse / USA
18	Kate Martin	Guard	Iowa / USA
24	Elizabeth Kitley	Center	Virgina Tech / USA
36	Angel Jackson	Center	Jackson State / USA

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