Draft 2026

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Lauren Betts Gets Drafted

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Olivia Miles Heads to Minnesota

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2026 WNBA Draft

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2026 WNBA Draft: Awa Fam Thiam

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WNBA All-Star’s First Time at WNBA Draft

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2026 Draft Recap

Which collegiate program has produced the most players drafted into the WNBA over the league’s 30 years? What about first-round picks? What about No. 1 overall picks? What about players who went on to become league MVPs? How about Finals MVPs?
If you ever see any of those trivia questions, don’t worry. We have the answers to all of them and more!
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most overall WNBA Draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-183309 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="688" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-300x215.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-768x550.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The two schools at the top of this list should come as no surprise as they have been the preeminent collegiate programs over the 30-year history of the WNBA – the University of Connecticut and the University of Tennessee each with over 45 players drafted into the WNBA.
Geno Auriemma has been at the helm at UConn for the entirety of the WNBA’s existence, beginning his tenure in 1985 and leading the Huskies to 12 NCAA championships. The Connecticut program has sent 52 players to the league and produced some of the best players in WNBA history, highlighted by No. 1 overall draft picks Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).
The late Pat Summitt led Tennessee until 2012, winning eight national championships and sending plenty of Lady Volunteers to the WNBA. Of the 46 WNBA players drafted out of Tennessee, 29 came during Summitt’s tenure, including a pair of No. 1 overall picks in Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) and Candace Parker (2008).
Below is the list of the top nine schools and one country that have sent the most players to the WNBA via the draft (excluding the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft.)
<ul>
<li>UConn: 52 players</li>
<li>Tennessee: 46 players</li>
<li>Stanford: 31 players</li>
<li>Duke: 28 players</li>
<li>Baylor: 26 players</li>
<li>Australia: 26 players</li>
<li>South Carolina: 25 players</li>
<li>LSU: 25 players</li>
<li>Notre Dame: 24 players</li>
<li>Georgia: 24 players</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most first-round draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258773" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When looking at schools that have delivered the most first-round draft picks, there&#8217;s a change from the list of most overall draft picks.
UConn, Tennessee and Stanford remain in first, second and third place, respectively. South Carolina enters the conversation after touting two players in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, bringing their total to 15 to round out the top four. Duke and Baylor are tied for fifth place with 11 players.
<ul>
<li>Connecticut: 29 players (last in 2026 – Azzi Fudd, No. 1, DAL)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 21 players (last in 2024 – Rickea Jackson, No. 4, LAS)</li>
<li>Stanford: 15 players (last in 2024 – Cameron Brink, No. 2, LAS)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 15 players (last in 2026 – Madina Okot, No. 13, ATL)</li>
<li>Duke: 11 players (last in 2018 – Lexie Brown, No. 9, CON)</li>
<li>Baylor: 11 players (last in 2022 – Queen Egbo, No. 10, IND)</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most No. 1 overall picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183311 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png" alt="Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird pictured during a WNBA All-Star game" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-768x523.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
UConn holds a commanding lead with seven first-overall picks. South Carolina joins Notre Dame, Stanford, and Tennessee, with two players going first overall and holding a four-way tie for second place.
<table style="height: 120px;width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">SCHOOL</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NO.</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NAME</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px;text-align: center">YEAR</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">TEAM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">UConn</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">7</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Sue Bird 
Diana Taurasi 
Tina Charles 
Maya Moore 
Breanna Stewart 
Paige Bueckers 
Azzi Fudd</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2002 
2004 
2010 
2011 
2016 
2025 
2026</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Phoenix 
Connecticut 
Minnesota 
Seattle 
Dallas 
Dallas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">South Carolina</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%">Aliyah Boston 
A&#8217;ja Wilson</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%">2023 
2018</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">Indiana 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Notre Dame</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Jewell Loyd 
Jackie Young</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2015 
2019</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Stanford</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Nneka Ogwumike 
Chiney Ogwumike</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2012 
2014</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Los Angeles 
Connecticut</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Tennessee</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Chamique Holdsclaw 
Candace Parker</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">1999 
2008</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Washington 
Los Angeles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools with multiple players selected in the first round</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258740" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="642" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-2048x1369.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Back to trivia time. What was the only occasion in which a school had three players taken with the first three overall picks (1-2-3) in the WNBA Draft?
The answer is the 2016 Draft when UConn teammates Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), and Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut) were the first three names called to the stage that night.
There have been four occasions in which the first two players selected came from the same school:
<ul>
<li>USC (1997): Tina Thompson (1 / Houston), Pam McGee (2 / Sacramento)</li>
<li>UConn (2002): Sue Bird (1 / Seattle), Swin Cash (2 / Detroit)</li>
<li>UConn (2016): Breanna Stewart (1 / Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (2 / San Antonio)</li>
<li>Oregon (2020): Sabrina Ionescu (1 / New York), Satou Sabally (2 / Dallas)</li>
</ul>
Just a week after winning the program&#8217;s first National Championship, UCLA made history in the 2026 WNBA Draft as the first team to have five first-round selections, and the first with six players selected in one draft. Lauren Betts (No. 4), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5) and Kiki Rice (No. 6) were taken in a three-pick run, with Gianna Kneepkens (No. 15) closing out the First Round and Charlise Leger-Walker (No. 18) rounding out the Lady Bruins&#8217; six selections in the Second Round.
In 2002, UConn produced four first-round picks when Sue Bird led four Huskies selected with the first six picks in the draft – Bird (No. 1, Seattle), Swin Cash (No. 2, Detroit), Asjha Jones (No. 4, Washington) and Tamika Williams (No. 6, Minnesota).
Seven schools and one country have seen three players selected in the first round of a single WNBA Draft. UConn and South Carolina have seen three players drafted in the first round twice.
<ul>
<li>South Carolina
<ul>
<li> (2023) Aliyah Boston (No. 1, Indiana), Laeticia Amihere (No. 8, Atlanta), Zia Cooke (No. 11, Los Angeles)</li>
<li>(2017) Alaina Coates (No. 2, Chicago), Allisha Davis (No. 4, Dallas), Kaela Davis (No. 10, Dallas)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oregon 
<ul>
<li>(2020): Sabrina Ionescu (No. 1, New York), Satou Sabally (No. 2, Dallas), Ruthy Hebard (No. 8, Chicago)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Notre Dame 
<ul>
<li>(2019): Jackie Young (No. 1, Las Vegas), Arike Ogunbowale (No. 5, Dallas), Brianna Turner (No. 11, Atlanta)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UConn:
<ul>
<li>(2018): Gabby Williams (No. 4, Chicago), Azurá Stevens (No. 6, Dallas), Kia Nurse (No. 10, New York)</li>
<li> (2016): Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tennessee 
<ul>
<li>(2012): Shekinna Stricklen (No. 2, Seattle), Glory Johnson (No. 4, Tulsa), Kelly Cain (No. 7, New York)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oklahoma 
<ul>
<li>(2002): Stacey Dales-Schuman (No. 3, Washington), LaNeishea Caufield (No. 14, Utah), Rosalind Ross (No. 16, Los Angeles)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Australia 
<ul>
<li>(2001): Lauren Jackson (No. 1, Seattle), Penny Taylor (No. 11, Cleveland), Kristen Veal (No. 13, Phoenix)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Georgia 
<ul>
<li>(2001): Kelly Miller (No. 2, Charlotte), Deanna Nolan (No. 6, Detroit), Coco Miller (No. 9, Washington)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">The NCAA Title / No. 1 WNBA Pick Double</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258772" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
With the WNBA Draft being held just days after the conclusion of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, prospects have a chance to pull off an incredible double – finish their collegiate career by winning the NCAA national championship, then begin their professional career as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
That feat has been accomplished six times in WNBA history, most recently by Paige Bueckers, who won her collegiate championship at Connecticut on April 6, 2025, and was drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings just eight days later.
<ul>
<li>Sue Bird (UConn, 2002) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
<li>Diana Taurasi (UConn, 2004) – drafted first overall by Phoenix</li>
<li>Candace Parker (Tennessee, 2008) – drafted first overall by Los Angeles</li>
<li>Tina Charles (UConn, 2010) – drafted first overall by Connecticut</li>
<li>Breanna Stewart (UConn, 2016) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
<li>Paige Bueckers (UConn, 2025) – drafted first overall by Dallas</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA league MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183314 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png" alt="three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-768x523.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
Three schools have produced multiple players to win the WNBA League Most Valuable Player honors. Connecticut leads the way with four players winning MVP, but UConn and USC are tied with 5 total MVP awards.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 5 MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 4 players, 5 MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009), Tina Charles (2012), Maya Moore (2014), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2023)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 3 MVPs – Candace Parker (2008, 2013), Tamika Catchings (2011)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 1 player, 4 MVPs &#8211; A&#8217;ja Wilson (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025)</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA Finals MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183317 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png" alt="2x WNBA Finals MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-768x512.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
USC, UConn, and Tennessee are all represented on this list of MVPs as well, but they get some company from LSU and Rutgers, who each produced a pair of Finals MVPs. USC holds the mark for the most Finals MVPs as Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000) and Lisa Leslie (2001-02) combined to win the first six in WNBA history.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 6 Finals MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000), Lisa Leslie (2001-02)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 3 players, 5 Finals MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009, 2014), Maya Moore (2013), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2020)</li>
<li>LSU: 2 players, 3 Finals MVPs – Seimone Augustus (2011), Sylvia Fowles (2015, 2017)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Tamika Catchings (2012), Candace Parker (2016)</li>
<li>Rutgers: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Cappie Pondexter (2007), Kahleah Copper (2021)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 1 player, 2 Finals MVPs – A&#8217;ja Wilson (2023, 2025)</li>
</ul>

college-draft-pick-history-2026

From College to the W: Which Schools Make History in the League?

Azzi Fudd poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Azzi Fudd

Olivia Miles poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Olivia Miles

Awa Fam Thiam poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Awa Fam Thiam

Gabriela Jaquez poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Lauren Betts

Gabriela Jaquez

Kiki Rice poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Kiki Rice

Flau'jae Johnson poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Flau'jae Johnson

Angela Dugalić poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Angela Dugalić

Raven Johnson poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Raven Johnson

Cotie McMahon pose for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Cotie McMahon

Nell Angloma poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Nell Angloma

Madina Okot poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Madina Okot

Gianna Kneepkens poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Gianna Kneepkens

Marta Suárez poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Marta Suárez

Cassandre Prosper poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Cassandre Prosper

Ta'Niya Latson poses for photos on the creative set at the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York City, NY (Photos by. Brandon Todd via Fresh Tape Media for WNBA)

Ta'Niya Latson

<div>
		<h2>Gallery Block</h2>
	</div>

photo-gallery-wnba-draft-2026-portraits

Photo Gallery: 2026 WNBA Draft Night Portraits

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.
<hr />
<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. 
<hr />
<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. 
<hr />
<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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