The 2026 WNBA Draft is three days out, and amid a free agency frenzy, 15 prospects will attend the event in the Big Apple. Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, and Olivia Miles are set to make their professional orange carpet debuts, but who else will make the trek?
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
15 players have been confirmed to attend the Draft, held at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. As each player embarks on their journey beyond the collegiate level, the WNBA will gear up for another three-round draft, which includes 45 overall selections.
Included in this year’s draft are expansion teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 overall pick. While years past featured consensus No. 1 overall picks in Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Paige Bueckers (Wings), the top spot is up for grabs.
Betts, Miles, and Fudd headline the race for the No. 1 pick, but there is no clear consensus on who will be selected first. All 15 players invited to New York bring impressive and extensive resumes. The list includes international players—Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France—who participated in FIBA events.
Eight of the 15 prospects were featured in the NCAA women’s championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the UCLA Bruins. The list includes three players who participated in the Elite Eight and one in the Sweet 16.
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LSU
Flau’jae Johnson, Guard, 5’10”
Johnson has been a staple for the LSU Tigers under head coach Kim Mulkey. An NCAA Champion with LSU in 2023, Johnson led LSU to the Sweet 16, but ultimately fell short to Kara Lawson and Duke, 87-85. Johnson was a standout player in Baton Rouge, a versatile guard who can craftily get downhill.
Big 4 on the track…next stop: Draft Night
: Came Out A Beast — Flau’jae Johnson
2026 #WNBADraft presented by @StateStreetETFs pic.twitter.com/eft5r767JR
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 9, 2026
Throughout her illustrious career, she led LSU to two Elite Eight appearances and finished with 2,050 career points. A native of Georgia, Johnson is also a rapper who signed with Roc Nation entertainment company.
Ole Miss
Cotie McMahon, Forward, 6’0″
McMahon was the perfect addition to the Rebels’ roster after spending her first three years with Ohio State. It was a jump in production for McMahon, who averaged a career-high 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals her senior year.
Cotie McMahon tonight
• 24 points
• 7 rebounds
• 3 steals
• 2 assists
• 8/19 FGpic.twitter.com/I8FBYfPAhP
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) December 17, 2025
Named All-SEC First Team, McMahon led Ole Miss to the NCAA Tournament, but it was not the outcome the Rebels had hoped for. In the Round of 32, Ole Miss lost a 65-63 heartbreaker to Minnesota, which ended its season.
McMahon is a high-volume scorer who is an incredible finisher and can impact both ends of the floor. I would be genuinely surprised if McMahon isn’t drafted in the mid-to-late first round.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Ta’Niya Latson, Guard, 5’9″
A transfer from Florida State, Latson chose to play for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks for her senior season. It turns out it was a great choice as Latson led South Carolina to the title game, albeit the team came up short against Lauren Betts and UCLA.
Although a bit inconsistent in the tournament, Latson was the Sweet 16 hero with 28 points in South Carolina’s Sweet 16 victory over Oklahoma. Even better, she recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four.
Another angle was necessary. Turn me up @NiyaLatson !!!!
ABC#WFinalFour x @GamecockWBB https://t.co/VtG2II4nFh pic.twitter.com/pnuaOXQN1t
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 5, 2026
In one year with South Carolina, Latson shot a career-high 48.6 percent from the field and averaged 14.1 points and 3.1 assists.
Latson can score at a high rate, and we saw that at Florida State. Her ability to play in Staley’s system did not go unnoticed, and Latson led the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game in 2024. She’s considered one of the top shooting guards in the draft, and I don’t expect her to fall outside the top 15.
Madina Okot, Center, 6’6″
It turns out that Okot is not eligible for another year of NCAA eligibility and will turn her attention to professional endeavors at the next level.
Okot transferred to South Carolina for her senior season, which worked out well for the 6’6″ center. Starting all 36 games for Staley, Okot shot a career-best 44.8 percent from three, while recording 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks. A career 60.6 percent shooter from the floor, Okot spent two collegiate seasons with Mississippi State and South Carolina.
Madina Okot today
• 21 points
• 13 rebounds
• 2 steals
• 2 blocks
• 10/15 FG pic.twitter.com/f1ARrzG5gF
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) March 1, 2026
A native of Kenya, Okot led the Gamecocks to the national championship game and was third in the nation with 22 double-doubles. Her size, length, and ability to rebound and protect the rim make her a strong prospect, though she’s played just two seasons in the U.S. I see Okot as a late first or early second-round draft selection.
Raven Johnson, Guard, 5’9″
An Atlanta native, Johnson opted to play for Staley and the Gamecocks for her entire five-year NCAA career. She led South Carolina to three straight Final Fours, including two championships in 2022 and 2024.
Johnson helped her draft stock plenty by improving on the offensive end. The leader of the Gamecocks, Johnson, shot a career-high 48.6% from the field and 39.8% in her senior season. Moreover, she increased her PPG average to 9.9. Starting all 40 games, Johnson tallied 4.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.
5’9″ Raven Johnson face-guarding 6’2″ Sarah Strong pic.twitter.com/CaBPvZzOjT
— ESPN (@espn) April 3, 2026
Johnson is a proven winner and leader and is considered one of the most ferocious defenders in the draft. She once again led South Carolina to the championship game, though the Gamecocks fell short against UCLA.
I do believe her draft stock increased, and I don’t see Johnson falling outside the top seven.
TCU
Olivia Miles, Guard, 5’10”
Miles was expected to be selected as a top pick in last year’s WNBA Draft, but dropped a bombshell that she would depart Notre Dame and transfer to TCU for her senior season. As it turns out, it was a great decision for Miles.
In her first season with TCU, Miles led the Horned Frogs to the Elite Eight, where they lost to South Carolina, 78-52. Miles did exit the game early with an injury, but has proven herself as a top prospect in the draft.
Olivia Miles 11/5/5 in first half of TCU debut pic.twitter.com/zjIdArdVru
— Shabazz (@ShowCaseShabazz) November 6, 2025
Some outlets, such as ESPN, have Miles going as the No. 1 overall pick. While I think there’s a case for that, I’m expecting Dallas to either select a player to bolster its frontcourt or Azzi Fudd. Miles was projected to land with the Seattle Storm last year, and I don’t expect her to drop past the third pick.
Miles sustained her draft stock by averaging a career-high 19.6 points per game. Starting all 38 games, Miles tallied 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals. Miles is considered the top point guard in the draft and has elite facilitating and court vision skills.
Marta Suárez, Forward, 6’3″
Similar to Miles, Marta Suárez transferred to TCU for her senior season after playing for Tennessee and California. Together, Miles and Suárez made one of the most lethal duos in the NCAA. Suárez is a great post player at 6’3″, but can also spread the floor.
Marta Suarez is becoming a TCU legend. pic.twitter.com/IvJRgtvvNR
— Nick Girimonte (@GirimonteNicky) March 29, 2026
She recorded a career-best senior season with TCU, averaging 17.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and shot 37 percent from beyond the arc. Having led TCU to the Elite Eight, she turned heads with a 33-point performance in TCU’s Sweet 16 victory over Virginia.
Suarez certainly improved her draft stock with a career senior season. I can see her landing with Seattle or Connecticut in the first round.
UCLA Bruins
Lauren Betts, Center, 6’7″
Named MOP of the NCAA Tournament, Betts led UCLA to its first-ever NCAA championship over South Carolina. Betts transferred from Stanford and played three seasons for UCLA under head coach Cori Close.
Although this was considered a “down year,” Betts is considered the most dominant center in the draft. Depending on who Dallas signs in free agency, Betts going No. 1 overall is a viable option.
Lauren Betts comes up with the CLUTCH block on Madison Booker
UCLA leads Texas 47-44 with 18.1 left in the Women’s Final Four.pic.twitter.com/FnPleHRdPf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 4, 2026
Starting all 37 games, Betts averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.1 blocks. Posting four double-doubles in the NCAA Tournament, Betts recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds in the championship game.
Named AP All-American First Team and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Betts is an elite rebounder, rim protector, and inside scorer. Although she’s strictly an inside big (for now), Betts should be a top-three pick in the draft.
Angela Dugalić, Forward, 6’4″
UCLA has five seniors headed to draft night in New York, and Dugalić improved her stock in the tournament.
Dugalić initially transferred from Oregon after her freshman season and spent four years with UCLA. UCLA was so talented this year that Dugalić was a spark off the bench. She previously started for two consecutive seasons.
16 points
15 rebounds@UCLAWBB‘s Angela Dugalić’s double-double helped secure the top-10 win over Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/od1T2Q5lsI
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) November 11, 2025
The Illinois native shone on a loaded team, averaging a career-high 9.0 points per game. In 38 games, the 6’4″ forward tallied 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and shot a career-best 50.2 percent from the field.
Named Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year, Dugalić is a strong defensive player who can impact the box score in numerous ways. A strong rebounder, the forward tallied 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals against Duke in the Elite Eight. While there’s a possibility of her falling out of the first round, she made her mark in the tournament.
Gabriela Jaquez, Guard, 6’0″
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is guard Gabriela Jaquez. A four-year guard with UCLA, there’s no doubt that Jaquez had a career year. A bona fide starter for the last two seasons, the California native averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Starting all 38 games, she shot a career 39 percent from three and 53.9 percent from the floor.
Jaquez led UCLA to its first championship and was a top candidate to win MOP. While the award was presented to Lauren Betts, Jaquez finished with an impressive 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal against South Carolina.
Gabriela Jaquez tonight
• 25 points
• 4 rebounds
• 3 steals
• 3/3 3PM
• 10/11 FG
• 0 turnovers pic.twitter.com/HcnDwbSPwI
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 22, 2026
On the biggest stage, she shot 50 percent from three and 57.1 percent from the field with Heat star and brother in attendance, Jaime Jaquez.
Jaquez is a player who will impact the game in numerous ways, with high-energy impact. Although one game doesn’t define a player, all GMs should be focusing on Jaquez. She’s an efficient shooter who can score in a variety of ways. I could see her landing in the top 10.
Gianna Kneepkens, Guard, 6’0″
Kneepkens transferred to UCLA for her senior season after spending four years with Utah. A high-volume scorer for the Utes, her production took a hit. Nonetheless, there’s a great reason for that: UCLA’s roster was stacked.
Kneepkens joined a strong senior-led team and started all but one game. In 38 appearances, she averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. A career 43.1 percent shooter from deep, Kneepkens is considered one of my sleeper picks in the draft.
Gianna Kneepkens v SC
15 Points
4 Assist
2 Stocks pic.twitter.com/ZA8XENDotZ
— Shabazz (@ShowCaseShabazz) April 5, 2026
She led UCLA to a championship and contributed 15 points, one rebound, four assists, and one steal in the title win over South Carolina. In 26 minutes, we saw Kneepkens thrive in transition, draining 3 of 7 3-pointers. Kneepkens is a sterling sharpshooter who shot 42.9 percent from beyond the arc this season. She takes smart shots and understands her role in any situation.
I would be surprised if Kneepkens fell outside the top 10.
Kiki Rice, Guard, 5’11”
Rice looked like a pro during UCLA’s 79-51 title victory over South Carolina. Tallying 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, Rice showed the nation who she’s been. Rice is an elite defender, but has displayed so much more.
Kiki Rice v SC
10 Points
6 Rebounds
5 Assist
3 Steals pic.twitter.com/bkACMv8IZL
— Shabazz (@ShowCaseShabazz) April 5, 2026
Having spent all four years with the Bruins, Rice went out with a splash. A four-year starter, Rice delivered a career year with 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. She not only has an impressive vertical at 5’11”, but Rice shot a career-best 38.5 percent from three and 45.8 percent from the floor.
Rice can do a little bit of everything, and was a proven bucket from the charity stripe this year (90.2%). The name of the game is defense, but I do feel Rice is a solid top-five pick in my eyes.
UConn Huskies
Azzi Fudd, Guard, 5’11”
The NCAA Tournament was not kind to Fudd, who tallied just eight points against South Carolina in UConn’s Final Four loss. Fudd has been linked to the No. 1 pick for a while. However, conversations have since changed. Her ability to get open off screens and separate during the championship was a tough watch, but it doesn’t define Fudd.
Azzi. Freaking. Fudd.
31 PTS
7/12 from deep
5 REB
2 STL
2 BLK
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) November 22, 2025
Fudd led the Huskies to a 2024 NCAA title and was named the Most Outstanding Player. Named an AP All-American, Fudd is an easy top-5-6 draft pick. Even though the result wasn’t as grand, Fudd is one of the premier shooters in the draft. In her final season with UConn, she tallied a career-best 17.3 points and led the nation with 117 threes made. Fudd is a defensive-minded player who thrives off-ball with a solid point guard. Having ranked fifth in 3-point percentage (44.7%), I could see her fitting in best with the Lynx or Storm.
France
Nell Angloma, Forward, 5’11
Angloma is a 5’11” forward who’s been linked to the draft now for a while. Having recently played for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration, Angloma is a bucket-getter, but can also play some serious defense.
Nell Angloma vs. Mechelen (15/1/26)
27 PTS
12/17 FG
3 REB
2 AST
2 BLK
27 EFF pic.twitter.com/GhamDBbKJg
— Cristian (@DouBasket28) January 15, 2026
Considered a three-level scorer, Angloma averaged 15.5 points and 5.6 rebounds. She brings a ton of international experience, delivering an MVP performance at the U18 FIBA Women’s Eurobasket two years ago. She brings length for her size, which would explain the blocks that she defends with. I could see Angloma landing with the Valkyries, who are heavy on defense and global culture.
Spain
Awa Fam Thiam, Center, 6’4″
Saving the best for last, there’s talk of Fam heading to Dallas at No. 1 overall. She’s been a professional for quite some time, making her debut with Valencia Basket at just 15. At 19 years old, Fam is a young prospect, but has accomplished so much. She averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, and has the unique size and skill set.
Awa Fam’s PnR feel is already some of the best in the world.
11 PnR possessions vs. Team USA — good for over 1.0 PPP
Also, shouts to Iyana Martín. Wrap-around pass savant pic.twitter.com/UiD0iVRC09
— Hunter Cruse (@HunterCruse14) March 18, 2026
At 6’4″, Fam has length, but poses a serious threat as a big man. Not only is she a dominant force inside, but she can stretch the floor. Plus, her passing game is probably the most underrated. The Dallas Wings couldn’t go wrong by selecting a big man who has not only lateral quickness, but also excels on both ends of the court.
After watching countless films, Fam would be a great fit in Dallas or alongside Napheesa Collier and the Lynx. Especially now that Jessica Sheppard has departed, and Alanna Smith’s future is in question with Minnesota.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
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