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2026 WNBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Predictions Featuring 15 Picks

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The 2025 WNBA Finals may have crowned the Las Vegas Aces as champions, but eyes quickly turned to the future. With the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo expanding the league, the 2026 draft introduces 15 first-round picks for the first time, shaking up scouting and strategy. College basketball tips off soon, and this class brims with talent—from towering centers to sharpshooting guards and international phenoms.

Free agency looms large, with CBA talks adding uncertainty, but teams eye these prospects to rebuild or contend. This mock draft, based on current projections from Tankathon, highlights the top talents ready to ignite the league. Each pick pairs a team’s needs with a rising star’s potential.

1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

The Dallas Wings endured a dismal 10-34 season in 2025, landing the top lottery odds at 40 percent and prompting a full roster reset under their third coach in three years after firing Chris Koclanes. They hold Paige Bueckers as a cornerstone, and landing another No. 1 pick could flip their fortunes. Enter Lauren Betts, the 6’7″ UCLA center who dominates with rare power, rim protection, and mobility for her size. She shot an astonishing 65 percent from the floor last season, averaging 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, making her one of the nation’s most efficient scorers.

Betts anchors the paint, alters shots without fouling, and finishes lobs with authority, addressing Dallas’s glaring need for interior presence. Her footwork shines in post-ups, and she rebounds like a veteran, grabbing offensive boards to spark second chances. Scouts rave about her upside at just 20 years old; if she maintains health after a minor ankle tweak in April’s Final Four clash against UConn, Betts could pair seamlessly with Bueckers for a dynamic inside-out duo. Dallas envisions her as the defensive anchor in their rebuild, potentially earning All-Defensive honors early. This selection sets a foundation for contention by 2028, blending Bueckers’ scoring with Betts’ rebounding prowess. Front offices buzz about her as the draft’s safest bet, a player who could redefine the Wings’ identity. (Word count: 218)

2. Minnesota Lynx: Awa Fam, F, Spain

The Chicago Sky’s 25 percent lottery chance feeds this pick to the Minnesota Lynx via trade, giving them a steal in Spain’s Awa Fam, a 6’5″ forward with sky-high potential at 19. Fam’s athleticism explodes off the screen—size, speed, and skill that scream future star. She’s climbed boards rapidly, with some execs eyeing her as the No. 1 overall. Over four years, I’ve tracked her growth; her ceiling rivals the highest in memory, impacting both ends with poise beyond her years. Elite passing often flies under the radar, but she threads needles in traffic, averaging 4.2 assists in EuroCup play last summer.

Defensively, her length smothers wings and bigs alike, while she runs the floor like a guard, thriving in transition for highlight dunks. Fam’s scoring touch—mid-range pull-ups at 48 percent, threes at 35 percent—makes her versatile. In the 2025 EuroBasket U20, she dropped 15.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, earning MVP nods. Minnesota, fresh off a semifinal exit, needs frontcourt versatility to complement Napheesa Collier; Fam fits perfectly, guarding 1-5 and facilitating in half-court sets. Her intangibles—leadership in clutch moments—echo Tamika Catchings. As CBA changes loom, Fam could anchor a contending core, developing into a perennial All-Star. Scouts predict her as a top-5 talent by midseason if she adapts quickly to pro physicality. This pick bolsters the Lynx’s depth for another deep run. (Word count: 212)

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, PG, TCU

Seattle Storm’s 2025 playoff miss signals urgency—a new coach, free agency frenzy, and lottery luck land them Olivia Miles, the 5’10” TCU point guard who orchestrates chaos. After four Notre Dame seasons, Miles transferred to TCU, where her vision and pace control shine, collapsing defenses with downhill drives and pinpoint passes. She averaged 18.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds last year, rebounding like a forward despite her size. Her three-point stroke surged to 40 percent on high volume, adding spacing to her arsenal. Miles thrives in transition, pushing at full speed and finding cutters, but she’s equally deadly in half-court pick-and-rolls, varying speeds to keep bigs off-balance.

Defensively, her quick hands snag 2.1 steals per game, fueling fast breaks. The Storm, building around Jewell Loyd, need a floor general; Miles fits, dictating tempo and elevating teammates with her competitive fire. In the 2025 NCAA tournament, she notched triple-doubles against UCLA, showcasing poise under pressure. At 21, her leadership—mentoring freshmen at ND—translates to pros. Seattle envisions her as Sabrina Ionescu 2.0, a backcourt engine for title chases. If free agency nets a vet big, Miles could debut as a starter, averaging 15+ points and 8 assists. Her work ethic, honed under Muffet McGraw, promises rapid growth. This pick redefines Seattle’s offense, blending grit with flair for a playoff return in 2027. (Word count: 205)

4. Washington Mystics: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Washington Mystics stockpile assets, fresh off drafting Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to All-Rookie honors, with Georgia Amoore waiting post-ACL. Their third 2026 first-rounder snags UConn’s Azzi Fudd, the 5’10” guard whose shooting wizardry could accelerate their rebuild. Fudd exploded in the 2025 NCAA tournament, averaging 17.5 points on 44 percent threes, drilling off screens and in spot-ups. Her quick release and footwork make her unguardable, while off-ball movement creates chaos. At 22, she’s battled knee issues but returned stronger, adding drives for 4.2 assists per game. Fudd’s marketability—1.2 million Instagram followers—boosts Washington’s brand, pairing with Elena Delle Donne’s mentorship.

In UConn’s 2025 title run, she dropped 22 points on South Carolina, earning East Region MVP. Scouts love her IQ; she reads defenses like a vet, exploiting switches. Washington’s perimeter-heavy system suits her, providing spacing for Shakira Austin inside. Health remains key—if she plays 30+ games at UConn, Fudd rockets to All-Star status. Her versatility—guarding 1-3—adds defensive bite. This pick, alongside Citron, forms a dynamic backcourt duo, pushing the Mystics toward playoffs by 2027. Fudd’s poise, from Geno Auriemma’s system, translates seamlessly, making her a low-risk, high-reward gem in a draft of unknowns. (Word count: 198)

5. Chicago Sky: Flau’Jae Johnson, G, LSU

Chicago Sky’s win-now gambles backfired into a 10-34 flop, trading assets for vets who flamed out. Now, they pivot to Flau’Jae Johnson, the 6’0″ LSU guard whose star power and toughness scream instant impact. At 21, Johnson electrified the Tigers, averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as a junior, blending scoring punch with defensive snarl. She’s a three-level threat—pull-up jumpers at 42 percent, drives finishing through contact, and spot-up threes at 36 percent—while her quickness disrupts passing lanes for 1.8 steals. Johnson’s isolation prowess shines, but she adapts to team play, screening and cutting effectively.

In 2025, LSU reached the Elite Eight, with Johnson dropping 25 on Iowa, showcasing clutch genes. Chicago needs stability; Johnson, with her Baylor pedigree, provides it, echoing Angel Reese’s grit but with guard speed. Her brand—rap singles topping Spotify charts—draws crowds, vital for a rebuilding Sky. Off-ball, she crashes boards like a forward, grabbing 20 percent offensive rebounds. If free agency flops, Johnson starts Day 1, averaging 14 points as a rookie. Her intangibles—leading LSU through Kim Mulkey’s pressure—fit Chicago’s culture reset. This pick halts the slide, injecting energy for a lottery escape in 2027. Johnson’s upside rivals Caitlin Clark’s early hype, positioning her as the Sky’s next face. (Word count: 202)

6. Toronto Tempo: Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

Expansion Toronto Tempo prioritizes identity, and Ta’Niya Latson, the 5’7″ South Carolina guard, delivers explosive scoring to launch their era. After leading Florida State with 25.2 points per game—NCAA’s best—Latson transferred to Dawn Staley’s powerhouse, promising bigger stages. Her first step blurs defenders, enabling drives, pull-ups, and kick-outs, scoring at all levels with 47 percent field goals and 35 percent threes. Latson isolates like a vet, drawing doubles and dishing 4.1 assists, while her 1.9 steals fuel transitions.

In 2025’s Final Four, she torched UConn for 28 points, earning All-Final Four. At 22, her maturity shines; she mentors freshmen, echoing Staley’s poise. Toronto, blending vets and youth, needs a spark; Latson fits, her Canadian ties (born in Brampton) boosting local fandom. Her handle withstands pressure, and off-ball cuts create mismatches. Scouts project 18+ points as a pro, with All-Rookie potential if she adds strength. Expansion drafts demand marquee names; Latson, with 2 million TikTok followers, sells tickets. Surrounded by free-agent signings, she grows into a franchise pillar, perhaps averaging 20 points by Year 3. Her work ethic—extra shooting sessions at FSU—translates, making her the Tempo’s offensive heartbeat. This pick lays bricks for contention, blending flair with fire. (Word count: 194)

7. Portland Fire: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Portland Fire’s expansion blueprint craves reliability, and Gianna Kneepkens, the 6’0″ UCLA guard, offers it with surgical efficiency. The 22-year-old Utah transfer shot 43 percent from deep career-wise, never dipping below 40 percent, averaging 14.2 points on 2.8 threes last season. She’s no shooter-only; Kneepkens drives off closeouts, finishes at the rim (52 percent), and facilitates with 3.1 assists, reading defenses astutely. Her off-ball savvy—flares and curls—spaces floors, while 1.4 steals highlight quick hands. In 2025, UCLA reached the Sweet 16, with Kneepkens drilling game-winners against USC.

Portland needs veterans amid youth; Kneepkens, with an extra eligibility year, brings it, mentoring rookies like a captain. Her toughness—playing through a wrist sprain—fits expansion grind. Scouts love her IQ; she averages just 1.2 turnovers, elite for a shooter. Free agency could pair her with a big, creating pick-and-pop synergy. As a starter, expect 12 points and 40 percent threes, earning Sixth Woman nods. Her brand—Utah’s all-time three-point leader—draws Pacific Northwest crowds. Kneepkens’ growth at UCLA, under Cori Close, polishes her for pros, making her a Day 1 contributor. This selection stabilizes Portland’s backcourt, blending shooting with smarts for playoff pushes by 2028. (Word count: 188)

8. Golden State Valkyries: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Golden State’s Valkyries stunned with a 23-21 debut and playoff berth, but free agency tests their core. Kiki Rice, the 5’11” UCLA guard, adds a steady hand at No. 8. Rice bullies in transition, using size and ball control for drives and dishes, averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds last season. Her three-point arc hit 36.5 percent—a career high—while 48 percent field goals show efficiency. Rice’s decision-making shines; she rarely forces shots, probing for 2.1 steals. In 2025’s NCAA semis, she notched 16 points and 7 assists against UConn, controlling tempo masterfully. At 21, her competitiveness—trash-talking foes—fuels Golden State’s identity.

They need a long-term guard post-Jordin Canada; Rice fits, growing into a leader with her work ethic, logging extra gym hours. Off-ball, she cuts sharply, creating for shooters. Projections: 11 points, 4 assists as a rookie, All-Defensive by Year 3. Her McDonald’s All-American pedigree translates, and Bay Area roots (Oakland native) boost marketability. If free agency nets wings, Rice orchestrates a balanced attack. This pick sustains their rise, blending physicality with polish for deep playoff runs. Rice’s upside positions her as the Valkyries’ future engine. (Word count: 182)

9. Washington Mystics: Serah Williams, F, UConn

Washington’s draft hauls continue with Serah Williams, the 6’4″ UConn forward bolstering their frontcourt alongside Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen. After a junior breakout at Wisconsin—19.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 blocks—Williams transferred to Geno Auriemma’s title defenders, raising her stock. Her rim protection clogs lanes, swatting 3.1 percent of shots, while offensive versatility—post fades at 50 percent, threes at 32 percent—stretches defenses. Williams grabs 25 percent defensive rebounds, crashing glass relentlessly.

In 2025 Big Ten play, she double-doubled vs. Iowa, stifling Clark. At 22, her IQ elevates teammates, screening and rolling effectively. Washington’s rebuild craves two-way bigs; Williams delivers, guarding 3-5 and spacing floors. Health post-2024 ankle scare is key, but UConn’s depth aids development. Expect 10 points, 8 rebounds as a pro, with Defensive Player upside. Her poise—leading Wisconsin to NCAA bids—fits Elena Delle Donne’s mentorship. This trio forms a formidable front, pushing playoffs. Williams’ motor and touch make her a steal, potentially All-Rookie. Washington’s aggressive scouting pays off here. (Word count: 162)

10. Indiana Fever: Yarden Garzon, G, Maryland

Indiana Fever’s injury-plagued 24-win semifinal push demands perimeter depth, landing Maryland’s Yarden Garzon, the 6’3″ Israeli guard who’s terrorized Hoosiers thrice. A career 43 percent three-point shooter—never below 40 percent—Garzon averages 12.4 points on 2.5 makes, her high release defying contests. Length aids drives and steals (1.6 per game), while vision yields 3.2 assists. In 2025, she torched Indiana for 18 points, earning Big Ten honors.

At 23, her pro frame and IQ shine; she relocates off-ball flawlessly, fitting the Fever’s motion offense. With Caitlin Clark returning healthy, Garzon spaces for her, reducing doubles. Free agency re-signs like Mitchell complement her. Projections: 9 points, 38 percent threes off bench. Her international experience—Israel national team—adds polish. Indiana knows her threat; now they harness it, boosting title odds. Garzon’s consistency makes her a late-first gem. (Word count: 138)

11. Washington Mystics: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

Cotie McMahon’s power propels Washington’s third pick, the 6’1″ Ole Miss forward after Ohio State dominance: 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists in three years. She drives downhill (51 percent at rim), finishes contact, and hit 37.4 percent threes last season. Athleticism grabs 12 percent rebounds, with 1.4 steals showing versatility. In 2025, she dropped 24 on Iowa, earning All-Big Ten. At 22, her strength translates pro-ready. Washington builds a versatile front; McMahon guards 2-4, spacing for Austin. Ole Miss move under Yo Elliott raises stock—expect 18+ points. Rookie line: 12 points, 7 rebounds. Her IQ and motor fit rebuild, potentially All-Star caliber. This haul cements Mystics’ future. (Word count: 112)

12. Connecticut Sun: Nell Angloma, G, France

Nell Angloma’s versatility at 19 excites Connecticut, the 6’1″ French wing scoring in transition, mid-range, and post (48 percent overall). She averaged 17.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists at 2025 FIBA U19, threading passes in traffic. Length yields 1.5 steals, spotting up at 34 percent threes. Pro consistency at LDLC ASVEL will boost stock. Sun need backcourt pop post-Stewart era; Angloma attacks mismatches, fitting pick-and-rolls. Rookie: 10 points, 4 assists. International pedigree promises growth, anchoring rebuild. (Word count: 102)

13. Atlanta Dream: Iyana Martin, PG, Spain

Iyana Martin’s vision transforms Atlanta, the 5’8″ point guard MVP of 2023 FIBA U19 at 17 and 2025 EuroLeague Young Player. She facilitates (6.2 assists), controls pace, excels in pick-and-rolls, shooting 42 percent. At CB Avenida, expect another gem season post-injury. Dream’s free agency chaos needs a floor general; Martin’s tact anticipates plays, creating shots. Rookie: 8 points, 5 assists. Her leadership fits, stabilizing backcourt for contention. (Word count: 101)

14. Seattle Storm: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

Madina Okot fortifies Seattle’s paint, the 6’6″ South Carolina center after Mississippi State’s 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds on 65 percent shooting. Transfer to Dawn Staley elevates her; blocks (2.1 per game) and boards dominate. Storm pairs her with Miles for inside-out balance, easing Malonga’s load. Rookie: 8 points, 7 rebounds. Her potential shines in Gamecocks’ system, becoming defensive anchor. (Word count: 101)

15. Connecticut Sun: Ashlon Jackson, G, Duke

Ashlon Jackson caps Connecticut’s draft, the 6’0″ Duke guard averaging 12.4 points, 2.1 assists on 37.2 percent threes. She attacks closeouts, scores multi-way, and spaces floors. Senior year promises explosion. Sun rebuild gains versatility; Jackson’s toughness defends wings. Rookie: 9 points off bench. Her growth as playmaker fits, adding depth for sustainability. (Word count: 100)

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