• Lauren Betts, a dominant center from UCLA, is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft due to her size, skill set, and rim protection abilities.
• Olivia Miles, a dynamic point guard transferring to TCU, is expected to be a lottery pick due to her scoring, passing, and ability to pressure defenses.
• The 2026 draft features a strong class of post players, wing depth, perimeter shooting, and intriguing international prospects, complicated by expansion teams and potential free agency moves.

This article offers a preliminary look at the top prospects for the 2026 WNBA draft. It considers factors such as player performance in college, transfer movements, and the evolving landscape of the WNBA with the addition of expansion teams in Toronto and Portland. The mock draft predicts the potential draft order and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect, along with their potential fit with different WNBA teams. The author emphasizes the fluidity of team needs due to expiring CBA and potential player movement.

• What: A mock draft predicting the top selections for the 2026 WNBA draft, analyzing college player performances and team needs.
• Who: Key prospects include Lauren Betts (UCLA), Olivia Miles (TCU), Azzi Fudd (UConn), Flau'jae Johnson (LSU), Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina), Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA), Awa Fam (Spain), Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), Iyana Martin (Spain), Chloe Kitts (South Carolina), Serah Williams (UConn), Madina Okot (South Carolina), Ashlon Jackson (Duke), Yarden Garzon (Maryland), and Kiki Rice (UCLA). Key WNBA teams include Golden State Valkyries, Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky, Toronto Tempo, Portland, Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, and Indiana Fever.
• When: The mock draft focuses on the 2026 WNBA draft, with analysis conducted in May 2025, prior to the start of the 2025 WNBA season.
• Where: The focus is on college players in the NCAA and international players in Europe and Spain, projecting their potential impact on WNBA teams across the United States and Canada (Toronto).

The mock draft highlights a diverse pool of talent for the 2026 WNBA draft, with a strong emphasis on post players and versatile guards. The expansion teams in Toronto and Portland add complexity to the projections, as they will be building their franchises from scratch. The potential for significant player movement due to the expiring CBA further complicates the predictions. The analysis emphasizes the importance of evaluating player skill sets, potential for development, and fit within different team systems. The increasing prevalence of the transfer portal in college basketball also adds another layer of uncertainty, as players can change teams and conferences, impacting their draft stock.

The 2026 WNBA draft is shaping up to be a crucial event for many teams, particularly the expansion franchises. With a talented pool of prospects and the potential for significant changes in the WNBA landscape, the draft could significantly impact the league's competitive balance for years to come. While these projections offer an early glimpse into potential outcomes, the actual draft order will depend on player development, team needs, and unforeseen circumstances.