The WNBA is ready to welcome the young prospects with one of the deepest draft classes in league history on the doorstep to add to the talent. The Dallas Wings won the Lottery draft, but now have much analysis to do before making one of the toughest decisions for their future. But before the actual WNBA Draft, all draft prospects will be in action at the NCAA March Madness competition, aiming for the national championships.
The UConn Huskies are defending champions and had one of the top players in the draft class, while UCLA and South Carolina are top contenders for the title and have multiple players in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Check out the players in action in the coming days.
Top 2026 WNBA Draft Prospects to Watch
The conference tournaments gave a glimpse of players in action and their capabilities in knockout games. UCLA and UConn defended their championships while South Carolina lost to Texas. Coach Dawn Staley encouraged her South Carolina team, recalling its last national championship run, following a loss in the conference tournaments.
Yet individual performances that could impact and decide the championship are as follows.
Azzi Fudd, G
The Arlington-born star is a prospect for the top pick. She followed up her national championship with an unbeaten season with the program and also had a career-high season individually.
One aspect that puts every franchise on alert is the shooting guard’s ability to score from any place on the court. The fundamentally strong player is shooting 44.8% from the field and 44.6% from beyond the arc. Averaging 17.7 points per game, she even helped the side on the defensive end.
Olivia Miles, G
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Former Notre Dame star transferred to TCU to finish out her collegiate career. Miles defended her decision to transfer to TCU and, throughout the season, proved it was correct. The gifted playmaker, pulling the strings for TCU’s offence, could go as high as second overall pick with the Lynx hoping to land a playmaker alongside its strong forward lineup.
She has excellent court vision, ranks fifth in Division I assists, and averages 6.4 dimes per game. She is even leading the program in scoring with 19.6 points per game, allowing her complete control over the offence of the TCU.
Flau’jae Johnson, G
Kim Mulkey’s side might not end up in the top bracket, but the coach is happy with the guard, who will be looking to replicate her 2023 national title. In the 2025-26 season, Johnson has improved her long-range game, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc and has the ability to create her own shot.
Taking the center stage for the LSU Tigers, the player is a high-octane machine who scores in huge numbers. She is also a defensive playmaker with impressive hustle and is a stifling presence on the perimeter.
Lauren Betts, C
The UCLA Team is ready to set the record for the WNBA Draft with the maximum draft prospects entering the league. Yet all eyes are on the former Defensive Player of the Year winner, who led the mock drafts from the start.
She leads a stacked UCLA team in points (16.4) and rebounds (8.6), helping the Bruins to a 31–1 record. She is a dominant rim protector, averaging 1.9 blocks per game, and an imposing enforcer on the defensive end.
Gianna Kneepkens, G
Former Utah player increased UCLA’s chances of winning the title with her offensive game and shooting ability. Kneepkens is shooting 51.8% from the field and 44.2% from three and averages 13.4 points per game. Kneepkens can space the floor and is a potent perimeter threat, which should translate well to the WNBA. Moreover, she can play without the ball, as her movements and shooting disrupt the opposition’s defence.
Kiki Rice, G
One of the players from the current draft class is the reason for UCLA’s recent surge. Even with a number of top players around her, Rice managed to make a name for herself with her playmaking and shooting ability.
She is averaging 15.3 points and 6 rebounds per game, showing her efficiency, shooting 50.4% from the field. Strong perimeter defender took over many top guards from the opposition teams. Coach Cory lauds her ability to get the stops and set the pace for the Bruins.
Gabriela Jaquez, G
A do-it-all guard from UCLA is an interesting prospect with her versatility, and also strong offence. With a career-best number, she is averaging 13.6 points per game with 54.3% accuracy from the field and 41.1% from three. A Swiss Army knife of a guard, Jaquez is a multifaceted perimeter presence and very efficient.
Raven Johnson, G
The South Carolina Gamecocks also have many top players capable of making it into the WNBA in the first round. Coach Dawn Staley sees the guard as a winner and mentioned that ‘She makes plays, winning plays’
Apart from her offence, Johnson is one of the best defensive prospects available in the draft. Putting pressure on primary ball handlers, she can slow down the game and even disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Her vision and IQ make her an enticing prospect for any team in the league.
Ta’Niya Latson, G
Her stats saw a massive drop since the move to Columbia, averaging 14.3 points per game this season, compared to last year’s 25.2. But this is to be expected, as she is now sharing the wealth with Staley’s stacked roster. An efficient scorer and crafty ball handler is athletic and an excellent finisher.
Madina Okot, C
At 6′ 6″, Okot is an imposing presence in the paint, following the footsteps of Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson. Excelling in Okot averages 10.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks this season. The young centre likely has a high upside that will be alluring for WNBA teams.
Awa Fam, F
Among the top American prospects, one name that could change every draft board is Spanish sensation Awa Fam. The 6’4″ Center is currently playing for Valencia Basket in the EuroLeague. Known for her high basketball IQ, physical post play, and advanced playmaking for a center, she is widely considered one of the best young talents in women’s basketball.