The WNBA set its 2026 season start date to May 8, while the WNBA draft will be on April 13. There are still two months for the franchises to scout, analyze, and decide their draft picks. But as soon as the Dallas Wings won the draft lottery, GM Curt Muller was on the move and even visited Spain. This started the rumor around the Valencia star Awa Fam.
Though there were no confirmations from the front office, fans and media expected coach Jose Fernandez to drop a hint about the direction the Wings are heading.
Jose Fernandez Maintains Secrecy Over Dallas Wings’ Top Pick
Fernandez might be in his first season with any WNBA franchise, but he is a seasoned coach and famous for surprising fans with his recruits. After 25 years at the University of South Florida, the 54-year-old coach knows how to handle the questions.
Recently, in an interview with WFAA, the coach faced a question about what he wanted to say to people asking who the number-one pick would be. Fernandez was quick to answer and said, “They’re going to find out in a couple of months.”
In the 2026 WNBA draft, there are multiple candidates for the top pick, including those from NCAAW and also from outside the country. Fans were excited to see Azzi Fudd’s name as the top pick, while a few analysts suggest forwards like Awa Fam or Lauren Betts will win the race.
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Though there are multiple choices for the top pick, making the decision difficult for the Wings, the franchise has one possible way out to determine its top pick.
Free Agency To Provide Clear Picture To Dallas Wings
Along with the WNBA draft, the 2026 free agency is loaded with top talent, rather experienced ones who have proved themselves on the WNBA floor. The Wings have multiple targets, which would also reveal their plan for the rookie pick.
Going ꓘƆAᗺ 2 BACK 🕺
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) November 23, 2025
The Dallas Wings have officially won the draft lottery and will pick first in the 2026 WNBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/9xnPOvqmpQ
The franchise’s interest in forwards like Azura Stevens, Alanna Smith, or Ezi Magbegor will give the UConn star an edge in the WNBA draft, while inclination towards guards like Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, or Kelsey Mitchell will give Betts or Fam a shot at top pick.
One thing is for sure, looking at the Dallas Wings’ current situation: they need to nail their 2026 top pick and free agency signings to keep Bueckers happy.