With the WNBA season winding down, the basketball community is now headed to the Unrivaled’s season 2 development.
And with the second season promising a lot of excitement ahead, fans are curious about how the Unrivaled Draft differs from the WNBA Draft.
If that is the case, let’s find out the key differences between the two drafts and what makes each of them special.
What’s Different In Unrivaled Draft Than WNBA Draft?
Unrivaled’s draft, held for the 2026 season, differs significantly from the WNBA’s annual process.
Unlike the WNBA’s single-round, 36-pick draft based on reverse standings, Unrivaled conducted a six-round draft with picks alternating among eight teams, divided into six position-based pods (guards, wings, forwards).
NEW: The full Unrivaled rosters for the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/v7qVjYfNiz
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This allowed for a balanced selection, with new teams Breeze BC and Hive BC joining the mix, while playoff teams from 2025 (Rose, Lunar Owls, Laces, Vinyl) protected two players, and non-playoff teams (Phantom, Mist) protected one.
The WNBA draft locks players into long-term rookie contracts, but Unrivaled’s approach reflects its 3×3 format and newness, prioritizing player movement over loyalty.
Interestingly, no team retained its prior roster, which is unlike the WNBA, where trades or free agency drive changes.
Additionally, Unrivaled season 2 revealed a development pool featuring Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith. Something that is absent in the WNBA’s rigid structure.
Paige Bueckers Headlines Unrivaled Draft
The Breeze BC selected Paige Bueckers No. 1 overall in Unrivaled’s draft, marking her second top pick this year after the WNBA draft.
Joining her on The Breeze are Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, Aari McDonald, Kate Martin, and Cameron Brink, the latter making her debut after a 2024 ACL recovery.
The Hive picked Kelsey Mitchell second, rounding out a roster with Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers, and Monique Billings.
The draft’s structure allowed returning teams like the Rose (Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper) and Lunar Owls (Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins) to protect key players, while new blood like Bueckers brings star power.