Everything is happening very fast at the moment in the WNBA. With the CBA getting delayed significantly, the entire timeline has been shortened. Recently, teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo tried their best to get some of the best picks in the expansion draft. Next up, the free agency made sure that the fans are on their feet right from the word go.
In one of the biggest shockers of the season, Angel Reese joined the Atlanta Dream after playing with the Chicago Sky for two seasons. Now, it’s time for the WNBA draft to make its mark. Already coming in with a stacked roster, there is a lingering doubt about who the number one pick will be. But with Lauren Betts making a strong case for herself, the odds are looking pretty favorable at the moment.
Will Lauren Betts Be The WNBA Overall No. 1 Draft Pick In 2026?
Betts has been in some dream form this season. After leading UCLA to its maiden NCAA championship, the likes of Barack Obama extended their congratulations to the youngster. Ending the season with averages of 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, Betts also shot 58.2% from the field. Thus, the 22-year-old could go first in the April 13 draft.
Ahead of the gala event, the UCLA star pointed out some interesting reasons why she would be an ideal pick for any team. “I don’t have control of that, but I feel like why I should join any team, I think, is because I am a competitor. You can ask anybody, I’m kind of crazy,” said Betts, per Geoff Magliochetti on X.
Lauren Betts makes her case to be No. 1: “I don't have control of that, but I feel like why I should join any team, I think, is because I am a competitor. You can ask anybody, I’m kind of crazy (laughs).”
— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) April 11, 2026
“I work really hard on both ends of the floor. I'll be a sponge. I'll…
She also pointed out that she is a hard worker who can play comfortably at both ends of the floor. Citing herself as a ‘sponge,’ Betts is eager to learn from her peers and help her team emerge as one of the best this season.
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Meanwhile, despite the self-endorsement, personalities like Sophie Cunningham believe Betts still has a lot to work on her game. And that might jeopardize her dream of getting the No. 1 spot.
Sophie Cunningham Points Out Room For Improvement For Lauren Betts
Having created quite a buzz, the 2026 NCAA champion is dreaming of becoming the first overall pick. But the Indiana Fever star dismissed that dream. In a recent episode of the ‘Show Me Something’ podcast, Cunningham stated that the 2026 NCAA Tournament MOP will need more work on her game.
“She’s dynamic, and she can shoot. She’s a smart and a team player. I also think if I were on a team that needs a big, I would get the UCLA girl, Betts. She’s big. She has a lot of potential. She needs some work, but she has a great body and a great feel for the game. She’d be good,” Cunningham said.
Sophie Cunningham reveals her top two picks in the WNBA Draft on her pod “Show Me Something” 🎙️
— E J 🏀 (@EJayArrow) March 12, 2026
“Azzi would be good… she is very dynamic, she can shoot, she’s a smart player, she’s a team player…”
“If I were on a team that needs a big, I would get the UCLA girl, [Lauren]…
Thus, with things getting interesting, all eyes will now be on April 13’s draft.