WNBA Mock Draft 2026: Top 5 Picks That Might Transform The League

As the CBA is now resolved after a long turmoil for seventeen months, things are picking up pace in the WNBA. With the WNBA draft just around the corner, the calculations have already started. This year, the stakes are as high as ever. With the NCAA season turning out to be a banger, the draft is stacked with some special talents. 

For example, all eyes will be on Azzi Fudd. Fudd recently landed herself on the Self Magazine cover. But this was preceded by a stellar season that saw UConn finish undefeated in the regular season. Next up, names like Awa Fam, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Lauren Betts, too, are waiting to take the WNBA by storm. After all, we have all seen how the previous couple of years’ overall top picks (Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers) turned out to be. And this year, with two new expansion teams coming in, the upcoming draft will be an interesting affair. 

Here are the top 5 mock draft picks that might change the overall WNBA situation. 

5. Flau’Jae Johnson (Toronto Tempo)

The Toronto Tempo will be eager to land some impressive picks this year. Playing as an expansion team, Toronto would want to hit the right notes right from the word go. Having already had a superb expansion draft, Tempo has landed the likes of Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, and Julie Allemand. Now, to top it off, they would want to pick at least one big name from the WNBA draft. 

And for them, there can be no better pick than Johnson. Playing in her senior year, the LSU guard had a stellar season. Averaging roughly 14 points per game, she also had a 45% field goal percentage in her senior season. Her explosive nature of play will help the Tempo rush ahead. On the contrary, Johnson can also offer some significant defensive intensity. 

4. Kiki Rice (Chicago Sky)

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The UCLA Bruins have been one of the top teams feeding the WNBA with some incredible talents. And this year, Rice has emerged as one more addition to UCLA’s bejeweled pool of talents. Having displayed some elite playmaking, Rice has even outshone names like Lauren Betts this year. 

Touted as a top guard in this year’s WNBA draft, the Chicago Sky will be glad if they can land her next. 

With Angel Reese now gone, Sky badly needs an alternative name around whom the roster can pivot. And Rice might be the best choice for Chicago. 

3. Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics)

Betts was once touted as the probable overall 1st draft pick this year. Playing for the Bruins, Betts led the way and even helped her team to clinch its first NCAA National Championship game. Her stellar showing also garnered praise from former US President Barack Obama. 

The Mystics have already shown a lot of promise last year. And as Betts can manage both ends of the floor, the roster will surely get a significant boost. Missing out despite having a solid performance, Washington can now dream about chasing the championship this time. 

2. Azzi Fudd (Seattle Storm)

Out of all the big names, perhaps the biggest interest is surrounding Fudd. And one of the popular narratives around her is that she will be teaming up with Paige Bueckers. Now, on paper, this matchup sounds like a dream. But in reality, the Dallas Wings front office has not shown much interest in the idea. 

Jose Fernandez, too, might not have plans to rope in Bueckers’ former UCLA teammate. However, while Dallas might change its mind, Fudd’s inclusion in the Storm will be a significant addition. With Gabby Williams already having an impressive season last year, pairing her up with Fudd will be a great idea. Having an elite shooting coupled with swift pacing and off-the-ball movement, Storm’s stakes will surely rise significantly.

1. Olivia Miles (Dallas Wings)

TCU might have failed to clinch the title this year. But one thing they won’t regret is how Miles has been impressing everyone this year. Following an incredible postseason, Miles’ triple-doubles and offensive prowess could become an asset for the Wings. And when coupled with Bueckers, Dallas might as well have the most menacing duo of this year’s WNBA.