The 2024 WNBA Draft will feature talents like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, Angel Reese, and many others. This year, even fans will attend the marquee event, a move unseen since the 2014-16 draft, which was held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The decision to bring the fans back was a no-brainer, according to WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, who said, “We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher. Last season resulted in our most-watched regular season in over two decades. Our highest total attendance in 13 years and set record figures across WNBA digital and social platforms,” during a press release.

Where and when will the WNBA draft take place?

After an iconic year for the NCAA women, who have shattered records at a pace that was never seen before, the venue for this year’s draft will be iconic too. BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), is a 160-year-old historic place in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, where Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live.

This program will have an exclusive broadcast on ESPN, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET. Notably, the countdown show will start at 7:00 p.m., and apart from cable TV, ESPN will also feature the coverage on their app. Fans are now ready to bring in the much-needed energy of the event, with approximately 1000 available tickets being sold out within 15 minutes on March 7.

There are three rounds in the draft, with 12 picks in each round, where 36 players will have their chances. Indiana Fever, for the second consecutive year, will have the first pick.  Last year, they drafted former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston. She won the WNBA Rookie of the Year, and Fever will be looking for something similar this year.

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At the moment, former Iowa Hawkeyes player Caitlin Clark might be a good pick for them.

Top WNBA draft picks

The Caitlin Clark effect is currently shining in the WNBA. Since her announcement in March, fans have been expecting her to be the #1 pick; and she could potentially be the reason for the 15-minute draft day sale. Even before her official announcement, Indiana Fever will have 36 games featured on national broadcasts, which is the most in the league, according to reporter Chloe Peterson.

ESPN has released the list of the top 5 players for the mock draft. Cameron Brink, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, is predicted to be #2 on the list, thanks to her defensive abilities and double-doubles. The LA Sparks not only have the #2 pick but also #4 (via the Seattle Storm), adding Rickea Jackson of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. She was the star of the Lady Vols for the past 2 seasons and can bring sparks to Los Angeles. 

Dallas Wings #5 will be the former UConn Huskies star, Aaliyah Edwards. She has shown versatility and efficiency, which can be hard to match by many. The Chicago Sky has the #3 draft pick and is planning to add Kamilla Cardoso. The center is expected to be the glue of this team and take them to new heights with her offensive positioning. To add more spice, Angel Reese could possibly be her new teammate in Chicago, with the #8 pick. Significantly, the former LSU forward has had her fair share of issues with the Brazilian in the past.

The WNBA season will start on May 14, and the excitement is at an all-time high. With the new season, we could see some new rivalries and a few older ones resurfacing again. Who are you rooting for in this year’s WNBA?

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