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The WNBA draft is arguably the biggest moment in a player’s life. It is the start of it all. The moment where the pupa transitions into a butterfly. The dress these players wear on this day naturally etches itself in their brain and leaves a lasting impact on the fans and fellow players. So, at the WNBA 2026 draft, everyone turned up with their best looks. Here are the top 15:

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1) Flau’jae Johnson

Flau’jae Johnson showed why she was the queen of college basketball. Johnson pulled up in a velvet mermaid-style gown with a massive, flared train. She further doubled down on luxury by adding a plush black fur stole and a sequined clutch. “I feel like if you have the confidence you can pull anything off,” the LSU guard and rapper said. Now, she will get to work with the Seattle Storm and has committed to wearing some eye-catching pre-game fits as well. 

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2) Azzi Fudd

Azzi Fudd had all the eyes on her, not only because she was a top pick but also because of her custom outfit. She donned a floor-length, silver sequined gown featuring a daring thigh-high slit that gave a perfect window to her sleek black stiletto sandals. “I’m obsessed with this look,” Fudd told USA TODAY Sports. However, that was until the draft actually began, as Fudd took a step further by wearing another outfit that included a change in her nails as well. Fudd took the stage in a striking, form-fitting gown in rich brown and bronze tones. 

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3) Raven Johnson

Raven Johnson’s multi-patterned blazer was anything but basic. Johnson combined plaid, pinstripes, and star motifs to make a striking outfit.  The piece featured a mash-up of textures and prints, blending a sharp black-and-grey plaid front with pinstriped sleeves and a panel of sparkling, crystal star-studded black fabric. 

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“I feel like I’m giving Kamala Harris, if you ask me,” Johnson said. “If you need me in the White House, right here.” Well, for now, she just needs to report to the Indiana Fever House in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

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4) Kiki Rice

Kiki Rice was ready for her moment. A lace-trimmed black crop top paired with a high-waisted floor-length skirt featuring a sharp side slit quickly made her one of the best-dressed people in the room. A leather jacket draped off the shoulders added the swag, while a statement mini bag and simple heels rounded the outfit out. 

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5) Gabriela Jaquez

“This is just a dream come true. All of it,” Gabriela Jacquez said. The former UCLA star and National Championship winner was dressed up in a sleek gown. It is elevated by a thigh-high slit and a leather jacket worn off the shoulders. The accessories are intentionally kept minimal so the dress really stands out. 

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6) Awa Fam

“I saw this dress yesterday and I felt like this is the dress,” Awa Fam said. The Spanish forward did not stray far from her country’s colors, going for a bright red draped design. This look stood out with its off-the-shoulder neckline and cutout at the waist. The fitted top flows into a pleated skirt, just adding to the uniqueness. 

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7) Ta’Niya Latson

The former Gamecock was ready for the spotlight. Ta’Niya Latson turned up in a black sequined floor-length gown, which was elevated by sheer black gloves and a vintage-inspired hairstyle. With minimalist jewelry that included a simple diamond necklace and teardrop earrings, Latson absolutely destroyed the orange carpet. 

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8) Lauren Betts

“I give like business chic, New York vibes,” Lauren Betts said ahead of the draft. Come draft day, Betts absolutely followed through with her comments. She stunned in a sleek black slip dress with a slight sparkle. The figure-skimming silhouette featured delicate straps and a thigh-high slit, while minimal accessories and relaxed waves still kept it low-key. 

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9) Marta Suarez

A bright red suit with sharp tailoring coupled with a cropped blazer makes Marta Suares’s look stand out. The blazer is cinched at the waist with a black belt, while a loosely draped black tie adds a different flavor to the outfit. “I saw this moment like introducing myself,” Suarez said. “I’m passionate, I’m fiery and the red looks good on me what can I say?” 

The outfit is rounded off with pointed black heels, gold statement earrings, and sleek hair.  However, a striking part of her outfit was her Suarez purse that she herself painted. Suarez also paints her own shoes and wants to take that tradition to the WNBA. 

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10) Gianna Kneepkens

Gianna Kneepkens went for an angelic vibe for this draft. Her velvety blue halter gown featured a flattering wrap silhouette with gentle draping. A prominent ring detail at the waist along with the fluid fabric, enhanced its effortless feel. The  delicate heels and minimal jewelry make the ensemble even more polished and timeless.

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11) Cotie McMahon

Cotie McMahon arguably had the most unique dress of all. She went with a menswear-inspired burgundy pinstripe blazer worn as a mini dress. It was styled with a crisp white shirt and matching tie underneath. It was accompanied by hoop earrings, a gemstone-covered extra-large clutch, leather gloves and socks with stilettos. “I just wanted something different, wanted something unique,” She said. “I’m usually addressed girlily, but I mean. I wanted like a streetwear vibe type of thing.” 

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12) Angela Dugalic

Well, we will hear from Angela herself regarding her elegant classic black sequin gown. “My dress is Les Jeunes. I believe I’m saying that properly. My bag is Chanel,” She said. “This is my stylist’s bag, so I’m taking good care of it tonight. My shoes are Aldo. They are tall-girl friendly, which I really appreciate. I’m a size 11, so it’s not in women’s sizing, so it’s not like I’m Bigfoot. My jewelry is from different brands, not quite sure, but that’s it.” 

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13) Olivia Miles

While many went for glamour and sparkly outfits, Olivia Miles kept things rather simple. A zip-up jacket, a white button-down top and a black tie rounded out a casual but striking outfit. But the real crux came in the accessories. She wore a pair of Alexander McQueen glasses. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I needed the details,” Miles explained. “Real diamonds on the fingers. In the ears, obviously designer on the glasses.”

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14) Nell Angloma

Nell Angloma, the French forward, went for comfort combined with style. Her clean, all-white suit combined with a loose jacket  made for a polished finish. The matching heels and bag just made the white theme more prominent for one of the prominent international prospects of this class. 

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15) Cathy Engelbert

You probably did not expect the Commissioner to be on this list, but Cathy Engelbert brought her A game to the draft. Engelbert turned up in a shimmering olive green dress with a sleek, fitted silhouette. The gold sandals and the beige Coach purse are just the cherry on the cake for Cathy Engelbert. 

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Written by

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Soham Kulkarni

1,299 Articles

Soham Kulkarni is a WNBA Writer at EssentiallySports, where he focuses on data-backed reporting and performance analysis. A Sports Management graduate, he examines how spacing in efficiency zones, shot selection, and statistical shifts drive results. His work goes beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, helping readers see how underlying trends affect player efficiency and the evolving strategies of the women’s game. With a detail-oriented and analytical approach, Soham turns complex data into accessible narratives that bring clarity to the fastest-moving moments of basketball. His reporting captures not just what happened, but why it matters, showing fans how small efficiency gains, defensive structures, and tempo shifts can alter outcomes. At ES, he provides a sharper, stats-first lens on the WNBA’s present and future.

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