CBA done or not, the WNBA is going full steam ahead with its WNBA Draft Lottery.  Draft Lottery is basically a toss-up with the help of ping pong balls, on which team gets to pick the best talents of the next generation first. The draft lottery is extremely important and can alter franchise histories.

For example, if the Indiana Fever didn’t receive the back-to-back No. 1 picks in 2023 and 2024, they would still be in the trenches. For the  Las Vegas Aces, their trophy collection is owed to the 2018 No.1 pick A’ja Wilson. However, it’s not always the non-playoff teams that get the top picks, as trades can send them practically anywhere. Let’s look at the details regarding the upcoming WNBA 2026 Draft Lottery. 

Where and When To Watch the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery?

Date: Sunday, November 23 

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN 

Stream: ESPN App

Which Teams Are in the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery?

The worst teams from the previous season get top spots for the draft pick. However, almost the entire league would be cursing the Chicago Sky for sending a first-round pick to the Minnesota Lynx for No.7 in 2024, which turned out to be Angel Reese. However, Sky have compensated by getting Connecticut Sun’s pick in that Marina Mabrey trade last year. 

The Sparks traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Seattle Storm in exchange for Kia Nurse and the Sparks’ fourth overall 2024 WNBA draft pick (turned out to be Rickea Jackson) in January 2024.

Who Are the Top Prospects for the 2026 WNBA Draft?

The following are the current (November 9 GMT) projected top 5 2026 picks according to Tankathon:

1)Lauren Betts — C, UCLA

2024–25 stats: 20.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.7 APG,2.9 BLK, 64.9% FG 

Betts is a traditional center without a proper three-ball. However, her size (6’7) in the paint and post presence is expected to transfer to the big leagues. She is elite around the rim, with her efficiency and decision-making. However, it will be interesting to see how she develops in her senior year before becoming a top pick in 2026. 

2) Azzi Fudd — SG, UConn

2024–25 stats: 13.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 47.4% FG

Azzi Fudd is probably the most talented pick in this list, but with little proven product. She has only had one fully fit season so far. Fudd came into her own at the Title game last year and the Final Four, but WNBA teams will be monitoring her consistency this season. They will also look at whether she can handle the pressure of leading a team like UConn to a double. 

3)Olivia Miles — PG, TCU

2024–25 stats: 14.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 6.0 RPG, 46.9% FG

Olivia Miles is ready to move up this list. She starts at number three but has the potential of becoming No.1. Miles was considered the best pick apart from Paige Bueckers last year. She took the call of staying back another year and let herself grow. Another year of experience only adds to her value, but a transfer to TCU means she will start fresh. 

4) Flau’jae Johnson — SG/W, LSU

2024–25 stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 46.8% FG

Flau Jae Johnson’s mother stopped her from going pro last season because she believed her daughter needed to grow for another one. “I want you to get your weight up, I want you to get stronger,” Kia J Brooks said. Her athleticism and speed are already very valued, but if she acquires some strength, she can easily climb up this list. 

5) Ta’Niya Latson — SG/PG, South Carolina

2024–25 stats: 25.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.6 APG

Ta’Niya Latson is currently arguably the most explosive scorer in all of college basketball. Latson led the NCAA in scoring last season for Florida State and has transferred to South Carolina for this one. Under Dawn Staley, Latson has the potential to improve and compete under a brighter spotlight. 

Every WNBA Franchise’s No. 1 Overall Pick in History

Top Stories

Things Have Changed in Patrick Mahomes’ Stance on Religion & Faith, Says Chiefs Owner

Congratulations Pour In For Dak Prescott as Cowboys QB Gets Retirement News

Bo Bichette Reveals Only Team That Could Steal Him From Blue Jays Despite Vladdy Jr. Loyalty

Michael Strahan Says ‘Someone Will be Fired’ For Pulling Off FOX NFL Sunday Stunt

Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt Makes Big Call on Leaving Missouri As $3B Relocation Looms in Patrick Mahomes Era

Buccaneers Forced to Cancel Military Ceremonies & Aircraft Flyover for Patriots Game on Sunday