The countdown to the 2026 WNBA Draft is officially on, and this year’s class might be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With no clear-cut No. 1 overall pick, teams are entering draft night with more questions than answers.
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As the league prepares to welcome a new wave of stars, we take a full look at the confirmed prospects set to take center stage.
Which Players Are Confirmed to Attend the 2026 WNBA Draft in NYC?
Here’s the list of the confirmed top attendees:
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- Nell Angloma: Forward, BLMA (France)
- Lauren Betts: Center, UCLA
- Angela Dugalić: Forward, UCLA
- Awa Fam Thiam: Center, Valencia Basket (Spain)
- Azzi Fudd: Guard, UConn
- Gabriela Jaquez: Guard, UCLA
- Flau’jae Johnson: Guard, LSU
- Raven Johnson: Guard, South Carolina
- Gianna Kneepkens: Guard, UCLA
- Ta’Niya Latson: Guard, South Carolina
- Cotie McMahon: Forward, Ole Miss
- Olivia Miles: Guard, TCU
- Madina Okot: Center, South Carolina
- Kiki Rice: Guard, UCLA
- Marta Suárez: Forward, TCU
How Does the WNBA Decide Which Players Attend the Draft?
While many more players are eligible for the draft, only a select group gets an invitation to attend the event in person. The WNBA limits attendance to a small, elite group expected to headline the event. So how do they decide which player attends the event?
First, the WNBA prioritizes prospects projected as first-round selections, especially lottery picks. These are the players most likely to be called early during the live broadcast. So their presence is essential for the event’s flow and presentation. That’s why the WNBA typically invites 10 to 15 players to attend the draft in person.
Behind the scenes, the league also leans heavily on team feedback and scouting assessments. These evaluations come from the WNBA team executives and scouts, performance analytics and season statistics, and pre-draft events like the WNBA Draft Combine. These inputs help identify which players are not just talented but also highly sought-after across multiple teams, increasing the likelihood they’ll be selected early.
The WNBA also ensures the draft reflects its growing global reach. Top international players who meet eligibility requirements also get invites, especially if they’ve competed in FIBA tournaments or participated in development programs like Basketball Without Borders. This is why prospects like Awa Fam are part of the conversation alongside U.S. college stars.
So why the limited invite slot? Well, that’s because the WNBA draft is not just a selection process; it’s a broadcast event. Teams pick the invited players while cameras are live. And so they can easily walk the stage, meet the commissioner, and be part of that defining moment. They also participate in pre-draft media activities, including the “Orange Carpet” showcase, promotional appearances, and interviews, etc.
But before anything, a player must meet strict eligibility rules under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. U.S. players must be at least 22 years old, have graduated (or be set to graduate), or be four years removed from high school. International players, on the other hand, must be at least 20 years old. And if there are players with remaining NCAA eligibility, they must formally declare for the draft.
When and Where Is the 2026 WNBA Draft Taking Place?
The 2026 WNBA draft takes place on Monday, April 13, 2026. The draft will begin at 7:00 PM ET.
The draft will be held at The Shed in New York City’s Hudson Yards, a modern cultural venue known for hosting high-profile events.
The entire event will be broadcast live on television, with full coverage of all three rounds. In addition to the picks themselves, the broadcast typically includes player interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, analysis from basketball experts and former players, and live reactions as selections unfold.
Live coverage will air on ESPN, with pre-draft analysis on ESPN2. Fans can also stream the event on the ESPN App and espn.com, while viewers in Canada can tune in on TSN.
Written by
Edited by
Pranav Venkatesh