The 2026 WNBA Draft is coming into focus, and the talent pool runs deep. From established college producers to battle-tested international players, teams are already weighing immediate impact over long-term projection. And the New York Daily has also come forth with a list of prospects.

Awa Fam - Dallas Wings Center

Awa Fam’s case for the #1 pick revolves around her stance against professional competition and not just projection. She played in Spain’s top league and produced double-digit scores. On top of that, she maintained nearly 50% field goal efficiency. 

But her adaptability game is the highlight. She has logged minutes as a screener, short-roll passer, and weak-side defender, allowing offenses to stay fluid. That positional flexibility is a major reason Dallas views her as a perfect prospect to pair with Paige Beuckers. 

Azzi Fudd - Minnesota Lynx Guard

Azzi Fudd was the reason why UConn’s offense improved significantly in 2024-2025. She shot 43.6% from deep in the previous year’s NCAA run. Right now, she’s at 50.6% in her final season in Storrs. 

Fudd's consistently offensive game helps drive her scoring efficiency. That excels her in catch-and-shoot situations and movement-based sets, traits that translate cleanly to spacing-focused systems.

Olivia Miles - Seattle Storm Guard

Olivia Miles’ statistical profile highlights her control as a great pick. She posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.44, ranking among the top guards in Power Five basketball.

In the last season, Miles averaged 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. Her ability to balance scoring with playmaking while handling extended offensive responsibility.

Lauren Betts - Washington Mystics Center

Experts believed that Lauren Betts would be the #1 pick for the mock WNBA draft. But she got outpaced by the others. Washington seemingly views Betts less as a focal scorer and more as a possession stabilizer. Her rebounding and vertical presence reduce second-chance points, an area the Mystics struggled with in recent seasons.

She played 12 games for the Bruins this season and averaged 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. No wonder the Mystics didn’t want to miss out on her. 

Flau’jae Johnson - Chicago Sky Guard

Flau’jae Johnson’s appeal lies in her physical scoring profile. She consistently finished through contact, ranking high among SEC guards in points per drive while maintaining secondary playmaking responsibilities.

Johnson’s offensive profile is defined by downhill pressure rather than perimeter volume, giving her scoring utility even on nights when outside shots are limited.

Ta’Niya Latson - Toronto Tempo Guard

Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will flip a coin for the sixth overall pick. And the Tempos have Ta’Niya Latson on their mind. She led Division I in scoring during the 2023–24 season at 25.2 points per game, the highest national average that year.

Following her transfer, she continued to post strong production in a reduced role, averaging 18.2 points per game, demonstrating sustained efficiency across different offensive structures.

Gianna Kneepkens - Portland Fire Guard

If the Fires lose the toss, they’d likely choose Gianna Kneepkens. She shot 42.3% from three and, across 13 games with UCLA, averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Kneepkens can be the perfect fit for the Portland Fire as they continue to expand into their second season. 

Cotie McMahon - Golden State Valkyries Forward

Cotie McMahon averaged 16.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while logging heavy minutes in SEC play. Her consistent scoring output across conference competition places her firmly in first-round consideration. However, she does need to work on her defensive game. 

Through her last 15 playouts, McMahon averaged 18.6 points per game. Her addition will mean the team’s rise. 

Yarden Garzon - Washington Mystics Guard

Last season, the Mystics suffered with the three-pointers, averaging only 32.9%. Yarden Garzon can be a good fit as a sharpshooter. She logged in 45.8%, 42.2%, and 40.7% (recent to oldest) through her collegiate career. 

But her time at Maryland marked a drop. Through 14 appearances, Garzon succeeded in only 39% of attempts. But that might change with the Mystics. 

Madina Okot - Indiana Fever Center

Despite having Caitlin Clark in their roster, the Indiana Fever suffered in 2025 when their opponents raised their physical defenses. Now, it’s high time they invest in a defensive player. And Madina Okot fills that gap.  

She averaged 11.2 rebounds per game in 13 appearances last season. And with 1.5 blocks per game, she might help the team achieve dominance. 

As the 2026 season approaches, the blend of youth, skill, and opportunity could make it one of the most compelling WNBA years yet.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu