With the 2026 WNBA Draft approaching and free agency set to reshape rosters, teams are evaluating how to best utilize their precious first-round selections. The Dallas Wings hold the coveted top pick, creating speculation about how they might build around emerging superstar Paige Bueckers.
The mock draft presents some unexpected twists from conventional projections, particularly regarding who many consider the top prospect in this year's class. "We're going to skew things a bit from what's expected," the analysis notes. "In fact, who many consider to be the top prospect in this year's draft class we have going at four."
At number one, the projection has Dallas selecting UConn shooting guard Azzi Fudd, creating a compelling reunion scenario. "Look, it's incredibly fun to think about a Paige Bueckers-Azzi Fudd UConn reunion in Dallas," the analysis states. "Those two were electric together in Storrs, and Dallas might not want to wait on potential-laden center Awa Fam to develop."
The rationale emphasizes immediate championship contention: "The Wings might want to pry as much of a title window open as possible with Bueckers on her rookie deal. Fudd is the most sensible fit in that regard. She's already has experience with Dallas' best player, and she's got the mileage you want out of your top draft pick."
Minnesota holds the second selection and is projected to take UCLA center Lauren Betts. The Lynx's championship-contender status influences this choice: "The Lynx are bona fide WNBA championship contenders; that might make them a bit hesitant to burn such a high draft pick on Fam, even if she really is that talented. Betts might not quite have Fam's ceiling, but she has a much higher floor right now."
Seattle at number three is projected to select TCU point guard Olivia Miles, who skipped last year's draft. "Miles skipped out on last year's WNBA Draft and will benefit from a bigger rookie deal with the new CBA," the analysis notes. The Storm's veteran guard situation makes this a logical fit: "Seattle also has all of its veteran guards entering free agency this week with no guarantees any of them will return."
The biggest surprise comes at number four, where Washington could land Spanish center Awa Fam, who many consider the draft's top talent. "In this mock draft, Washington is the big winner in the Fam sweepstakes," the projection states. "The Mystics have an exciting young core that Fam could elevate, even if she doesn't play in the WNBA this season."
Chicago rounds out the top five with LSU shooting guard Flau'jae Johnson, adding backcourt talent to their rebuilding roster.
While acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of mock drafts—"these mock drafts always age like stale bread"—the projection provides a framework for how teams might approach balancing immediate needs against long-term potential. The actual draft order will be shaped by free agency movements and team strategies that unfold in the coming weeks.
