There has been a bit of a shift in the conversation around the WNBA’s No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft in recent weeks. This shows that it’s still fluid, and with the WNBA Draft just months away, there’s still plenty of time for things to continue to change. Still, the time right after the draft lottery is a fun time to try to gauge what teams may be looking for in these picks.
This year is of course unique, given the fact that there is a Negotiation of the collective agreement event. This caused a massive influx of WNBA free agents, as many players decided to let their own CBA contracts expire. Because of this, there is no way to get a clear picture of what teams will look like in the draft. This means that for now, much of the project and simulations are speculative.
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Still, it’s an interesting time to look at mock drafts, so let’s take a look and see which player these mock drafts have as the No. 1 pick:
Azzi Fudd, guard – UConn
When Azzi Fudd was deciding whether to enter last year’s WNBA draft or stay at UConn for one final season, her coach, Geno Auriemma, gave her some words of wisdom. According to Auriemma in an interview he did recentlyFudd had only had about five games — in the four years she was at UConn — where she played to the best of her abilities. Due to her numerous injuries and recovery periods, Fudd had not yet had time to show WNBA front offices what she was truly capable of, and Auriemma believed Fudd still had a lot to show. This is one of the main reasons she returned to college this season.
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It’s already paying off, as Azzi has averaged 21 points per game for UConn in the six games they’ve played so far this season. That’s six points higher than her previous highest average, when she scored 15.1 points per game in her sophomore season, playing in just 15 games that year. She also shoots an impressive 54.8 percent from three-point range, showcasing the high-level shooting ability that made her the No. 1 recruit in her high school class. Fudd also shows off her impressive skills as a two-way player, averaging 2.2 steals per game so far this year.
If Fudd had declared last season, she would have fallen late in the first round of the draft. She is now in the running to be drafted first overall this season. The key to his continued dominance is staying healthy.
Awa Fam, Center — Valencia, Spain
For the second year in a row, an international prospect is in the running to become a top draft pick in the WNBA. Dominique Malonga impressed WNBA teams last year out of France and ended up going No. 2 overall to Seattle. Now, Spaniard Awa Fam will likely be one of the top three picks in this year’s draft.
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At just 19 years old, Fam is able to enter the WNBA draft as a younger player due to the league’s current rules regarding international draft prospects. Since she plays in the Spanish professional league for Valencia, she can declare to play in the WNBA at 19, and does not need to go through the NCAA. She plans to come play for the team that recruits her for the 2026 WNBA season.
Fam’s biggest advantage is her professional experience, as she is now in her fourth year playing for a big Valencia team and among other professional basketball players. She often plays with or against WNBA players during the offseason, and those reps are something her college peers simply don’t have. She is moldable, athletic and provides insight into her ability to become an elite, versatile post player.
Lauren Betts, Center — UCLA
Lauren Betts was running the simulations around the league until a few weeks ago. With scouts starting to really break down Fam’s game, and Fudd’s terrific start to the season, Betts has slipped a bit. His UCLA team is ranked No. 3 right now, but a loss to No. 4 Texas on Wednesday will cause that ranking to drop on Monday. Betts only scored 8 points in that loss, but still shot 50% from the field. That doesn’t seem like much on her, let alone the fact that her team isn’t giving her enough touches. With Fam’s potential and Fudd finally playing his best basketball, Betts may not be the consensus No. 1 prospect.
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Betts has some incredible upside in his overall draft profile, the first being his size. At 6-foot-7, Betts will automatically become one of the tallest centers in the WNBA, creating defensive challenges for opponents. His footwork and efficiency under the basket give opponents a tough challenge when trying to stop him, and his rim protection is superb. Betts also has a unique feel for passing her post, able to help her teammates when she can’t get her own shot off.
She’s not completely immune to defenses hitting her with intense double teams of quick defenders who can sneak up on Betts while she tries to get into rhythm. She’s also a more traditional player in a game that’s moving in a more non-traditional direction for its post-players. Even though the team that ends up getting Betts will love his skills and abilities, it could end up meaning they give up the top two spots in the draft.
