WNBA Mock Draft 1.0 2026: Where the top prospects could land originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.
As New Year’s Eve arrives, the college basketball season continues to heat up and March Madness draws closer. Women’s basketball is attracting more attention than ever and eyes are starting to turn to the future and the WNBA Draft. However, the 2026 draft remains uncertain. With a possible work stoppage looming and negotiations still far away between the WNBA and the players’ association, there is no official draft date, location, or guarantee that the 2026 season will start on time.
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In recent years, the WNBA draft has been held in April, shortly after the NCAA Final Four, giving top college players only a brief window before reporting to training camps. This year it’s different. For now, prospects wait and wonder what their professional future could look like.
Even amid the uncertainty, the Daily News released its WNBA Mock Draft 1.0, offering a first look at where top college and international players could land if the draft goes as planned.
Choice #1: Dallas Wings – Awa Fam (Spain, Center)
Holding the first pick, the Dallas Wings are expected to select Spanish center Awa Fam. After striking gold with Paige Bueckers in 2025, Dallas could add another franchise cornerstone. Fam’s size and versatility fit today’s faster, positionless WNBA style, and pairing her with Bueckers could give the Wings one of the most dangerous young duos in the league.
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Pick #2: Minnesota Lynx – Azzi Fudd (UConn, Guard)
At No. 2, the Minnesota Lynx are expected to take UConn guard Azzi Fudd. Injuries slowed Fudd earlier in her career, but she has returned to being one of the best shooters in the country. His ability to stretch the field would be a major asset to a Minnesota team already built to compete for championships.
Pick #3: Seattle Storm – Olivia Miles (TCU, Guard)
Seattle checks in at No. 3 with TCU guard Olivia Miles, one of the most complete playmakers in the class. Known for filling up the stat sheet, Miles brings scores, assists and rebounds to any lineup. She could become the face of Seattle’s backcourt under new management.
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Pick #4: Washington Mystics – Lauren Betts (UCLA, Center)
UCLA center Lauren Betts is projected to go No. 4 to the Washington Mystics. As the league continues to move toward smaller, faster lineups, Betts’ size and shot-blocking ability remain valuable. Her defensive presence alone makes her difficult to pass up.
Pick #5: Chicago Sky – Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, Guard)
Rounding out the top five, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson is expected to land with the Chicago Sky. Johnson’s speed, defense and scoring ability make him an ideal partner alongside former college teammate Angel Reese, bringing together a championship-winning duo at the next level.
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Pick #6: Toronto Tempo — Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina, Guard)
Expansion teams also play an important role in the simulation project. Toronto Tempo is expected to select South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson. Latson’s scoring ability stands out, making him a solid building block for a brand new franchise.
Pick #7: Portland Fire – Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA, Guard)
With the next expansion pick, the Portland Fire are expected to land UCLA sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens. His elite three-point shooting makes him an ideal option for a team building its identity from the ground up.
Pick #8: Golden State Valkyries – Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss, Forward)
Later in the first round, playoff teams look to add depth. Golden State is expected to sign Ole Miss forward Cotie McMahon, whose scoring and physical play could help continue the Valkyries’ early success.
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Pick #9: Washington Mystics – Yarden Garzon (Maryland, Guard)
Washington reappears later in the round, targeting Maryland guard Yarden Garzon. His shooting ability could help deal with the Mystics’ struggles beyond the arc.
Pick #10: Indiana Fever – Madina Okot (South Carolina, Center)
The Indiana Fever is expected to select South Carolina center Madina Okot. His rebounding and defensive presence could complement Indiana’s fast-paced offense.
Pick #11: Washington Mystics – Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA, Guard)
With another pick, Washington could add UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez. His size and shooting touch make him a solid option to improve floor spacing.
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Pick #12: Connecticut Sun – Iyana Martín Carrión (Spain, Guard)
The mock draft highlights international talent, with the Connecticut Sun selecting Spaniard Iyana Martín Carrión. His overseas experience could be a valuable asset to a rebuilding team.
Pick #13: Atlanta Dream – Raven Johnson (South Carolina, Guard)
The Atlanta Dream are expected to add South Carolina guard Raven Johnson, a proven winner known for her defense and high basketball IQ.
Pick #14: Seattle Storm – Serah Williams (UConn, Forward)
Seattle returns to the board late in the round with UConn forward Serah Williams. His length and interior presence could add depth to the Storm’s frontcourt.
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Pick #15: Connecticut Sun – Janiah Barker (Tennessee, Forward)
At the close of the first round, the Connecticut Sun are expected to select Tennessee forward Janiah Barker. His athleticism and scoring potential make him an interesting choice at the end of the first round.
While nothing is set in stone, the Daily News Mock Draft 1.0 offers insight into how teams can prepare for the future. Whether or not the 2026 WNBA Draft goes ahead on schedule, one thing is clear: the next generation of stars is ready and the league’s future remains bright despite the uncertainty that lies ahead.
