Wings snag consecutive top picks, aiming to build another WNBA dynasty. What talent will they draft with this monumental advantage?
The Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Sunday night, winning the lottery for the second straight year and adding another major opportunity to build around an already promising young core.
Dallas entered the drawing with a league-high 42.0% chance at the top selection. The Minnesota Lynx landed the No. 2 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm at No. 3, the Washington Mystics at No. 4 and the Chicago Sky at No. 5.
While the 2026 class lacks the star power of recent drafts headlined by Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, it features a deep group of prospects who have drawn significant interest from teams across the league. Many projections entering the lottery had French forward Awa Fam as the leading candidate for the No. 1 slot, though the top of the board is expected to remain fluid in the months ahead.
Dallas now holds consecutive No. 1 picks for the first time in franchise history. The Wings selected Bueckers with the top pick in 2025, and she delivered an All-Star starter campaign as a rookie. Adding another high-end prospect this spring could accelerate the franchise’s climb back into contention.
The Lynx, selecting second, are expected to be closely evaluating UCLA center Lauren Betts, who averaged 20.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks on 64.8% shooting as a junior. A dominant interior presence, Betts has been one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country.
TCU guard Olivia Miles also sits near the top of most draft boards. She became one of the nation’s premier playmakers at Notre Dame under coach Niele Ivey before transferring, finishing her final season with the Fighting Irish at 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals on strong efficiency across all three levels.
Azzi Fudd, Flau’Jae Johnson and several international prospects round out a class expected to offer value into the middle of the first round.
The full first-round order positions Seattle with the No. 3 pick and two selections overall, while Washington owns three top-12 picks, including No. 4 and additional selections via Seattle and New York. The Chicago Sky close out the lottery at No. 5 before expansion franchises Toronto and Portland make their first-ever draft selections at Nos. 6 and 7.
Recent history has underscored the importance of capitalizing on a top pick. The last decade of No. 1 selections includes Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Rhyne Howard and Boston. Bueckers continued that trend last year with an immediate All-Star impact.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April, with additional event details to be announced later this season.