2026 WNBA Draft Set: Expansion Teams Lock In Early Picks as College Stars Eye First Round

Draft Order Finalized

A coin flip between the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo has solidified the 2026 WNBA Draft order. The Tempo will select sixth overall, with the Fire immediately after at seventh. The full slate will be announced on April 13.

Expansion Teams Take Shape

Both newcomers have used the expansion draft to build rosters, but the lottery positions give them a rare early‑round foothold. Analysts see the Fire and Tempo as potential swing teams in a league reshaping around new markets.

College Standouts Projected for the First Round

Mock drafts from CBS Sports and Sporting News highlight eight prospects from South Carolina and UCLA poised to go in the first round. UConn guard Azzi Fudd is the consensus top pick, with Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Olivia Miles also drawing high praise after stellar NCAA tournament runs.

Timeline to the Draft

The draft is eight days away, giving teams a narrow window to finalize trades and evaluate the health of key players. As the countdown continues, fans watch closely to see how the expansion teams will leverage their lottery positions and which college stars will break into the professional ranks.