It was an exciting night for basketball fans as the 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 13, in New York City. Not only were dreams made, but history too. Let’s dive into three highlights from that special night.
- Azzi Fudd Goes No. 1
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Leading up to the draft, there was anticipation for the “People’s Princess,” Azzi Fudd, to go No. 1 overall. There was also hope that she would rejoin her UConn teammate Paige Bueckers on the Dallas Wings. Fans were very pleased when their expectations were met, and their hopes turned into reality.
Fudd was the first announced on draft night. The room went crazy with cheers and flashing cameras. Everyone was excited to see her holding up her Dallas Wings jersey for the first time.
Fudd wasn’t the only one making history with her draft pick. When Fudd got drafted, she and her mom, Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd, became the second mother-daughter duo in WNBA history to both be drafted in the league. Katie was drafted in 2001 to the Sacramento Monarchs.
- UCLA Breaks Record
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UCLA had six players drafted just a week after winning the National Championship.
Lauren Betts was picked No. 4 overall by the Washington Mystics. Gabriela Jaquez was the fifth overall pick by the Chicago Sky. Being the third Bruin in a row drafted, Niki Rice was drafted No. 6 overall to the Toronto Tempo, being the extension team’s first-ever draft pick.
Angela Dugalic rounded out the top 10 for the Bruins as she was picked No. 9. She will be joining Betts on the Washington Mystics.
Gianna Knnepkens was drafted No. 15 overall to the Connecticut Sun, where she will be playing with fellow Bruin and No. 15 overall pick, Charlisse Leger-Walker.
UCLA now holds the new record of draftees in one class from the same program, which is six.
- Richest WNBA Draft Class In History
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The players of the WNBA who came before this class have fought hard for better pay. This year, these fighting women saw all their efforts come to fruition as they witnessed the richest draft class in history walk across the stage.
Last year’s No. 1 draft pick, Bueckers, was given $78,831. This year, Fudd was given $500,000 as the first draft pick.
The monetary difference doesn’t stop at No. 1. The No. 2 draft pick this year, Olivia Miles, received $466,913, while last year the No. 2 draft pick received about $75,000. As the third pick this year, Awa Fam received $436,016, while last year the No. 3 pick received about $73,000.
These salary raises are not little jumps. The WNBA is making huge improvements in its players’ finances. I am eager to see what the 2027 draft class will receive.
The 2026 WNBA Draft was historic, to say the least. I believe this draft was a testament to women’s basketball heading in the right direction. Not only is there now more hype around the sport, but more money, too. Â
Now that the draft is over, these players have already started practicing with their new teams. They have a quick turnaround from the draft to tipoff, as the 30th season opener is scheduled for Friday, May 8. Tune in.