Monday, April 13 marked the 30th annual draft for the WNBA, and was a remarkable night to celebrate the accomplished women across college basketball and watch as they begin their professional career alongside some of the best players of this basketball era. The first pick of this year’s draft was granted to the Dallas Wings who then selected University of Connecticut senior Azzi Fudd. Fudd was certainly anticipated to get picked up early, and her being selected number one, not only sends her to Dallas but also reunites her with former college teammate and powerhouse Paige Bueckers.
While the organization is excited for their chemistry to be back on the court, fans are arguably more excited to see the pair back in action. As a result, the Dallas Wings have sold out their season ticket membership and ticket sales have soared. The ticket sales is a great thing for the Wings, but even better for the sport as a whole, rallying support for women’s basketball shortens the pay gap and shows the nation how thrilling and fun all women’s sports are and have been.
Another amazing player from this year’s draft class is headed to Washington D.C to join the Mystics and aid in a hopefully successful season. Lauren Betts is a center who began her collegiate experience at Stanford but transferred to UCLA post freshmen season. Betts, along with her other incredible teammates, ended the 2026 season as national champions. The Bruins hadn’t won since 1979 and they were ready and eager to etch their names in the trophy after a dominant win over Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks. Betts is an avid mental health advocate and encourages athletes to be kind to their mind and take mental health seriously to break down stigmas. Recruiting players like her to the next level makes a positive impact off the court as well, teaching girls that being an athlete doesn’t prevent you from being human.
Historically for the WNBA draft and for UCLA, it was the most players from a single school selected. This record was set with the six UCLA players Lauren Betts (Mystics), Gabriela Jaquez (Chicago Sky), Kiki Rice (Toronto Tempo), Angela Dugalić (Washington Mystics), Gianna Kneepkens (Connecticut Suns), and Charlisse Leger-Walker (Connecticut Suns) – 5 out of 6 of going in the first round.
For the Golden State Valkyries and the Seattle Storm it was an eventful night as well. LSU senior Flau’jae Johnson was drafted at number eight to the Valkyries, but shortly after the pick it was announced that she would be headed to Seattle and traded to the Storm. The trade was a part of a prearranged deal between the teams so that the Valkyries could acquire the rights to player Marta Suarez and a future draft pick. Seattle in the trade acquired the rights to Flau’jae Johnson, which was their motivator and initial goal.
The WNBA draft night was certainly one to be remembered, it has grown and become a staple piece of transition to the next level of a player’s career and development. Another important piece of the 2026 draft comes from the marketing moments as well, the significant increase in support from brands and commercials played during the program highlights that women’s sports are profitable. Although it may be irritating to sit through an advertisement it means that companies are finally starting to invest in the value of women’s basketball and all sports as well.
