As New Year’s Eve arrives, the college basketball season continues to heat up and March Madness draws closer. Women’s basketball is gaining more attention than ever, and eyes are beginning to turn toward the future and the WNBA Draft. However, the 2026 draft remains uncertain. With a possible labor stoppage looming and negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ association still far apart, there is no official draft date, location, or guarantee that the 2026 season will begin on time.
In recent years, the WNBA Draft has taken place in April shortly after the NCAA Final Four, giving top college players only a brief window before reporting to training camps. This year feels different. For now, prospects are left waiting and wondering what their professional futures may look like.
Even with the uncertainty, The Daily News released its WNBA Mock Draft 1.0, offering an early look at where top college and international players could land if the draft takes place as scheduled.
No. 1 Pick: Dallas Wings — Awa Fam (Spain, Center)
Holding the No. 1 pick, the Dallas Wings are projected 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 league’s most dangerous young duos.
No. 2 Pick: Minnesota Lynx — Azzi Fudd (UConn, Guard)
At No. 2, the Minnesota Lynx are projected to take UConn guard Azzi Fudd. Injuries slowed Fudd earlier in her career, but she has bounced back as one of the best shooters in the country. Her ability to stretch the floor would be a major boost for a Minnesota team already built to compete for championships.
No. 3 Pick: Seattle Storm — Olivia Miles (TCU, Guard)
Seattle checks in at No. 3 with TCU guard Olivia Miles, one of the most complete point guards in the class. Known for stuffing the stat sheet, Miles brings scoring, passing, and rebounding to any lineup. She could become the face of Seattle’s backcourt under new leadership.
No. 4 Pick: Washington Mystics — Lauren Betts (UCLA, Center)
UCLA center Lauren Betts is projected to go No. 4 to the Washington Mystics. While 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.
No. 5 Pick: Chicago Sky — Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, Guard)
Rounding out the top five, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson is projected to land with the Chicago Sky. Johnson’s speed, defense, and scoring ability make her a strong fit alongside former college teammate Angel Reese, reuniting a championship-winning duo at the next level.
No. 6 Pick: Toronto Tempo — Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina, Guard)
Expansion teams also factor heavily into the mock draft. Toronto Tempo is projected to select South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson. Latson’s scoring ability stands out, making her a strong building block for a brand-new franchise.
No. 7 Pick: Portland Fire — Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA, Guard)
With the next expansion pick, the Portland Fire are projected to land UCLA sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens. Her elite three-point shooting makes her an ideal option for a team building its identity from the ground up.
No. 8 Pick: Golden State Valkyries — Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss, Forward)
Later in the first round, playoff teams look to add depth. Golden State is projected to take Ole Miss forward Cotie McMahon, whose scoring and physical play could help continue the Valkyries’ early success.
No. 9 Pick: Washington Mystics — Yarden Garzon (Maryland, Guard)
Washington appears again later in the round, targeting Maryland guard Yarden Garzon. Her shooting ability could help address the Mystics’ struggles from beyond the arc.
No. 10 Pick: Indiana Fever — Madina Okot (South Carolina, Center)
The Indiana Fever are projected to select South Carolina center Madina Okot. Her rebounding and defensive presence could complement Indiana’s fast-paced offense.
No. 11 Pick: Washington Mystics — Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA, Guard)
With another pick, Washington could add UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez. Her size and shooting touch make her a solid option for improving floor spacing.
No. 12 Pick: Connecticut Sun — Iyana Martín Carrión (Spain, Guard)
The mock draft highlights international talent with the Connecticut Sun selecting Spain’s Iyana Martín Carrión. Her overseas experience could be a valuable addition for a rebuilding team.
No. 13 Pick: Atlanta Dream — Raven Johnson (South Carolina, Guard)
The Atlanta Dream are projected to add South Carolina guard Raven Johnson, a proven winner known for her defense and high basketball IQ.
No. 14 Pick: Seattle Storm — Serah Williams (UConn, Forward)
Seattle returns to the board late in the round with UConn forward Serah Williams. Her length and interior presence could add depth to the Storm’s frontcourt.
No. 15 Pick: Connecticut Sun — Janiah Barker (Tennessee, Forward)
Closing out the first round, the Connecticut Sun are projected to select Tennessee forward Janiah Barker. Her athleticism and scoring upside make her a worthwhile late first-round pick.
While nothing is set in stone, The Daily News’ Mock Draft 1.0 offers a glimpse into how teams may prepare for the future. Whether or not the 2026 WNBA Draft happens on schedule, one thing is clear: the next generation of stars is ready, and the league’s future remains bright despite the uncertainty ahead.
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