Here’s the latest wave of WNBA draft predictions you’re looking for, based on recent coverage up through early May 2026.
Direct answer
- Azzi Fudd and Lauren Betts are widely projected to be top picks in most current mock drafts for the 2026 WNBA Draft, with Fudd often penciled in at No. 1 for Dallas and Betts as a strong follow-up in Minnesota or nearby spots, depending on team needs and offseason moves.[1][3][9]
Key takeaways from recent coverage
- Mock drafts remain highly reactionary to offseason rosters and free-agent moves, so top spots can shift if teams reshuffle guards/centers or pursue specific positional fits. Expect late-April to mid-May updates as teams finalize pre-draft rosters.[10][1]
- While Azzi Fudd leads many first-round projections, other prospects like Olivia Miles, Lauren Betts, and Kiki Rice are consistently mentioned in the first round conversations, reflecting their strong collegiate performance and perceived pro potential.[3][9][1]
- Awa Fam and other international or non-U.S. college standouts have begun to surface in some early mock drafts, signaling a broader international-to-WNBA pipeline in 2026.[2]
Helpful context and examples
- If you want a concrete mock draft snapshot from a specific outlet, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated often publish updated versions close to the draft, sometimes with different top selections. For example, one final pre-draft mock widely circulated in 2025 had Paige Bueckers projected high but emphasized team fit considerations; similar logic applies to 2026 projections as teams address guard play and frontcourt depth.[9][2]
- ESPN’s coverage has historically tracked the lottery and coaching changes as factors that influence where players land, and their 2025–2026 previews emphasize the evolving rosters ahead of the draft.[3]
Would you like me to pull the most recent top-10 mock draft from a specific outlet (e.g., ESPN, SI, Bleacher Report) and summarize the exact picks? I can also track changes in top prospects if you’re planning around the draft date. Please tell me which outlet you prefer, and I’ll assemble a concise pick-by-pick summary with dates.[2][9][3]
Sources
I break down the latest WNBA draft odds and predictions for every pick with the latest market projections at prediction markets and full picks for the first round tonight.
www.sportsbookreview.comFour UCLA players, including Lauren Betts, are now projected first-round picks. But Spain's Awa Fam is No. 1.
www.espn.comThe WNBA draft is where the league’s future stars officially begin their pro careers. Top college talent and international prospects are selected by teams looking to reshape their rosters and build for the next season.
www.si.comThe UConn Huskies were crowned NCAA national champions in a storybook ending to Paige Bueckers' collegiate career Sunday, and the WNBA draft is less than a week away. We haven't seen a shift in the draft order since our Mock 3.0, but we do have a more complete look at the draft's overall picture: who is declaring, whose stock rose through the NCAA tournament and who the WNBA front offices might be zeroing in on. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, PG, UConn1 of 12.
bleacherreport.comAzzi Fudd and Lauren Betts look primed to go top two after roster shake-ups in Dallas and Minnesota.
www.nbcsports.comStay updated on the WNBA Draft 2025! Know the top player prospects, team selections, live coverage, and expert predictions. Don't miss the latest draft news and insights.
www.sportsdunia.com