Rashard Hall's 2026 WNBA Mock Draft 1.0

With the WNBA season a quarter of the way done, we take a look at who is primed to take advantage of the next generation of stars entering the league with our first mock draft of the year.

The 2026 WNBA Draft may be a year away, but it’s never too early to look ahead. With a talented pool of returning stars, high-profile transfers, and breakout candidates, next year’s draft class is already shaping up to be loaded with intrigue and potential.

To determine the draft order, I used the latest Tankathon projections — factoring in current team trajectories, league standings, and any guaranteed picks resulting from past trades. This mock draft combines a mix of team needs, upside, and pure fit based on where rosters currently stand.

Let’s get into it.

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1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts
   UCLA | Center | 6-foot-7 | Senior

Lauren Betts would be a top-tier option in the 2026 WNBA Draft if her trajectory continues. She was a National Player of the Year candidate last season, averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.7 assists per game on an ultra-efficient 64.8% shooting from the field. Skilled, high-IQ centers like Betts are rare in the draft pool, and she could be exactly what the Dallas Wings need to complement a core that already includes Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, and NaLyssa Smith.

2. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles
   TCU | Point Guard | 5-foot-10 | Redshirt Senior

Olivia Miles surprised many by forgoing the 2025 WNBA Draft — and stunned even more by transferring from Notre Dame to TCU. As I said last season, Miles is one of the most complete players in college basketball, if not the most. She averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game and now aims to lead a reemerging TCU program. Arguably the most impactful floor general in the country, Miles brings the kind of poise and playmaking Seattle could thrive with — especially alongside Dominique Malonga.

3. Minnesota Lynx: Azzi Fudd
   UConn | Shooting Guard | 5-foot-11 | Redshirt Senior

Azzi Fudd finally put together a full season, averaging 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting an impressive 47.4% from the field and 43.6% from three. While the season averages might not fully capture her impact, Fudd delivered in big moments and earned Most Outstanding Player honors during the Final Four. Minnesota could use more backcourt scoring and perimeter shooting to complement their versatile frontcourt, and Fudd fits that mold — if she can string together another healthy, productive season.

4. Washington Mystics: Ta’Niya Latson
   South Carolina | Guard | 5-foot-8 | Senior

Ta’Niya Latson is bringing her talents to South Carolina for her final season of college basketball, aiming to close out her career on a high note. She led the nation in scoring last season, averaging 25.2 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. A dynamic scorer and skilled playmaker, Latson adds instant offense wherever she goes.

The Washington Mystics are in the midst of a rebuild, and adding Latson to a young core of Georgia Amoore, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Aaliyah Edwards would be a major step toward reshaping the franchise with firepower, versatility, and long-term upside.