2026 WNBA mock draft: How did March Madness impact projected picks?

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2026 WNBA mock draft: How did March Madness impact projected picks?

Jess Koffie, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, Apr 8, 2026 ·

7 min read

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The 2026 WNBA Draft is shaping up as one of the most intriguing in recent memory, blending proven NCAA stars with high-upside international talent. The NCAA Tournament this year played a pivotal role in separating first-round prospects from the rest of the class, as players who delivered in high-pressure situations saw their stock rise dramatically.

One program in particular has five prospects potentially getting picked in the first round as a result of March Madness play. With expansion teams altering the draft landscape and established franchises balancing immediate impact with long-term development, the first round features a blend of readiness and ceiling.

1. Dallas Wings : Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

Lauren Betts jumps to the top spot after a dominant March Madness run . Her national championship performance helped UCLA claim its first-ever NCAA title as she showcased elite rim protection, rebounding, and scoring efficiency in the paint. Betts has the size and skill to control the interior on both ends, giving the Wings a defensive anchor capable of impacting games immediately. Her work ethic and basketball IQ make her a low-risk, high-reward selection who could evolve into a franchise-defining center that is capable of playing successfully alongside Paige Bueckers .

2. Minnesota Lynx : Awa Fam, C, Spain

Awa Fam remains firmly entrenched near the top after an impressive showing against Team USA in Puerto Rico, showing off her rare combination of size, mobility, and versatility. Fam's ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor with developing perimeter skills makes her a modern prototype for a WNBA big. Despite being an international prospect with limited North American exposure, her potential is enormous, and Minnesota is used to taking a chance on international players. Fam can impact both ends of the court immediately while providing room to develop into a true star. The Lynx would be investing in a cornerstone piece who could redefine the Lynx's frontcourt for years to come.

3. Seattle Storm : Olivia Miles, G, TCU

Olivia Miles continues to rank as the premier point guard in this class. Miles' ability to run an offense under pressure, create scoring opportunities for teammates, and control tempo makes her invaluable. Despite the disappointing Elite Eight ousting, Miles still elevated her stock with a poised tournament performance and proved she can deliver in high-stakes moments. Miles offers stability for the Storm at the point and is a proven leader who can be the helm of a historically elite offense.

4. Washington Mystics : Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Azzi Fudd slides slightly to No. 4, but her elite scoring and shooting prowess remain unmatched. Fudd may have struggled to knock down shots toward the end of March, but she showed that her ability to space the floor and hit high-value shots makes her an immediate offensive weapon. Fudd's lackluster Final Four performance doesn't change the fact that can still create her own shot while maintaining efficiency, even under pressure. Washington would be adding a dynamic perimeter scorer capable of carrying the team in clutch situations.

5. Chicago Sky : Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Kiki Rice moves into the top five following a standout performance in UCLA's championship run. Rice is a defensive-minded guard with high basketball IQ and leadership qualities, capable of controlling both ends of the floor. She doesn't need high usage to make a difference and brings a poise rare in young players. Chicago would acquire a guard ready to contribute immediately, which the team desperately needs, and Rice would provide a strong foundation for future team-building now that Angel Reese is gone .

6. Toronto Tempo : Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

Flau'jae Johnson didn't have an ideal showing in the NCAA Tournament, but she continues to possess impressive two-way capabilities. Johnson's physicality allows her to defend multiple positions, while her scoring and playmaking make her a weapon in transition and half-court offense alike. She's a high-upside addition for Toronto, particularly valuable to an expansion team seeking immediate impact combined with long-term growth potential. Johnson's toughness and versatility make her a player capable of contributing in multiple roles.

7. Portland Fire : Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina

Raven Johnson rises in the lottery due to her defensive tenacity and floor leadership. Johnson's poise in March demonstrated her ability to control tempo, organize teammates, and limit mistakes under pressure. She provides Portland with a guard who can handle high minutes and facilitate both ends, making her an ideal pick for a team that will value her defensive identity paired with playmaking ability.

8. Golden State Valkyries : Gabriela Jaquez, F, UCLA

Gabriela Jaquez slots into the top eight after a breakout postseason performance, most notably in the national title game against South Carolina. Jaquez brings versatility and basketball IQ, able to guard multiple frontcourt positions and contribute offensively without requiring high usage. Her adaptability and on-court intelligence make her a perfect complement to other high-usage stars, giving Golden State a multi-faceted forward who can be slotted into numerous lineups.

9. Washington Mystics: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Gianna Kneepkens remains a reliable option for teams seeking an efficient offensive guard. Kneepkens' 3-point shooting touch, decision-making, and ability to fit into structured offenses make her a first-round talent despite fewer spotlight moments in the tournament. The Mystics would gain a guard capable of stretching the floor and executing in high-pressure situations, a valuable asset for depth and lineup flexibility.

10. Indiana Fever : Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

Ta'Niya Latson brings dynamic scoring ability to the Fever. Her speed, quickness, and ability to generate offense in isolation make her an immediate offensive threat. Despite a downturn in personal stats from the 2024-25 NCAA season, Latson's recent March Madness performances demonstrated that she can deliver in crunch time, a trait Indiana would rely on heavily. Her offensive toolkit gives her upside as a potential primary option in the backcourt.

11. Washington Mystics: Nell Angloma, F, France

Nell Angloma enters the first round as a long-term international project. Angloma's length, athleticism, and defensive instincts make her a compelling developmental option, and she provides positional versatility and the potential to become a two-way contributor. Washington would be adding a high-ceiling forward capable of expanding her game in the WNBA's system.

12. Connecticut Sun : Marta Suárez, F, TCU

Marta Suárez brings experience and floor-spacing ability to the first round. Suárez's versatility as a scorer and facilitator makes her a useful piece in multiple lineups. The Sun would gain a forward who can stretch defenses and provide consistent minutes while developing complementary skills for the pro game.

13. Atlanta Dream : Charlisse Leger-Walker, G, UCLA

Charlisse Leger-Walker offers reliable shooting and clutch performance, earning her a first-round role. She can play both guard spots and contribute scoring and defensive energy. Atlanta would benefit from her versatility and experience in high-stakes situations.

14. Seattle Storm: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

Madina Okot provides a strong interior presence in the late first round. Okot's size, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability make her a promising defensive anchor. Her late-season surge in 3-point shots and added postseason experience create confidence that she can contribute early while developing into a long-term frontcourt option for Seattle.

15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

Cotie McMahon closes out the first round with her scoring ability and physicality. McMahon has shown flashes of high-level shot creation and resilience, which make her an intriguing late first-round pick. Connecticut would be adding a forward with offensive upside and room to grow into a more complete professional game.

This 2026 WNBA mock draft emphasizes both immediate readiness and long-term potential. International prospects headline the top of the class, while NCAA Tournament performers are rewarded for their ability to deliver under pressure. Teams will continue to weigh versatility, defensive capacity, and playmaking alongside scoring talent, creating a first round defined by balance, upside, and positional flexibility.

Expansion teams have a particular interest in selecting high-upside guards and forwards capable of making immediate contributions, while established franchises will likely prioritize proven NCAA performers to fill specific roster roles. Overall, this draft offers a mix of polished stars and developmental players, setting the stage for an exciting influx of talent into the WNBA in 2026.

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