2026 WNBA Draft: Top Prospects to Watch This April

April brings big changes for Women's Professional Basketball. The league is adding the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, raising the stakes for this year’s draft class. Fans and analysts are eager to see how these new teams will shape the draft strategies of the other 13 teams.

The main focus of the draft is on the players who have stood out in college basketball over the last four years. These athletes are expected to play key roles as the league’s popularity grows. With the Dallas Wings picking first, this strong draft class means teams can find talented players even in the later rounds.

This year, scouts are looking for players who are versatile and ready to contribute right away.

The Elite Guards Leading the Board

Azzi Fudd, a standout guard from UConn, leads this year’s draft after a strong graduate season. She has bounced back from injuries and now brings excellent shooting and a 50% field goal rate. Her movement without the ball and clutch play make her the most dependable perimeter scorer available.

Next up is Olivia Miles from TCU, who many experts call a once-in-a-generation passer. She combines great court vision with style, earning comparisons to some of the best point guards in history. Some question how she’ll handle tougher pro defenders, but her confidence and leadership on offense stand out.

Power and Size in the Post

Even as the game changes, teams still want players with size. Lauren Betts from UCLA is the top post player this year. At 6-foot-7, she brings not just height but also good movement and footwork, making her a strong defender and scorer inside. While the league is moving toward more flexible lineups, stars like Brittney Griner show that having a dominant center like Betts is still very valuable.

Other notable frontcourt names include:

•Cassandre Prosper (Notre Dame): A 6-foot-2 forward who entered the draft after a strong senior season. She offers strong defense and scoring to any team’s frontcourt.

•Madina Okot (South Carolina): She stands out for her tough rebounding and efficient scoring. Her physical style makes her a force in the paint.

•Flau’jae Johnson (LSU): She’s a high-energy wing who plays strong defense and scores well on the fast break, which fits perfectly with today’s quick style of play.

The Expansion Factor

Adding Portland and Toronto to the draft makes this year’s process more interesting. Toronto has the sixth pick, and Portland picks seventh. Both teams want talented players who can adjust quickly, lead in the locker room, and help build a team identity. Because of this, we might see some surprises in the middle of the first round, with teams choosing experienced, high-character players instead of younger prospects.

This year’s draft class is deep, so even teams picking late in the first round, like the Las Vegas Aces or New York Liberty, can find valuable players for their benches. Whether teams need a defensive expert or a shooter, there are plenty of good options beyond the top picks.

The Road to Opening Night

With the draft coming up on April 13 at The Shed in New York City, excitement is growing. Players will go from the "Orange Carpet" to the court quickly, as training camps start soon after the draft. The athletes picked this month will join a league that’s more competitive than ever, where every spot and every minute on the court must be earned.

For fans in Portland, Toronto, and everywhere else, this draft marks a fresh start. The new players are more prepared, more visible, and more skilled than ever, making the 30th season one to remember.

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