On the heels of the biggest free agency in league history, teams continued retooling on Monday in the 2026 WNBA draft. Perennial championship contenders and franchises that have not had success in years tried to reinforce their rosters with the best young basketball talents available.
While some teams emerged as clear winners, a few made some head-scratching moves that could be costly. With 45 players to choose from, here is our verdict for teams that have accomplished their goal and teams that might have fallen short.
Dallas Wings and Seattle Storm Emerge as Clear Winners of the 2026 WNBA Draft
#1. Wings
The Dallas Wings have multiple options to choose from to open the 2026 WNBA draft. They chose to get Azzi Fudd, the draft’s best and most consistent shooter. After signing free agent power forwards Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, Wings GM Curt Miller grabbed Paige Bueckers’ former UConn teammate.
Fudd forms a mouthwatering backcourt with Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. The 23-year-old Fudd adds much-needed shooting for a team that ranked 12th in 3-point efficiency last season.
#2. Storm
The Seattle Storm lost stars Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams in free agency. Seattle began its rebuild with 6-foot-4 Spaniard Awa Fam Thiam, who most experts consider to have the highest ceiling among the prospects.
The Storm completed their impressive WNBA draft haul by trading for No. 8 pick Flau’jae Johnson for No. 16 Marta Suarez and another second-rounder in 2028.
Thiam, Johnson and Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick last year, form Seattle’s young core. If Malonga pushes for an All-Star berth, the Storm’s rebuild could be even better than anticipated.
#3. Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx took former TCU star Olivia Miles after Azzi Fudd went to Dallas. Miles joins Minnesota’s backcourt, which already has All-Star guard Courtney Williams. Miles, who can play on or off the ball, can start alongside Williams or become the backup playmaker.
Miles, arguably the best passer of the draft, will have a chance to run the offense that also features Kayla McBride and perennial MVP contender Napheesa Collier.
#4. LA Sparks
The LA Sparks didn’t have a first-round pick after sending that asset in 2024 to the Seattle Storm for the rights to draft Rickea Jackson. Still, the Sparks could call themselves lucky after Ta’Niya Latson fell to them in the second round.
Latson was predicted to be a first-rounder but was passed on by multiple teams. The Sparks eagerly took the former South Carolina star, who has become a pest on defense. Latson will boost LA’s pace, energy and rim attacks.
Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics Missed Opportunities in 2026 WNBA Draft
#1. Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries traded Flau’jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm for essentially two second-round picks (2026 and 2028). Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin added controversy to the situation by refusing to explain why she made the deal.
Nyanin emphasized in the post-draft interview that the decision had “nothing to do with Flau’jae or any specific athlete selection.” The Valkyries’ team executive said that they had been looking at Marta Suarez “for a long time” and called the former TCU star “a great fit.”
#2. Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics needed shooting ahead of the 2026 WNBA draft. By drafting Lauren Betts (No. 4), Angela Dugalic (No. 9) and Cotie McMahon (No.11), they couldn’t address that need.
The Mystics, which offered 6-foot-5 center Shakira Austin a three-year max deal, also have All-Star forward Kiki Iriafen. By adding 6-7 Betts and 6-4 Dugalic, they have an imposing frontline with not enough floor-spacing game.
Washington also grabbed 6-2 guard Cassandre Prosper (No. 19) in the 2026 WNBA draft. Prosper’s is a career 27.8% shooter from deep in college, making her addition questionable.
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