Las Vegas Aces Select Janiah Barker and Jordan Obi in 2026 WNBA Draft

Aces add depth and versatility with two new rookie additions

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with the players and ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of red, white, and black, conveying the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the sport.The Aces' new draft picks Janiah Barker and Jordan Obi bring a dynamic blend of size, skill, and energy to the team's championship-caliber roster.Hartford Today

The Las Vegas Aces selected 6-4 forward Janiah Barker from Tennessee with the 29th overall pick and 6-1 guard Jordan Obi from Kentucky with the 44th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Barker is an all-around scorer who will add depth to the Aces' post rotation, while Obi is a versatile guard/forward known for her high motor and hustle.

Why it matters

The Aces are looking to build on their recent WNBA championship and continue to add talented young players to complement their veteran core. Barker and Obi bring different skillsets that should help the team maintain its championship-caliber roster.

The details

Barker, a three-time USA Basketball medalist, spent her college career at Texas A&M, UCLA, and Tennessee, where she averaged 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior. Obi was an All-Ivy League selection at Penn before transferring to Kentucky for her final season, where she averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on April 13, 2026.
  • Barker and Obi were selected with the 29th and 44th overall picks, respectively.

The players

Janiah Barker

A 6-4 forward who spent her college career at Texas A&M, UCLA, and Tennessee, where she averaged 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior. Barker is a three-time USA Basketball medalist.

Jordan Obi

A 6-1 guard who was an All-Ivy League selection at Penn before transferring to Kentucky for her final season, where she averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Nikki Fargas

The president and general manager of the Las Vegas Aces.

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What they’re saying

“As a stretch four and all-around scorer, Janiah will add depth to our post rotation and her growth throughout her college career has been exciting to witness. Her work ethic and dedication to her game is the type of mindset we value at the Aces.”

— Nikki Fargas, Las Vegas Aces president and GM

“Jordan is a versatile guard/forward whose skillset can translate into the WNBA. She is a high motor player who gives maximum effort every night and sets the tone with her energy and hustle.”

— Nikki Fargas, Las Vegas Aces president and GM

What’s next

The Aces will look to integrate Barker and Obi into their roster and system during the offseason and training camp, with the goal of having them contribute to the team's championship aspirations in the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

The Aces have added two talented young players in Barker and Obi who bring different skillsets and strengths to the team. Their additions should help the Aces maintain their status as one of the WNBA's elite teams as they look to defend their championship.