WNBA Rookies Shine on Draft Night with Elevated Fashion

Players like Azzi Fudd and Flau'jae Johnson stepped up their style game for the 2026 WNBA Draft, reflecting a growing investment in image-making throughout the league.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast satin fabric in metallic silver and gold tones, conceptually representing the glamour and self-expression of the WNBA Draft.The elevated fashion on display at the 2026 WNBA Draft reflects the league's growing investment in image-making and the players' increasing ability to build and monetize their personal brands.Chicago Today

The 2026 WNBA Draft saw players arriving in cohesive, curated outfits that marked a shift from previous years. Rookies like Azzi Fudd and Flau'jae Johnson showcased elevated, intentional self-expression through outfit changes and partnerships with major fashion brands like Coach. This evolution reflects the WNBA's growing investment in image-making and the players' increasing ability to build and monetize their personal brands.

Why it matters

Fashion has become central to the WNBA experience, with the draft and pregame tunnel fits serving as key platforms for players to showcase their identities. This shift represents a move away from past expectations that limited self-expression, giving players more freedom to present themselves on their own terms and deepen fan connections.

The details

This year's draft saw players leaning into a more elevated, intentional sense of self-expression. Outfit changes emerged as a defining trend, with Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles switching up their looks between the carpet and the ceremony. Brands like Coach have also made strategic partnerships with rookies, aligning themselves with a new generation of players and bringing credibility to the WNBA in the fashion world.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 14, 2026 in New York City.
  • Pregame tunnel fits have become a daily runway for WNBA players to showcase their identities before every game.

The players

Azzi Fudd

The UConn alum was selected first overall for the Dallas Wings. She arrived on the orange carpet in a sparkly silver dress with a peekaboo bra detail and high slit, then changed into another sequin number for the ceremony. Both looks were custom Coach.

Flau'jae Johnson

Flau'jae Johnson arrived in a black velvet dress with cutouts by Bent Kahina and a custom fur stole. She's joining the Seattle Storm.

Cotie McMahon

McMahon's maroon pinstripe suit dress, paired with a bejeweled bag and strappy black heels over a pair of tube socks, was a fan favorite. The Ole Miss alum was the 11th pick with the Washington Mystics.

Olivia Miles

Olivia Miles was selected by the Minnesota Lynx, and wore two different outfits — and hairstyles — for the occasion. The player noted her hair switch-up on Instagram, writing, 'For my fellow Black women with natural hair like mine … be you and be free.'

Kiki Rice

Kiki Rice was among the players outfitted by Coach. She became the first-ever draft selection for one of the WNBA's new expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This feels like one of the first drafts where every single person feels like they're going to the same event.”

— Shanteona Keys, sports reporter and host of the sports and pop culture podcast Genuinely Curious

“Everyone felt like they're on the same level, without sacrificing personality.”

— Shanteona Keys, sports reporter and host of the sports and pop culture podcast Genuinely Curious

“It was smart by them and very strategic. It brings credibility in both directions. It gives credibility to the WNBA in the fashion world. Then the women of the W give Coach credibility in standing behind this product that is booming and growing every day.”

— Shanteona Keys, sports reporter and host of the sports and pop culture podcast Genuinely Curious

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA season will tip off in the coming weeks, giving fans a chance to see these stylish rookies take the court and continue to showcase their personal brands through their pregame tunnel fits.

The takeaway

The elevated fashion on display at the 2026 WNBA Draft reflects the league's growing investment in image-making and the players' increasing ability to build and monetize their personal brands. This evolution represents a move away from past expectations that limited self-expression, giving players more freedom to present themselves on their own terms and deepen fan connections.