WNBA Draft Sees Near-Record Viewership in 2026

The league's annual draft event draws 1.5 million viewers, up 20% from the previous year.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with the players' figures broken down into abstract shapes and forms, creating a dynamic, kinetic composition.The WNBA's rising popularity is reflected in the near-record viewership of its 2026 draft, as the league welcomes a new generation of talented players.Chicago Today

The 2026 WNBA Draft held at The Shed in New York City saw the second-highest viewership in league history, drawing 1.5 million viewers and peaking at 1.8 million. This represents a 20% increase over the previous year's draft. The draft featured the selection of top prospects like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam Thiam, Flau'jae Johnson, Lauren Betts, and Gabriela Jaquez, who will join the league as it enters its 30th season.

Why it matters

The strong viewership numbers for the WNBA Draft reflect the growing popularity of the league, which has enjoyed increased attention and success in recent years. With the arrival of a talented rookie class, two new expansion teams, and a new collective bargaining agreement, the upcoming WNBA season is poised to attract even wider audiences.

The details

ESPN delivered the second-most-watched WNBA Draft ever, with 1.5 million viewers tuning in, up 20% from the previous year. The viewership peaked at 1.8 million. Last year's draft had 1.25 million viewers, while the most-watched edition was in 2024 when 2.45 million viewers watched Caitlin Clark get selected as the top overall pick by the Indiana Fever.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday, April 15, 2026.
  • The new WNBA season is set to begin in May 2026.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A guard for the Dallas Wings.

Olivia Miles

A guard for the Minnesota Lynx.

Awa Fam Thiam

A teammate of Flau'jae Johnson on the Seattle Storm.

Flau'jae Johnson

A teammate of Awa Fam Thiam on the Seattle Storm.

Lauren Betts

A center for the Washington Mystics.

Gabriela Jaquez

A guard for the Chicago Sky.

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What’s next

The new WNBA season is set to begin in May 2026, with the arrival of the league's latest crop of talented rookies.

The takeaway

The strong viewership numbers for the WNBA Draft reflect the growing popularity of the league, which has enjoyed increased attention and success in recent years. With the arrival of a talented rookie class, two new expansion teams, and a new collective bargaining agreement, the upcoming WNBA season is poised to attract even wider audiences.