Historic Draft Class Signals New Era for WNBA

UCLA sets records with six players selected, including five in the first round.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the transformative energy of the 2026 WNBA Draft.The WNBA's historic 2026 draft class signals a new era of growth and investment for the women's professional basketball league.Chicago Today

The 2026 WNBA Draft was a landmark event, with the Dallas Wings selecting former University of Connecticut guard Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick. Fudd will earn $500,000 in her rookie season, nearly seven times more than the previous year's top pick. The draft also saw a record six UCLA players selected, including five in the first round. The most surprising moment came when Flau'jae Johnson, a two-time Louisiana State University All-American, was traded from the Golden State Valkyries to the Seattle Storm shortly after being drafted.

Why it matters

The historic 2026 WNBA Draft class and record rookie salaries signal a new era of growth and investment for the league. With two new expansion teams launching in 2026 and more on the way, the WNBA is poised to reach new heights in popularity and competitiveness.

The details

Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, will reunite with her girlfriend Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 pick, on the Dallas Wings. The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement raised the league salary cap to $7 million and tied future salaries directly to league revenue. UCLA set WNBA Draft records with six players selected, including five in the first round. The most surprising moment was when Flau'jae Johnson, an LSU standout, was traded from the Golden State Valkyries to the Seattle Storm shortly after being drafted.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on Monday night.
  • The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement was ratified in March 2026.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A former University of Connecticut guard who was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, reuniting her with girlfriend Paige Bueckers.

Paige Bueckers

The 2025 No. 1 overall pick and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, who will now play alongside Azzi Fudd on the Dallas Wings.

Lauren Betts

A UCLA player who was selected No. 4 overall by the Washington Mystics.

Gabriela Jaquez

The sister of Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was selected No. 5 overall by the Chicago Sky.

Flau'jae Johnson

A two-time Louisiana State University All-American and 2023 national champion, who was selected No. 8 by the Golden State Valkyries before being traded to the Seattle Storm.

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What they’re saying

“They got a good one, and they really wanted me, so I'm excited to be there.”

— Flau'jae Johnson

What’s next

The WNBA's 30th season will tip off in 2026 with two new expansion teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, joining the league.

The takeaway

The historic 2026 WNBA Draft class, record rookie salaries, and league expansion signal a new era of growth and investment for the WNBA. With rising viewership and household names entering the league, the future looks bright for women's professional basketball.