Top WNBA Draft Prospects to Watch in March Madness 2026

A look at the NCAA stars who could be playing in the WNBA this summer

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:39pm

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With the NCAA women's basketball tournament underway, we've highlighted the top WNBA draft prospects to watch as they compete for a national championship. This list includes stars from powerhouse programs like UConn, South Carolina, and UCLA who are expected to be high draft picks, as well as some rising talents who could boost their stock with strong tournament performances.

Why it matters

The NCAA tournament is a prime showcase for the next generation of WNBA talent. Scouts and general managers will be closely watching these prospects to evaluate their skills and potential fit with WNBA teams, especially with the league set to expand to 16 teams in the coming years.

The details

The list includes UConn's Azzi Fudd, South Carolina's Raven Johnson, LSU's Flau'jae Johnson, Ole Miss' Cotie McMahon, TCU's Olivia Miles, and a trio of standouts from UCLA in Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice. While this is not a mock draft, as the WNBA draft order is still uncertain, these players are expected to be among the top selections whenever they decide to turn pro.

  • The NCAA women's basketball tournament is currently underway, with the Final Four scheduled for April 4-6, 2026.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, one week after the NCAA title game.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A star guard for the UConn Huskies, Fudd is averaging 17.7 points per game and has helped lead the defending champions to an undefeated season. Her scoring ability and leadership have made her a top WNBA prospect.

Raven Johnson

The South Carolina Gamecocks' point guard has been to the Final Four in every season of her college career, winning two national titles. She is a strong defender and facilitator, averaging 10 points and 5.4 assists per game.

Flau'jae Johnson

The LSU Tigers' versatile forward is known for her high-energy play on both ends of the floor. She is scoring 13.8 points per game this season while also showcasing her ability to create for her teammates.

Cotie McMahon

After transferring from Ohio State, the Ole Miss forward has seen a significant jump in her scoring, going from 16.5 points per game to 19.9 this season. Her physical, inside-out game has made her an intriguing WNBA prospect.

Olivia Miles

The TCU guard opted to return to college after being eligible for the WNBA draft last year, and her decision has paid off. She's averaging 19.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, showcasing her all-around skills.

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What they’re saying

“Azzi Fudd has shown she is ready for the spotlight of the WNBA and that she can play well with pretty much anyone.”

— Maggie Hendricks, Author (yahoo.com)

“Though she adds to her team's offense, putting up 10 points and 5.4 assists per game, defense is where Raven Johnson really shines.”

— Maggie Hendricks, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The NCAA tournament will continue with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds, leading up to the Final Four on April 4-6, 2026. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, one week after the NCAA championship game.

The takeaway

This year's NCAA tournament features a deep pool of talented WNBA prospects, from established stars like Azzi Fudd and Raven Johnson to rising talents like Flau'jae Johnson and Cotie McMahon. With the WNBA set to expand in the coming years, these players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage and potentially hear their names called early in the draft.