Utah's Lani White Drafted by Minnesota Lynx in WNBA

Former Ute guard could provide scoring punch off the bench for Lynx

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic shooting motion of a basketball player, with the player's features and jersey details dissolving into energetic brushstrokes.The Minnesota Lynx hope Lani White's scoring punch and 3-point shooting can provide a spark off the bench as they aim to return to the WNBA playoffs.Salt Lake City Today

Lani White, a former guard for the Utah Utes women's basketball team, was selected with the 45th and final pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. White, a 6-foot California native, averaged a career-best 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game during her senior season at Utah. The Lynx, who also drafted former Ute Alissa Pili in 2024, are hoping White can provide scoring and shooting off the bench as they look to replace the production of the injured Napheesa Collier.

Why it matters

White's selection continues a recent trend of Utah women's basketball players being drafted into the WNBA, following in the footsteps of Alissa Pili. As one of the final picks in the draft, White will have to fight for a roster spot, but her scoring ability and 3-point shooting could make her a valuable addition to the Lynx as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

White spent her first two seasons at Utah before transferring to Virginia Tech for her junior year. She returned to Utah for her senior season and earned All-Big 12 second-team honors, shooting 46.2% from the field and 40.4% from 3-point range. She scored 20 or more points 10 times during her senior campaign. The Lynx, who are looking to replace the production of the injured Napheesa Collier, are hoping White can provide a scoring punch off the bench with her ability to knock down open jumpers.

  • White was selected with the 45th and final pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026.
  • In 2024, former Utah power forward Alissa Pili was the No. 8 overall selection by the Lynx.

The players

Lani White

A 6-foot shooting guard who played three seasons at Utah, earning All-Big 12 second-team honors as a senior when she averaged a career-best 15.9 points per game.

Alissa Pili

A former Utah power forward who was the No. 8 overall selection by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Napheesa Collier

A star player for the Minnesota Lynx who is sidelined to start the 2026 season due to injury, creating an opportunity for White to potentially earn playing time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With Napheesa Collier sidelined for the start of the season, the Lynx need some offense. White can score and do it in multiple ways, and her 40.4% 3-point percentage is a good starting point.”

— Charlie Creme, ESPN analyst

What’s next

White will have to compete for a roster spot with the Lynx during training camp, with the goal of earning playing time as a reserve guard and providing scoring and shooting off the bench.

The takeaway

White's selection by the Lynx continues a recent trend of Utah women's basketball players being drafted into the WNBA, following in the footsteps of Alissa Pili. As one of the final picks in the draft, White will have to prove herself, but her scoring ability and 3-point shooting could make her a valuable addition to the Lynx as they aim to return to the playoffs.