Mystics, Storm, Valkyries Shine in 2026 WNBA Draft

Analysis of the top picks and teams that came out ahead in the league's annual player selection event.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with players and the ball represented through sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The 2026 WNBA Draft sets the stage for a new era of talent and strategy in the league, as teams position themselves for future success.Seattle Today

The 2026 WNBA Draft has concluded, and several teams have emerged as big winners from the player selection process. The Washington Mystics, Seattle Storm, and Golden State Valkyries are among the franchises that made savvy choices and improved their rosters through the draft.

Why it matters

The WNBA Draft is a crucial event that shapes the future of the league. Strong drafts can propel teams to success, while poor selections can set franchises back for years. This analysis examines which teams capitalized on their draft position and which may have missed opportunities to strengthen their squads.

The details

The Mystics, led by head coach Mike Thibault, added two highly touted prospects in the draft, selecting a skilled point guard and a versatile wing player. The Storm, who are looking to reload after a down year, landed an athletic power forward and a sharpshooting guard to complement their existing core. Meanwhile, the Valkyries continued their trend of making savvy draft choices, picking up a defensive-minded center and a playmaking combo guard.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on April 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Thibault

Head coach of the Washington Mystics.

Seattle Storm

A professional women's basketball team based in Seattle, Washington.

Golden State Valkyries

A professional women's basketball team based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled with the players we were able to add to our roster through the draft. They're going to be great fits and help us take the next step as a team.”

— Mike Thibault, Head Coach, Washington Mystics

“This draft class has a lot of potential, and we're excited to integrate these new players into our system. They're going to bring a lot of energy and talent to our team.”

— Noelle Quinn, Head Coach, Seattle Storm

What’s next

The selected players will now join their new teams and begin preparing for the upcoming WNBA season, which is set to tip off in May 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 WNBA Draft saw several franchises make strategic moves to bolster their rosters and position themselves for success in the coming years. The Mystics, Storm, and Valkyries, in particular, appear to have emerged as big winners, setting the stage for potentially exciting seasons ahead in the league.