2026 WNBA Mock Draft: UCLA star Lauren Betts projected to go in top five after national title
Why it matters: The 2026 WNBA Draft will see top college talent, including eight players from UCLA and South Carolina, join professional teams.
- UCLA star Lauren Betts is projected to go No. 4 overall to the Washington Mystics, a significant rise after being named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament.
- Awa Fam from Spain is the projected No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, with her strong performance against Team USA highlighting her WNBA readiness.
- Olivia Miles of TCU is slated for the No. 2 pick to the Minnesota Lynx, recognized as an elite playmaker capable of transforming their offense.
- Azzi Fudd from UConn, despite a disappointing NCAA Tournament, is still projected No. 3 to the Seattle Storm due to her unmatched 3-point shooting ability.
- UCLA and South Carolina are collectively projected to have eight players selected in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have their draft order set at No. 6 and No. 7 respectively, following a coin flip, with additional picks acquired through trades.
Following UCLA's national championship victory over South Carolina, the 2026 WNBA Mock Draft projects eight players from the two championship contenders to go in the first round, with UCLA's Lauren Betts, named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament, now a top-five prospect. While the Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 pick, there's debate on their choice, unlike previous years with clear top selections.
