Dive into our exclusive 2026 WNBA mock draft projections, featuring Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and rising stars poised to transform the league. Discover how expansion teams and elite talent collide in this must-read draft preview.
The ink is barely dry on the 2025 WNBA Draft, but front offices aren’t resting. Scouts are already crisscrossing the country, dissuring game film, and debating whiteboards filled with names that will define basketball’s future. Why? Because the 2026 WNBA mock draft isn’t just another class—it’s a tectonic shift. With two new expansion teams (Toronto and Portland) joining the fray, 15 franchises will battle for a generational talent pool headlined by dominant centers, electrifying guards, and program-changing transfers .
For fans, this draft represents more than hope—it’s a blueprint for dynasty-building. Imagine a 6-foot-7 force anchoring the paint or a point guard dissecting defenses with surgical precision. These aren’t fantasies. They’re the realities awaiting GMs next April.
The Crown Jewel: Lauren Betts and the Center Revolution
At the summit of nearly every 2026 WNBA mock draft board sits UCLA’s Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 center whose junior year redefined dominance. With averages of 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, Betts powered UCLA to its first Final Four in the NCAA era. Her 64.8% field goal percentage isn’t just efficient—it’s a statement. She buries defenders with footwork reminiscent of a seasoned pro and protects the rim with unnerving timing .
But here’s the twist: Betts isn’t just a traditional post. She’s evolving. Watch her quick outlets in transition or the soft touch on her baby hook. In a league increasingly prioritizing spacing, Betts forces a philosophical reckoning. Can a true center still go No. 1? The answer, screamed by scouts, is yes. “Her archetype is rare,” one analyst notes. “You can’t teach her combination of size, coordination, and defensive instincts” .
Playmaking Royalty: Olivia Miles and the Guard Resurgence
While Betts towers physically, TCU’s Olivia Miles (5-foot-10) looms larger in imagination. After stardom at Notre Dame, Miles’ transfer to TCU shocked the sport. Her stat line—15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists—barely captures her gravitational pull on games. Miles sees passing lanes like a chess master, threads needles in traffic, and shoots 40.6% from deep. She’s a triple-double waiting to happen, and her decision to delay the WNBA for 2026 makes her the draft’s ultimate prize .
Yet Miles isn’t alone in a backcourt revolution. South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson (25.2 PPG at Florida State) brings scoring savagery, attacking the rim with a predator’s mindset. LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson (18.6 PPG, 38.3% 3PT) blends artistry with athleticism, while UConn’s Azzi Fudd—fresh off a healthy, championship-winning season—reminds everyone why her “flawless” jumper (43.6% from three) once made her the nation’s top recruit .
The Expansion Effect: How New Teams Reshape Draft Strategy
Expansion changes everything. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire won’t just fill rosters—they’ll chase identities. For Toronto, picking near the top (projected No. 5 in several mock drafts), a center like Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot (6-foot-6, 64.9% FG) offers rim-running athleticism. Portland, meanwhile, could target a scoring guard like Fudd to ignite a fanbase .
But expansion also creates chaos in the draft order. The Golden State Valkyries (entering their second season) and Chicago Sky hold wildcard picks, while the Minnesota Lynx—thanks to a savvy 2024 trade—could swap into the top three to snatch Johnson’s “Kahleah Copper-esque” explosiveness . With more slots open than ever, role players like Duke’s Ashlon Jackson (87 threes in 2024-25) or Utah’s Gianna Kneepkens (94 threes, 45% 3PT) become tantalizing fits for contenders .
The International X-Factor: Awa Fam and Beyond
No 2026 WNBA mock draft projection is complete without Spain’s Awa Fam. At 18, she’s already logging EuroLeague minutes and orchestrating offense from the high post like a veteran. Fam’s game—polished post moves, visionary passing, defensive versatility—defies her age. Unlike typical “stash” prospects, she’s seen as WNBA-ready now. “Her feel for the game is beyond metrics,” insists an international scout. “She’s the sleeper who could go top-four” .
Wildcards and Whispered Concerns
Injuries and transfers loom over every draft. Serah Williams (Wisconsin) averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds but played for a struggling program. Her transfer portal decision could skyrocket her stock if she lands at a powerhouse . Then there’s UConn’s Fudd, whose talent is undeniable but whose medical history gives pause. As one GM admits, “Health due diligence will decide if she’s a steal or a risk.”
The Final Buzzer
The 2026 WNBA mock draft isn’t just a list—it’s a narrative of ambition. For Lauren Betts, it’s about proving centers still rule. For Olivia Miles, it’s showcasing playmaking as the ultimate weapon. And for Toronto and Portland? It’s the chance to draft a face of the franchise.
As the college season tips off, remember this: mock drafts are snapshots in time. Players will rise, fall, and shock us. But the seismic potential of this class? That’s set in stone. The WNBA’s evolution accelerates here—with every pick, every prospect, and every dream that starts now.
Who’s your franchise-altering pick? The debate starts below.
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