The WNBA draft is almost here. But because of the league's agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement occurring late in the offseason, Monday's annual draft (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) will be held during the compressed WNBA free agency. If the direction of various franchises seems more uncertain than usual, there is good reason. Team construction, which also included the April 3 expansion draft, has never been like this, and everyone is figuring it out as they go.
The draft is always an exciting night for the players who are selected. Then comes the reality of trying to make a WNBA roster. With two additional franchises and new CBA stipulations that teams must have 12 players and are allowed two developmental spots, there are more jobs and pathways to the league. But the competition will still be intense.
Here are some of the biggest questions heading into Monday's draft.
Who has the best case as the No. 1 pick?
In ESPN's mock drafts this offseason, four players have been in the top spot: UCLA center Lauren Betts, center Awa Fam of Spain, UConn guard Azzi Fudd and, most recently, TCU guard Olivia Miles.
The Dallas Wings have the top selection, as they did last year when they picked UConn guard Paige Bueckers, who won WNBA Rookie of the Year. Despite her individual success, the Wings tied for last place with the Chicago Sky at 10-34.
Wings general manager Curt Miller replaced coach Chris Koclanes after last season with longtime South Florida coach Jose Fernandez. What direction will the Wings go with No. 1? Here is a case for each of the projected top four.
Miles, PG, 5-foot-10, senior: She's ball-dominant but could work well with Bueckers, who can be effective moving without the ball. Both are elite-level offensive stars, and the right system could maximize both. If veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale stays in Dallas, perhaps the Wings could replicate how Las Vegas used guards Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young from 2021 to 2024, when they won back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023.
Fudd, SG, 5-11, senior: She won a national championship with Bueckers at UConn in 2025 and is considered one of the best pure shooters in women's hoops. Fudd shot 44.7% from behind the arc this season and 42.2% for her college career.
Fam, C, 6-4: She doesn't turn 20 until June, and her talent makes her an intriguing prospect. Overseas recruiting was a staple for Fernandez at USF, so working with Fam would be very familiar for him.
Betts: C, 6-7, senior: There is always talk of "pure" centers lacking versatility, but Betts has a diverse skill set. She was the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four for national champion UCLA, averaging 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks during the NCAA tournament. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Betts -- like Fam -- could be the young centerpiece inside for the Wings.
