For the second year in a row, the Dallas Wings grabbed the top spot in the WNBA draft lottery, earning the right to make the first pick in 2026. It’s a rare back-to-back achievement that only three other franchises have pulled off, and it follows last year’s selection of Paige Bueckers. The draft is scheduled for April 13.

The lottery’s order was shaped by the combined regular-season results of the five teams that missed the 2025 playoffs. Dallas entered with the strongest odds after a rough two-year stretch, holding a 42% chance at the No. 1 pick and guaranteed no lower than third. When the results finally settled, nothing shifted—each team landed exactly where the numbers suggested, marking the first time since 2010 that five clubs took part in the lottery.

Forward Maddy Siegrist represented the Wings and spoke with a calm sense of excitement, saying the team wants someone who truly wants to win. On the other side, Seattle Storm general manager Talisa Rhea told ESPN she believes a top-three pick from this class should bring immediate help, especially with how strong and deep this year’s prospects appear to be.

Despite drafting Bueckers—who went on to be Rookie of the Year and earned All-WNBA second-team honors—the Wings struggled to put wins together, finishing 10-34. Only the Indiana Fever have had more lottery picks in the past five seasons. Dallas currently has five players under contract for 2026, including Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist, Diamond Miller, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly, while several rotation players hit free agency. The team also turns a new page with coach Jose Fernandez, known for his deep recruiting ties across Europe.

ESPN’s newest projections have shifted noticeably, placing UConn guard Azzi Fudd at the top of the board. Her red-hot recent performances—55 points combined over two games on elite efficiency—have strengthened her case as an elite scorer who could pair naturally with Bueckers. Awa Fam remains a strong contender as well, especially given Fernandez’s track record with international talent. Fans following the projections can check the updated mock draft for the latest movement among top prospects.

Below is the full list of projected first-round picks, showcasing a mix of polished seniors, growing international stars, and high-upside frontcourt players:

Projected First-Round Picks (1–15)

1. Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd (UConn) – SG

2. Minnesota Lynx: Awa Fam (Spain) – C

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles (TCU) – PG

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts (UCLA) – C

5. Chicago Sky: Flau’jae Johnson (LSU) – SG

6. Toronto Tempo: Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina) – SG

7. Portland Fire: Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss) – SF

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA) – SG

9. Washington Mystics: Serah Williams (UConn) – PF

10. Indiana Fever: Madina Okot (South Carolina) – C

11. Washington Mystics: Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA) – SG

12. Connecticut Sun: Iyana Martin Carrion (Spain) – PG

13. Atlanta Dream: Kiki Rice (UCLA) – PG

14. Seattle Storm: Janiah Barker (Tennessee) – PF

15. Connecticut Sun: Nell Angloma (France) – SF

The 2026 season also introduces two expansion teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, who will choose sixth and seventh via coin flip. Expansion draft rules, free agency, and active CBA negotiations all need to wrap up before April so teams can shape their final rosters ahead of what promises to be one of the most competitive draft classes in recent years.