Aj Fuad, Frauge, and 2026 WNBA draft prospects talk fashion
Who is wearing it? That was the question USA TODAY Sports posed to 2026 WNBA draft prospects on the orange carpet.
NEW YORK — The 2026 WNBA Draft appeared to have some surprises.
But as it turned out, Ajee Fad, who was expected to be the top pick heading into the college season, was actually selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. She will be reunited with UConn teammate Paige Bakkers.
UCLA drafted a record six players from a national title team, including Angela Dugalich, Gabriella Jaquez, Gianna Knepkens, Charliss Ledger-Walker and Kiki Rice. Notre Dame drafted five players in the top 20 in 2019. The 2023 South Carolina Gamecocks and 2008 Tennessee Volunteers also drafted five players in one year, but none in the first round.
A total of 45 players had their names called. Here are the winners and losers of the WNBA Draft.
2026 WNBA Draft Winner
dallas wings
No one is more relieved than the Wings that the WNBA Draft is over. Choosing Aji Fad as the overall number one will surely make you feel a sigh of relief and happiness at the same time. Fudd is a dynamic talent that Dallas could pair with Paige Backers and Arike Ogunbowale to form a three-guard attack that is difficult to defend. The UConn product brings her outstanding shooting and off-ball movement to a franchise that has largely missed it the past few seasons.
Cori Close and UCLA
The Bruins set a WNBA draft record by selecting five players in the first round, led by Lauren Betts, who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics. Starting with Betts, UCLA made a flurry of acquisitions, with Gabriela Jacks going to the Chicago Sky at No. 5 and Kiki Rice going to Toronto Tempo at No. 6. Angela Dugaric joined Betts in Washington with the ninth overall pick, and Gianna Neepkens was drafted 15th overall by the Connecticut Sun. UCLA’s sixth player, Charliss Ledger Walker, lost to the Sun in the second round. With the transfer portal still open and the top six scorers being replaced, UCLA head coach Cori Close will be able to sell the fact that he can develop WNBA prospects to new players.
Dukes Taina Mare
Taina Mare wasn’t expected to be a first-round pick by many draft boards, but the Duke guard had a sensational performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament that earned him the No. 14 pick. Maher totaled 43 points in Duke’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games against LSU and UCLA. Maher is the first Blue Devil to be selected in the first round since 2018, when Lexi Brown was taken ninth overall by the Connecticut Sun.
Dawn Staley and South Carolina
Although the University of South Carolina ended its season with a heartbreaking loss to UCLA in the national championship game, Dawn Staley’s program has officially turned the page with a strong showing in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Staley drafted three players, the first being Raven Johnson, who went to the Indiana Fever with the 10th overall pick.
2026 WNBA Draft Loser
Las Vegas Aces allow team to draft Jania Barker
The Las Vegas ace always manages to pull off high-profile moves even without many draft picks. They drafted Jania Barker late in the second round this year as well, finishing with the 29th pick. The Ace rookie has the opportunity to learn from a group of veterans who have won at the highest level in almost every way, something many first-year players don’t get the chance to do. The Tennessee forward already has a solid mix of size and skill that makes him difficult to defend when he gets into a rhythm, but he will now have the chance to be coached by Becky Hammon and hone his skills. Pencil Barker joins the All-WNBA Rookie Team too soon.
Tanya Latson of South Carolina
Latson transferred from Florida State to South Carolina to increase his WNBA draft stock and become a part of a bigger team. It seemed like she would achieve both goals, as the Shamcocks advanced to the national title game and Latson was widely expected to be a first-round pick. But of the 15 prospects invited to the WNBA Draft, Latson had to wait the longest. She was ultimately drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks, who took her in the second round with the 20th overall pick. Latson will join a Sparks team that features Kelsey Plumb and will have a chance to make an impact in Los Angeles, but backcourt depth is otherwise needed.
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