WNBA Draft 2026 highlights: Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam Thiam go 1-2-3

Azzi Fudd of UConn joined her old Huskies’ teammate Paige Bueckers as the WNBA’s No. 1 draft selection overall and now are together again with the Dallas Wings.

The WNBA wrapped up its draft Monday night ahead of the league’s 30th season with a busy and record-setting night.

National champion UCLA set records with five Bruins taken in the first round in Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic and Gianna Kneepkens. Then UCLA added another WNBA draft mark when Charlisse Leger-Walker became the sixth drafted. That topped the record of five held by Tennessee, Notre Dame and South Carolina.

Only one trade was made during the draft, and it was a big one.

Golden State took Flau’jae Johnson at No. 8 overall, then swapped her rights to Seattle in exchange for the rights to forward Marta Suarez of TCU along with a 2028 second-round selection. Suarez was the first pick of the second round at No. 16 overall.

A total of 10 international players also were drafted over three rounds and 45 selections. That included three in the first round, three more in the second and four in the third.

WNBA’s international flavor

1 of 3 |

Spain’s center Awa Fam Thiam hugs family after being selected third overall by the Seattle Storm in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

2 of 3 |

France’s forward Nell Angloma poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

3 of 3 |

Spain’s center Awa Fam Thiam poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said before the draft started that the league is looking to play a game outside North America for the first time in 2027.

Then the league’s teams spent the three rounds adding 10 international players.

A trio of international players were selected in the first round. Center Awa Fam Thiam became the highest drafted Spanish player at No. 3 overall. Spain added a second player when Iyana Martin Carrion was taken by Portland with its first ever draft pick at No. 7 overall. Nell Angloma of France was the 12th selection by Connecticut.

Forward Frieda Buhner of Germany was the second pick in the second round by Portland. Toronto, another expansion franchise, took Australian Saffron Shiels at No. 26 and Phoenix drafted French guard Ines Pitarch-Granel at No. 27.

Golden State went for Kokoro Tanaka of Japan in the third round at No. 38 overall. Manuela Puoch of Australia was taken at 41 by the New York Liberty. Phoenix added Eszter Ratkai of Hungary at No. 42, and Atlanta took Kejia Ran of China at No. 43.

Round 3 picks

1 of 5 |

Texas’ Rori Harmon handles the ball in the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Kentucky, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

2 of 5 |

TCU guard Taylor Bigby drives to the basket during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Virginia Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

3 of 5 |

Michigan State forward Grace VanSlooten dribbles the ball during an NCAA basketball game against Washington on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

4 of 5 |

Alabama guard Jessica Timmons (23) attempts to get past Rhode Island guard Ines Debroise (30) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

5 of 5 |

Kentucky forward Jordan Obi (0) goes up court against James Madison in the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)

31. Dallas Wings – Zee Spearman

32. Chicago Sky – Tonie Morgan

33. Connecticut Sun – Serah Williams

34. Washington Mystics – Rori Harmon

35. Los Angeles Sparks – Amelia Hassett

36. Toronto Tempo – Charlise Dunn

37. Portland Fire – Taylor Bigby

38. Golden State Valkyries – Kokoro Tanaka

39. Seattle Storm – Grace VanSlooten

40. Indiana Fever – Jessica Timmons

41. New York Liberty – Manuela Puoch

42. Phoenix Mercury – Eszter Ratkai

43. Atlanta Dream – Kejia Ran

44. Las Vegas Aces – Jordan Obi

45. Minnesota Lynx – Lani White

There’s hope for third-round picks

The odds are against third-round picks, but expansion creates more job opportunities.

In 2025, just three made WNBA rosters: JJ Quinerly (No. 27), Liatu King (No. 28) and Taylor Thierry (No. 36).

So don’t count any of these players out. Teams are always in the market for someone to rise above the odds.

Round 2 picks

1 of 3 |

Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against UConn, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

2 of 3 |

Baylor’s Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (5) handles the ball in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 20, 2026 in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

3 of 3 |

North Carolina guard Indya Nivar advances the ball upcourt against UConn in the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

26. Toronto Tempo – Saffron Shiels

27. Phoenix Mercury – Ines Pitarch-Granel

28. Atlanta Dream – Indya Nivar

29. Las Vegas Aces – Janiah Barker

30. Washington Mystics – Darianna Littlepage-Buggs

Who is Seattle getting?

Name: Taina Mair

School: Duke

Stats: 5-foot-9 guard, averaged 11.6 points, 5.6 assists, 5.9 rebounds

Strength: Good ball-handler with active hands on defense

Weakness: 3-point shooting must be more consistent

Round 2 picks

1 of 5 |

Duke guard Ashlon Jackson (3) reacts after a block against UCLA during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Justine Willard)

2 of 5 |

Vanderbilt’s Sacha Washington (35), Justine Pissott (13) and Aga Makurat (24) celebrate during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Illinois, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

3 of 5 |

Ohio State guard Chance Gray (2) plays against UCLA in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

4 of 5 |

Mississippi forward Latasha Lattimore (8) shoots the ball during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Gonzaga, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

5 of 5 |

Kentucky forward Teonni Key (7) plays Belmont in an NCAA basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

21. Chicago Sky – Latasha Lattimore

22. Toronto Tempo – Teonni Key

23. Golden State Valkyries – Ashlon Jackson

24. Los Angeles Sparks – Chance Gray

25. Indiana Fever – Justine Pissott

And another draft record for UCLA

UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) celebrates with teammates during the second half of the women's National Championship Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament game against South Carolina, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) — UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) celebrates with teammates during the second half of the women’s National Championship Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament game against South Carolina, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

The UCLA Bruins came to the WNBA draft with a chance at having a lot of players selected.

They now have a pair of records all to themselves with the most players drafted in the first round and most in any draft.

Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic and Gianna Kneepkens all were drafted in the first round setting a record for the most players from one school taken in the first round.

Then Charlisse Leger-Walker became the sixth UCLA Bruin drafted overall when taken by the Connecticut Sun at No. 18.

That tops the mark of five from one team held by three teams. Tennessee first had five taken in 2008 followed by Notre Dame in 2019 and South Carolina in 2023.

Round 2 picks

1 of 4 |

Notre Dame guard Cassandre Prosper poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 19th overall by the Washington Mystics in the second round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

2 of 4 |

Texas Christian forward Marta Suarez, of Spain, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 16th overall by the Seattle Storm in the second round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

3 of 4 |

South Carolina guard Ta’niya Latson poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 20th overall by the in the second round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

4 of 4 |

UCLA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker, of New Zealand, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 18th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the second round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

16. Seattle Storm – Marta Suarez

17. Portland Fire – Frieda Buhner

18. Connecticut Sun – Charlisse Leger-Walker

19. Washington Mystics – Cassandre Prosper

20. Los Angeles Sparks – Ta’Niya Latson

Trades

Trade alert

The WNBA has its first trade of this draft.

The Golden State Valkyries have swapped the rights to Flau’jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the rights to forward Marta Suarez of TCU.

The Valkyries wanted Suarez enough to also send a 2028 second-round selection to Seattle. Suarez was the first pick of the second round at No. 16 overall. Johnson was the eight pick overall.

1 of 3 |

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson brings the ball down court against Oklahoma during second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

2 of 3 |

LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson (4) shoots in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Morgan State, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Ella Hall)

3 of 3 |

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson celebrates after scoring against Oklahoma during first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The very first WNBA No. 1 overall pick

Tina Thompson says things have changed a little since she was the No. 1 overall pick in the first WNBA draft in 1997.

“My draft was nothing like this. Not even close.” Thompson said of hearing her named called by then WNBA President Val Ackerman 30 years ago. “We had not even got WNBA jerseys printed yet so I was holding up a practice jersey.”

Thompson was drafted by Houston out of Southern Cal and helped the Comets become the league’s first dynasty, winning four-straight titles from 1997-2000.

Who is Connecticut getting?

Name: Gianna Kneepkens

School: UCLA

Stats: 6-foot guard, averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds

Strength: Strong 3-point shooter who’s efficient taking shots and can move without the ball

Weakness: Defense

Record night for UCLA

By BRIAN MAHONEY

UCLA had a record first round.

The Bruins became the first team to have five players selected in the first round, a little more than a week after winning the school’s first NCAA championship.

And two of them aren’t finished being teammates.

Lauren Betts was taken with the No. 4 pick by the Washington Mystics, who later selected Angela Dugalic at No. 9.

Gabriela Jaquez went right after Betts to Chicago at No. 5, followed by Kiki Rice to the expansion Toronto Tempo at No. 6. Jaquez helped UCLA tie the WNBA record of four taken in the first round set by UConn in 2002.

Then UCLA got the record to itself when the Connecticut Sun took Gianna Kneepkens at No. 15.

Tennessee, in 1999 and again in 2008, had five players selected in the draft, as did Notre Dame in 2019 and South Carolina in 2023. But the players from those teams weren’t all taken in the first round.

The Connecticut Sun select Gianna Kneepkens at No. 15, making her the fifth UCLA player selected in the first round.

UCLA guard Gianna Kneepkens poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

The Seattle Storm make Taina Mair from Duke the 14th pick overall.

Duke guard Taina Mair (22) dribbles the ball against LSU during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 27, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Justine Willard)

Who is Atlanta getting?

Name: Madina Okot

School: South Carolina

Stats: 6-foot-6 center, averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds

Strength: Size and consistent double-double threat

Weakness: Experience

The Atlanta Dream use the 13th overall pick on Madina Okot of South Carolina

South Carolina center Madina Okot, of Kenya, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected overall by the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Connecticut getting?

Name: Nell Angloma from France

School: BLMA

Stats: 5-foot-11 forward, averaged 15.5 points, 5.6 assists in France’s premier league

Strength: Scorer who can handle the ball with ability to play forward or guard.

Weakness: Turns 20 in June

The Connecticut Sun select Nell Angloma from France at No. 12 overall.

France's forward Nell Angloma poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 12th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) — France’s forward Nell Angloma poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 12th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Washington getting?

Name: Cotie McMahon

School: Mississippi

Stats: 6-foot forward, averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds

Strength: Tough, physical player

Weakness: 3-point shooting and shooting outside the paint

The Washington Mystics make Cotie McMahon their third pick of the WNBA draft at No. 11 overall

Mississippi forward Cotie McMahon poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected 11th overall by the Washington Mystics in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Indiana getting?

Name: Raven Johnson

School: South Carolina

Stats: 5-foot-9 guard, averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists

Strength: Spreads the ball around while limiting turnovers and strong defender even when giving up size

Weakness: Shooting and scoring

Who is Washington getting?

Name: Angela Dugalic

School: UCLA

Stats: 6-foot-4 forward, averaged 9 points, 5.6 rebounds

Strength: Plays physically and a mismatch

Weakness: Needs more time to develop her game fully

The Indiana Fever take Raven Johnson from South Carolina at No. 10 overall.

South Carolina guard Raven Johnson poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected overall by the in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Bruins go back-to-back-to-back

UCLA came to the WNBA draft looking to make history by having as many as five Bruins taken in the first round.

The Bruins took a big step toward that with center Lauren Betts, guard Gabriella Jaquez and guard Kiki Rice being drafted back-to-back-to-back from the national champs.

Betts went off the board first to the Washington Mystics with the fourth pick overall.

Jaquez heard her name called next by the Chicago Sky.

Then it was Rice’s turn as the No. 6 selection by the Toronto Tempo as the expansion franchise’s first WNBA draft pick.

Rice says it was so special to follow her teammates in this draft.

Angela Dugalic made that four in the first nine selections, tying the WNBA record of four set by UConn in 2022.

Gianna Kneepkens now can make give UCLA the record if and when her name is called.

The Washington Mystics use the ninth overall pick on Angela Dugalic of UCLA

UCLA Angela Dugalic poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected ninth overall by the Washington Mystics in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Golden State getting?

Name: Flau’jae Johnson

School: LSU

Stats: 5-foot-10 guard, averaged 14.2 points, 2.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds

Strength: Sticky, physical defender who can score and make plays

Weakness: Consistency

The Golden State Valkyries have taken LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson at No. 8 overall

LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) — LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Portland getting?

Name: Iyana Martin Carrion from Spain

Stats: 5-foot-8 guard, averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 assists

Strength: Strong passer able to find open teammates

Weakness: Just turned 20 and needs to add strength and improve as 3-point shooter

The Portland Fire take Iyana Martin Carrion from Spain with their first ever WNBA draft pick

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert holds a Portland Fire jersey after selecting Iyana Martin Carrion, of Spain, seventh overall in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Toronto getting

Name: Kiki Rice

School: UCLA

Stats: 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 assists, 5.9 rebounds

Strength: Efficient shooter and nearly automatic at the free-throw line, poised with the ball, good defender

Weakness: Getting to the rim and 3-point shooting

The Toronto Tempo use their first ever WNBA draft pick on Kiki Rice at No. 6 overall making her the third straight UCLA player selected

UCLA guard Kiki Rice poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected sixth overall by the Toronto Tempo in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Chicago getting?

Name: Gabriela Jaquez

School: UCLA

Stats: 6-foot guard, averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds

Strength: Good shooter and better at the free-throw line with active hands defensively

Weakness: Keeping composed

The Chicago Sky take UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5 overall

UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Missing coach

By DOUG FEINBERG

UConn coach Geno Auriemma was not at the WNBA draft to see Azzi Fudd get taken No. 1.

He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant and former player Peggy Myers. Her husband, Norm, died last month from brain cancer.

Who is Washington getting?

Name: Lauren Betts

School: UCLA

Stats: 6-foot-7 center, averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds

Strength: Consistent scorer inside with the ability to pass and block shots

Weakness: Free-throw shooting

The Washington Mystics select UCLA center Lauren Betts with the fourth overall pick.

UCLA center Lauren Betts poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics in the first round of the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Who is Seattle getting?

Name: Awa Fam Thiam from Spain

Team: Valencia Basket Club

Stats: 6-foot-4 center, averaged 9.2 points, 5 rebounds

Strength: Scorer and rebounder with size

Weakness: Just 19 and needs time to develop

The Seattle Storm have taken center Awa Fam Thiam from Spain with the third pick overall

Yet another UConn player goes No. 1

Azzi Fudd becomes the seventh UConn player to be selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft.

That list: Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi ('04); Tina Charles ('10); Maya Moore ('11); Breanna Stewart ('16); Paige Bueckers ('25) and Fudd ('26)

Who is Minnesota getting?

Name: Olivia Miles

School: TCU

Stats: 5-foot-10 guard, averaged 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists

Strength: True scorer whether at the rim or from 3-point range who can spread the ball around

Weakness: Defense

The Minnesota Lynx select Olivia Miles with the No. 2 overall pick

Who is Dallas getting?

Name: Azzi Fudd

School: UConn

Stats: 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 17.3 points, 3.1 assists

Strength: Improved shooting efficiency each season and nearly automatic at the free-throw line

Weakness: Struggled scoring in final three NCAA Tournament games

The Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd of UConn with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft and she’ll earn $500,000 as top choice

By DOUG FEINBERG

More than just basketball players

1 of 3 |

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

2 of 3 |

Texas Christian forward Marta Suarez, of Spain, poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

3 of 3 |

Texas Christian forward Marta Suarez, of Spain, poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson hopes to hear her new song “Woah” play when she hears her name called during the WNBA draft. TCU forward Marta Suarez has a purse she painted to commemorate the night signed on one side by her fellow members of the 2026 draft class.

Johnson has been creating music for a long time and dropped her new song Monday. She says it means so much to her to show that she can both perform and play basketball. Johnson said she hopes to show young girls not to put themselves into a box.

Suarez says painting is her love language and everyone can have their own interpretation of her art. But she saw the chance to paint her purse as part of her introduction to the WNBA and make sure people get a sense of who she is.

Got a new ‘do

Raven Johnson debuted a bob on the orange carpet in a quick change from the long hair the South Carolina guard tied back in a ponytail at the Final Four only a week ago.

Johnson says she partnered with Coach for an outfit designed to look rich and elegant: a gray and black jacket-style dress along with a black clutch, and a diamond necklace and earrings.

Nod to Hollywood glamour

South Carolina guard Ta'niya Latson poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) — South Carolina guard Ta’niya Latson poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Ta’Niya Latson brought a bit of the 1960s mixed with old Hollywood to the WNBA orange carpet.

The South Carolina guard had a swoop of hair over her forehead to go with a black sequined gown. She showed off her Christian Louboutin black pumps, lifting a foot to show off the red sole. Latson also wore sheer elbow-length gloves and carried a black clutch handbag.

Latson says she wanted to go with something different.

Dressed for business

A pair of players from the Southeastern Conference arrived at the WNBA draft dressed for business.

Cotie McMahon of Mississippi and Madina Okot of South Carolina both wore suit jackets with each taking their own approach.

1 of 2 |

Mississippi forward Cotie McMahon poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

2 of 2 |

South Carolina center Madina Okot, of Kenya, poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

McMahon wore a longer pinstriped jacket with matching tie that showed off her legs down to white socks with black high-heeled shoes. McMahon says it feels like the look just fit her down to leather gloves.

Okot went with a waist-length jacket and matching pinstripe pants and tie. Okot says her motivation came from how former South Carolina teammate Kamilla Cardoso dressed up for her draft day. Okot says she had to look for the same stylist who handled Cardoso’s look for her own night.

An orange carpet moment

Los Angeles Sparks' Erica Wheeler poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) — Los Angeles Sparks’ Erica Wheeler poses before the WNBA basketball draft Monday, April 13, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler gave her stylist less than 12 hours to help outfit her to walk the carpet at the WNBA draft.

Definitely a special moment for a guard who, in 2019, became the first undrafted player to be named the All-Star Game MVP. Wheeler says she was on vacation when she alerted her stylist she wanted to dress up and hit the WNBA draft.

Wheeler was decked out in a jacket and wide capri pants with yellow chunky shoes. She also wore a matching bandana.

She said she felt fulfilled and happy to be able to be at this draft, enjoying a great time right now for the WNBA as it supports the incoming players.

Draft drama