The next era of the WNBA is about to begin. With the college season in the rearview, all eyes now turn to the 2026 WNBA Draft, where a single pick could redefine a franchise for the next decade.
But the question remains: Where can the fans catch the upcoming draft, and where will it commence?
2026 WNBA Draft Date: Schedule and Key Details
The 2026 WNBA Draft will tip off on April 13 (Monday). The draft helps the teams rope in young talent to be the face of their franchises. The WNBA divides the draft into three rounds, with 15 picks each, for a total of 45.
After winning the lottery once again, the Dallas Wings will pick first in the draft this season as well. The rest of them are as follows in the given order:
- Minnesota Lynx
- Seattle Storm
- Washington Mystics
- Chicago Sky
Over the course of the season, the WNBA draft has featured a variety of No. 1 picks. For most of the season, UConn’s Azzi Fudd was adjudged as the top candidate for the No. 1 pick. But after the Sweet 16 elimination, Lauren Betts became a source of discussion, especially after a top March Madness tournament she had with the UCLA Bruins, culminating in the team’s first National Championship title.
What Time Does the 2026 WNBA Draft Start?
The official coverage of the 2026 draft will start around 7 p.m. ET. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the first pick during this time. The program concludes at 9:30 p.m. ET. But fans can tune in to the official broadcasting channels for extended coverage well before the pencilled time. For instance, the WNBA Draft Orange carpet special event will give fans a look into the fashion quotient of the incoming attendees, including the draft draftees.
Besides, the WNBA Countdown, featuring a lineup of Malika Andrews, Andraya Carter, and Chiney Ogwumike, will anchor the fans throughout the draft and bring in first-hand exclusive interviews of the draftees.
Where Will the 2026 WNBA Draft Be Held?
The 2026 draft, presented by the State Street Investment Management SPY, is being held at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Located on 30th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues, The Shed is one of the major cultural centers in New York City and will host the all-important event, featuring an array of stars as their future unfolds before their eyes.
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Draft Live on TV and Streaming?
The 2026 WNBA draft will be live-streamed via the ESPN app. It is the official broadcasting sponsor of the event, though fans can also access updates on platforms such as Fubo and WNBA.com. Several other events, such as the WNBA Draft Orange Carpet Special and the WNBA Countdown, are presented by Google Pixel.
The first event is available on ESPN 2, whereas the second event and the main draft will be shown on ESPN. If fans want to delve into the exclusive behind-the-scenes from the draft, they can tune into Disney+ Vibe Check and ESPN Digital.
Which Channel Is Broadcasting the WNBA Draft in 2026?
ESPN has the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2026 WNBA draft. No other television channels will officially showcase this event. The WNBA also arranged tickets for fans to watch the draft live at the arena. But as it turns out, the event is sold out on Ticketmaster.
As a result, basketball enthusiasts will have to rely on these official streaming and broadcasting channels to stay updated on draft news. The clock is ticking fast, and the lights are waiting to shine the brightest on the 45 college athletes whose lives will change for good on Monday. For the hoops fans: grab your popcorn bucket and a drink, as the draft this season is set to be super interesting with many top players in line.
