Dallas Wings Secure Top Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery

The Dallas Wings have clinched the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft lottery, setting the stage for a significant addition to their roster. This marks the second consecutive year the Wings have won the lottery, providing them the opportunity to select a player who could transform their fortunes. The announcement was made on October 15, 2023, bringing excitement to fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding the prospects of Azzi Fudd, the standout from the University of Connecticut.

After a challenging season in which the Wings finished last with a record of 10-34, the franchise parted ways with coach Chris Koclanes after just one year. The team has since made a strategic hire, bringing in veteran coach Jose Fernandez, who previously led the South Florida program. Fernandez’s experience is expected to guide the Wings toward a more successful campaign in 2026.

The lottery results also confirmed the Minnesota Lynx will pick second, despite their strong performance last season, thanks to a trade that allowed them to move up in the draft. The Seattle Storm will select third, followed by the Washington Mystics at fourth. The Chicago Sky secured the fifth pick through a prior deal with the Connecticut Sun.

Fudd, who is projected to be a top lottery pick, has had an impressive start to her final college season. Currently, she leads UConn with an average of 20.4 points per game, alongside 3.8 assists and 2.4 steals. Known for her sharpshooting ability, Fudd is hitting 50% of her three-point attempts, which could bolster her candidacy for the number one spot. ESPN’s latest mock draft has her going fourth overall to the Mystics, where she could join an emerging core of young talent.

The Mystics have already formed a promising lineup, having drafted guard Sonia Citron and forward Kiki Iriafen with the third and fourth picks in 2025. Both players made an immediate impact, earning All-Star selections during their rookie seasons. The Mystics also welcome back Georgia Amoore, their sixth overall pick in 2025, who is recovering from an ACL injury.

While Fudd is considered a potential top pick, international players like Awa Fam and Lauren Betts are also in contention for the first selection. Fam, a 6-foot-4 forward from Spain, and Betts, a 6-foot-7 center from UCLA, have garnered attention for their impressive performances and skill sets. The Wings, who could benefit from adding a dominant post player, may find themselves faced with a critical decision if Fudd maintains her performance through the season.

The future of All-Star shooting guard Arike Ogunbowale further complicates the Wings’ draft strategy. Ogunbowale, a seven-year veteran, is set to become a free agent this offseason, leaving her status with the franchise uncertain. The 2025 season was particularly challenging for her, as she averaged a career-low 15.5 points per game, hindered by a knee injury that kept her out for 11 games.

With the draft approaching, speculation will continue to swirl around the Wings and their decision-making process. Geno Auriemma, Fudd’s coach at UConn, has advised the new Dallas coach on how to maximize the potential of their star players, indicating the high stakes involved as the franchise looks to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

As teams prepare for the draft, all eyes will be on the Wings and their selection, with fans eager to see how this pivotal moment will shape the future of the franchise and potentially the league as a whole.