Event Details and Venue
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 13, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. For the third consecutive year, the league is inviting supporters to witness the selection process in person. This year’s event carries extra significance as two new expansion franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, prepare to assemble their inaugural rosters for their debut professional seasons.
Top collegiate prospects, including Azzi Fudd of UConn, TCU’s Olivia Miles, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts, are among the standout athletes expected to transition into their professional careers during the evening.
Broadcast and Pre-Draft Coverage
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will preside over the draft, announcing the selections live on ESPN starting at 7 p.m. ET. The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick, followed by the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky.
Fans can begin their viewing experience before the main event:
- WNBA Orange Carpet Special: Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
- WNBA Countdown Presented by Google: Airs at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to Stream the Draft
The draft will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. For those who do not have a traditional cable subscription, there are several ways to watch:
Streaming Services
The event will be available through the ESPN Unlimited platform. Additionally, viewers can access the live ESPN broadcast via various streaming providers, including:
- DirecTV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo
Flexible Viewing Options
For those looking to avoid a long-term monthly commitment, Sling TV offers a Day Pass option. This service allows viewers to access specific live events, such as the WNBA Draft, on a per-day basis, providing a convenient alternative to standard streaming subscriptions.