Imago
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Imago
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The 2026 WNBA Draft was more than just its top pick; it was a record-shattering night that rewrote the history books for multiple programs and players. The latest draft on April 13 had a great set of players and was taking place right after the CBA negotiations.
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The major headline from The Shed at New York City on Monday will be Azzi Fudd getting that no.1 pick or her reunion with Paige Bueckers. But underneath it lie small stories, records, and feats that often go unnoticed in front of the loud noise created by the reckoning of the No. 1 draft pick. Let’s delve deeper into 10 similar facts and records that are equally interesting for the hoops community.
1. UCLA Bruins send a record 6 to the W in the 2026 WNBA draft
With an array of talented seniors, it was quite certain that the UCLA Bruins would take a large bid in the draft. But as reality set in, Cori Close’s team sent 6 players to the pro circuit, setting a landmark in draft history. Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics) led the charge for the Bruins after being picked fourth overall. The other players who follow suit are as follows:
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- Gabriela Jaquez (Chicago Sky)
- Kiki Rice (Toronto Tempo)
- Angela Dugalic (Washington Mystics)
- Gianna Kneepkens (Connecticut Sun)
- Charlisse Leger-Walker (Connecticut Sun)
Over the years, several teams have sent five players to the league. For instance, Tennessee did it twice in 1999 and 2008, while Notre Dame and South Carolina did so in 2019 and 2023, respectively. But pulling off six draft picks from a single program has been unprecedented before UCLA’s bid.
2. The WNBA draft round had UCLA written over it
Yes, that’s not all for UCLA, as there’s a bit more history. Notably, Close’s team had five players among the first-round picks on Monday. It’s another record in itself, as the previous landmark in this regard was held by UConn. The Huskies sent four in the first round back in 2002, when Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Tamika Williams were picked at No. 1, 2, 4, and 6, respectively. On the other hand, for the Bruins, the five picks are as follows:
- Lauren Betts (4th pick)
- Gabriela Jaquez (5th pick)
- Kiki Rice (6th pick)
- Angela Dugalic (9th pick)
- Gianna Kneepkens (15th pick)
3. Azzi Fudd’s No.1 draft pick story finds a familiar curve
The historical perspective now deviates towards the No. 1 pick of the night, Azzi Fudd. Picked by the Dallas Wings, Fudd had a significant career night, but do you know there’s a striking connection between the UConn graduate and the team she was picked by, the Dallas Wings?
For context, Fudd’s mother, Katie, named her after Jennifer Azzi, a player she admired. Subsequently, Azzi, who was named after Fudd, was also drafted by the Detroit Shock, which later became the Tulsa Shock in 2010 and, in 2016, rebranded as the Dallas Wings.
4. 2026 WNBA draftees earn a big bag after a new CBA
The new CBA also had a profound impact on the bag that the draftees were going to earn in the draft. With the salary cap structure and the revenue-sharing provision, the rookie salary has also spiked under the new agreement.
For instance, the rookie salary last year for the No.1 draft pick was around $79,000. On the other hand, this year, Fudd, who is the No.1 pick will be earning around $500,000, a mammoth increase from the last season. On similar lines, the full four-year rookie package last season was around $348K, while this season it will account for a staggering $2.24M.
The incoming rookies of the WNBA are stepping into a dramatically upgraded era of monetary compensation, thanks to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that’s now in place.
The shift simply reflects how far the league has come, and how this is only the beginning! 👀 pic.twitter.com/RvLUvOgVS1
— EssentiallySports (@ES_sportsnews) April 14, 2026
Additionally, the average salary of the first-round pick will also see an increase from $75K to $386K in 2025, establishing yet another silver lining for the rookie players and the development of women’s sports.
5. Azzi Fudd takes a shot at UConn history
Fudd’s also troubled a bit of UConn history in the way of her no.1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft. She became the seventh player in the history of the UConn Huskies to be drafted no.1. She is in very good company, as many of the other 6 players are legends in their own right: Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Paige Bueckers.
6. Three Bruins follow suit in an unprecedented fashion in the draft
Just when you thought that UCLA had finished its quota in the list, the Bruins have struck back again. A deeper look into UCLA’s first round picks can give you the idea that three of its players: Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice were picked consecutively in the draft. It’s just the second time something like this has happened. The first time?
It was back in 2016 when the UConn trio of Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck were picked consecutively in the top three of the draft. Although the Bruins didn’t achieve the top three like the Huskies, the consecutive pick in itself is a major pat on the program’s legacy.
7. SEC Gets a Notable Nod in the Historic Night
The 2026 WNBA draft wasn’t just about the players or the teams; amid all these feats, the SEC conference asserted its dominance. A record 15 players were selected from the SEC in the draft on Monday, breaking the previous league record of 14 set in 1999. And to be honest, there’s no doubt in this regard. With so many top teams in the conference like South Carolina and LSU, the SEC conference was undoubtedly going to shine.
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Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Flau’Jae Johnson who was selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Flau’jae Johnson led the SEC list and was picked at No.8 by the Golden State Valkyries and then traded to the Seattle Storm. Several other notable picks from the conference include Raven Johnson to the Indiana Fever, Cotie McMahon to the Washington Mystics, and Madina Okot to the Atlanta Dream.
8. Two New Teams Find Crucial Players for the Upcoming Season
The 2026 WNBA draft in itself brought a bit of history in the making with two new expansion teams- Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire taking part in the draft. They did a bit of good shopping in the first round. While Toronto picked UCLA’s Kiki Rice as the sixth pick, the Fire went for Spain’s Iyana Martin Carrion as the seventh pick.
9. Awa Fam in a Historic Nine-Player Company
Awa Fam led the international picks in the 2026 WNBA draft. The Spanish player was selected at No. 3 by the Seattle Storm. But the interesting thing is that Fam is just the 9th player in draft history to be selected without any US collegiate experience. A 6’4 center, Fam has played for Valencia at the Liga Femenina Endesa and the EuroCup and EuroLeague as well.
But she has never played in the NCAAW circuit, establishing yet another landmark case in this draft. Yet despite the lack of experience, the Seattle Storm is quite grateful for its latest draftee. “We’ve been watching Awa emerge as one of the most dynamic young talents in the world. She’s already gained valuable experience competing professionally internationally and has tremendous upside,” Storm GM Talisa Rhea said.
10. Olivia Miles Adds TCU History to Her Resume
Before the proceedings of the draft tipped off, there were major mock drafts that had put Miles as the No. 1 draft pick. And why not? Miles scored over 19 points per game while contributing with 7 on the glass and over 6 assists per game in her only season for the program. But the No. 1 pick didn’t materialize as that ceremonious title eventually went to Azzi Fudd.
But Miles’ (Minnesota Lynx) feat of being picked second also carries immense weight, especially in terms of TCU’s history. Notably, after being picked second in the draft, Miles has now become the highest draft pick for the Horned Frogs. Additionally, she is just the third player in program history to be selected in the first round. The other three include Sandora Irvin and Hailey Van Lith.
With the college draft concluded, the major preseason events are nearing their conclusion. The teams are quickly taking shape with little time left before the start of the training camps on April 19. The official season starts soon on May 8 as well. With such a handful of weeks left in the season tip-off, let us know which draft you are most excited about.
Written by
Edited by
Snigdhaa Jaiswal