Dallas Wings Secure WNBA Draft Lottery Win Again: Who Joins Paige Bueckers?
The Dallas Wings have secured the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft for the second consecutive year. The draft lottery results were announced on Sunday, highlighting the Wings’ potential to add another marquee talent to their roster. Last year, they selected Paige Bueckers, who went on to win the 2025 Rookie of the Year award.
2026 WNBA Draft Lottery Results
- 1. Dallas Wings
- 2. Minnesota Lynx
- 3. Seattle Storm
- 4. Washington Mystics
- 5. Chicago Sky
The Wings had the highest number of assigned combinations during the lottery, a result of having the worst cumulative record over the last two seasons among playoff non-participants. Their record was 19-65, which guaranteed them a top-three pick.
Franchise Changes and Future Prospects
In addition to the top draft selection, the Wings are set to welcome a new coach, Jose Fernandez, who previously coached at the University of South Florida. He replaces Chris Koclanes, who had a challenging season with the team.
This year’s draft class is notably less predictable than in previous years. While players like Flau’jae Johnson from LSU, Olivia Miles from TCU, Azzi Fudd from UConn, Lauren Betts from UCLA, and Spanish forward Awa Fam are among those considered as potential top picks, the competition remains open.
Strategic Considerations for the Draft
Wings executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller emphasized the “great optionality” this draft presents. The upcoming expansion draft and significant free agency period may influence the Wings’ choice.
This marks a significant moment for the franchise, which will look to build on its young core with another high-profile draft pick. The 2026 WNBA Draft is slated for April 13, 2026, though the date may shift based on ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions.
Recent Trends in Draft Lottery Success
The Wings are the third franchise to win consecutive lottery picks since 2015, following the Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces. Consistent top selections have historically proven valuable for teams in the league.
The full draft order is as follows:
| Pick | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wings |
| 2 | Lynx |
| 3 | Storm |
| 4 | Mystics |
| 5 | Sky |
| 6 | Either Portland Fire or Toronto Tempo |
| 7 | Either Portland Fire or Toronto Tempo |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
| 9 | Mystics |
| 10 | Indiana Fever |
| 11 | Mystics |
| 12 | Sun |
| 13 | Atlanta Dream |
| 14 | Storm |
| 15 | Sun |
As the Wings prepare for the draft, the excitement surrounds who will be the next cornerstone of their burgeoning team.
