Key takeaways:
- The annual WNBA Draft has three rounds of 12 selections each.
- A total of 36 players are drafted each year.
- Each team’s record the previous season determines their WNBA draft order, with those with the poorest records receiving higher picks.
- The first four picks are lottery picks, determined through a random draw.
Behind the high anticipation and the ESPN cameras of the WNBA Draft lies a complex and meticulously orchestrated process. How does the WNBA draft work, you ask? It’s a blend of eligibility criteria, a lottery system that determines the fate of the top picks, and strategic selections by teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent.
In this comprehensive WNBA guide, we will walk you through the intricacies of how the WNBA draft works. From the draft process to what teams consider when they’re making their selections, we’ve got it all covered.
Overview of the Draft Process
The WNBA Draft occurs annually and consists of three rounds of 12 selections. Overall, 36 players are drafted into the league every year.
The draft event takes place during the off-season, typically in April.
To truly understand how the WNBA Draft works, keep in mind how the draft order is determined and which college and overseas players are eligible.
Each of these plays a role in the fabric of the draft, influencing team selections and shaping the future of the WNBA.
Draft Order Determination
As you can imagine, the WNBA draft order drives the suspense and unpredictability of the event. The teams with those coveted first picks get to choose from the most talented prospects. And every year, the draft order is different.
At a high level, the order of the WNBA Draft is determined by the inverse order of standings from the previous season.
But in the WNBA, there’s also a lottery component that determines which teams get the very first picks of the first round. The final draft order for the 2024 WNBA Draft won’t be determined until November or December 2023 once the league conducts its lottery.
Here’s how that lottery works: the four teams who failed to make the WNBA playoffs are allocated odds for securing the top picks. Those with the lowest winning records over the past two seasons receive better odds.
So, in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm will have the top four picks (each team missed the 2023 WNBA Playoffs).
| TEAM | 2023 + 2023 RECORD | ODDS FOR NO. 1 PICK |
| Indiana Fever | 18-58 | 44.2% |
| Phoenix Mercury | 24-52 | 27.6% |
| Los Angeles Sparks | 30-46 | 17.8% |
| Seattle Storm | 33-43 | 10.4% |
This lottery system ensures that the teams most in need of help have a fighting chance to secure the best talent and improve their squad in the upcoming season. Hopefully, it keeps teams from purposely tanking toward the end of a season.
The draft lottery only impacts the first round. After that, the draft order is set in reverse order of the teams’ standings from the previous season.
Trading Draft Picks
Each of the 12 WNBA teams (soon to be 13 teams, see our WNBA team map) gets one pick per round. However, teams can also use their upcoming draft picks in trades with other teams, so not every team always has a selection in each round. They cannot, however, trade their picks beyond the upcoming year’s draft.
Here are the traded picks so far in place for the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft:
- Dallas Wings get the Chicago Sky’s first-round pick.
- Los Angeles Sparks get the Las Vegas Aces’ first-round pick.
- The Las Vegas Aces get the Washington Mystics’ second-round pick.
- The Washington Mystics get the Dallas Wings’ second-round pick.
Eligibility Requirements
Aspiring college and international players must meet specific WNBA Draft eligibility requirements to qualify for the WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft eligibility criteria are in place to ensure players have a certain level of physical and emotional maturity before arriving in the league.
Age and Education
One of the core WNBA Draft eligibility requirements is related to a player’s age and education.
To join the WNBA, players in the United States must turn at least 22 years old in the year the draft is held. Otherwise, they need to have graduated from a four-year university, or be set to graduate within three months following the draft, or be four years removed from high school.
This requirement is meant to make sure players have honed their skills and acquired a level of education and life experience that better prepares them for the professional arena.
For international players, the WNBA Draft eligibility requirements are slightly different. All international players turning 20 in the year of the draft are eligible to be selected. However, if international players play collegiately in the US, the domestic draft eligibility rules apply to them instead.
Declaring Early
Another aspect of WNBA Draft eligibility requirements is the process for those interested in declaring before finishing up all of their eligible years playing in college.
WNBA prospects must renounce any remaining college eligibility they may have to enter the draft.
For example, suppose a junior with one more year of NCAA eligibility is 22 and wants to be considered for the draft. In that case, they must renounce their final college eligibility year.
Players must officially announce their decision to declare early, no later than 10 days before the draft. Suppose a player is in the middle of the NCAA March Madness Tournament during this window. In that case, they must announce their decision 48 hours after their final game.
If a player is not drafted after declaring early, they cannot finish out their unused college eligibility.
Selection Process
At the heart of how the WNBA works is the selection process itself. Teams that have struggled have the chance to infuse new talent into their roster, making the WNBA Draft a crucial time for team officials to be at their best.
Pre-Draft Assessments
Long before draft day selections, team general managers and coaches evaluate players’ skills and readiness for the WNBA.
Even as the WNBA draft order and list of eligible players are still up in the air, team officials are constantly assessing the talents, character, mental toughness, and adaptability of who they expect to be available.
In addition to evaluating players’ past performances, they’re considering what they most need for their team and playing out the scenarios so they’re best prepared for draft day.
Draft Day Dynamics
Draft day in the WNBA can be wilder than anticipated, as general managers second guess their decisions and adapt in the moment to earlier selections.
The atmosphere is charged with emotion. Team officials feel pressure to better their lineup, and the top prospects gather to witness the shaping of the future WNBA.
Wondering how does the WNBA Draft work on the day of? The event starts with the arrival of the top players and their families, who have the opportunity to showcase their fashion styles while walking the league’s iconic orange carpet.
Then, teams begin to make their selections using the established WNBA Draft order. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces each selection live on television, until all 36 are disclosed.
Strategies Teams Employ in Selection
The WNBA draft is not just a pivotal moment for players; it’s equally significant for teams looking to bolster their rosters. Each selection is a calculated move, influenced by several factors that go beyond a player’s skills and college achievements.
Talent vs. Need
A player with dominating skills and the likelihood of becoming a WNBA star is always a tempting prospect. However, teams also consider their current roster, the positions that need strengthening, and the specific skills lacking. The ideal selection often lies at the intersection where raw talent aligns with team needs.
Long-Term vs. Immediate Impact
Some players come into the draft WNBA-ready, with the skills, maturity, and experience to contribute from the get-go. On the other hand, there are players with undeniable potential that still require development. The decision often hangs on the team’s current situation and future aspirations. Also, whether they have the patience to nurture budding talent.
2024 WNBA Draft Outlook
The 2024 WNBA Draft could feature one of the most talented classes of rookies the league has seen, with college stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and more potentially making their move to the pro level.
Are you a Caitlin Clark fan? Check out our list of best Caitlin Clark quotes.
Full 2024 WNBA Draft Order
With the 2023 regular season completed, we are now close to knowing the official 2024 WNBA draft order. Still up in the air are picks 1-4 in the first round. They will be officially determined in late 2023 once the league conducts its weighted lottery of non-playoff teams.
| 1st Round | |
| 1 | Indiana (still TBD) |
| 2 | Phoenix (still TBD) |
| 3 | Los Angeles (still TBD) |
| 4 | Seattle (still TBD) |
| 5 | Dallas <- From Chicago |
| 6 | Washington |
| 7 | Minnesota |
| 8 | Atlanta |
| 9 | Dallas |
| 10 | Connecticut |
| 11 | New York |
| 12 | Los Angeles <- From Las Vegas |
| 2nd Round | |
| 13 | Phoenix |
| 14 | Seattle |
| 15 | Indiana |
| 16 | Los Angeles |
| 17 | Chicago |
| 18 | Las Vegas <- From Washington |
| 19 | Minnesota |
| 20 | Atlanta |
| 21 | Washington <- From Dallas |
| 22 | Connecticut |
| 23 | New York |
| 24 | Las Vegas |
| 3rd Round | |
| 25 | Phoenix |
| 26 | Seattle |
| 27 | Indiana |
| 28 | Los Angeles |
| 29 | Chicago |
| 30 | Washington |
| 31 | Minnesota |
| 32 | Atlanta |
| 33 | Dallas |
| 34 | Connecticut |
| 35 | New York |
| 36 | Las Vegas |
Who are the Top Picks in the Upcoming WNBA Draft?
While it’s too early to guess where the 2024 WNBA Draft prospects will land, next year’s talent pool could be league-changing. Here, we spotlight some potential top picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
Each of these players meets the WNBA Draft eligibility requirements. However, some will have another year of college eligibility that they may choose to take advantage of.
Caitlin Clark, G, Iowa
Caitlin has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects, with her Steph Curry-type scoring and perhaps even better passing skills capturing everyone’s attention. She is a player with the potential to become a franchise cornerstone.
Angel Reese, F, LSU
Angel’s versatility as a wing who can fit seamlessly into any roster has made her a top WNBA Draft pick. She dominates on the boards and has a scoring prowess that many WNBA teams need.
Cameron Brink, F, Stanford
Cameron’s combination of length and guard skills makes her a coveted player. She must develop a reliable 3-point shot to add another layer to her game.
Hailey Van Lith, G, LSU
One of the country’s best players, Hailey has the talent and toughness to be a valuable addition to a WNBA team. At 5’7”, she’s shorter and could struggle to defend bigger guards. But I certainly wouldn’t bet against her.
Olivia Miles, G, Notre Dame
Olivia is known for her creativity and ability to set up teammates. Her vision and basketball IQ are top-tier, making her a likely early pick.
Rickea Jackson, F, Tennessee
Rickea was on track to be a top pick in the 2023 draft before opting to stay another year at Tennessee. She’s got significant strength around the basket, and her ability to score in various ways will be invaluable in the W.
Paige Bueckers, G, UConn
Yes, she’s battled injuries, but Paige’s skills are undeniable. She is a game-changing player whose talent could see her going early in the draft, particularly if she stays healthy in the 2023-2024 NCAA season.
Aaliyah Edwards, F, UConn
Able to play inside and out, Aaliyah has demonstrated scoring and rebounding abilities to be a team’s centerpiece. Plus, she’s got great size and plays serious defense, making her a likely top pick.
Elizabeth Kitley, C, Virginia Tech
The ACC Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, Elizabeth is one of the best centers in the country. She’s said she’s improving her versatility in the post this year, which would be desirable for WNBA teams needing a dominant center who can put points on the board.
Kamilla Cardoso, C, South Carolina
Kamila is known for her shot-blocking skills, good hands, and post-entry passing ability. She reminds me of a young A’ja Wilson with her above-average body control and ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Jacy Sheldon, G, Ohio State
Jacy bounced back from a foot injury to impress during last season’s March Madness performance, significantly improving her draft stock. Her offensive and defensive skills position her as one of the top guards in the nation. Add in her toughness, and she’s a desirable pick.
FAQ
How does the WNBA Draft work?
The WNBA Draft follows a three-round format, with 12 players drafted each round. A lottery made up of the four teams who failed to make the playoffs determines the first four picks.
How many rounds are there in the WNBA Draft?
The WNBA Draft includes three rounds, with each round consisting of 12 picks.
How many players does the WNBA draft?
Each year, WNBA teams draft 36 players. The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds of 12 selections.
Do all WNBA draftees make the league?
No – with only 12 teams, the WNBA is hard to break into. As a result, it’s not uncommon for teams to cut more than half of players drafted during training camp.
What happens if an eligible player goes undrafted in the WNBA?
If an eligible player goes undrafted in a WNBA Draft, they immediately become an unrestricted free agent. Moving forward, they can sign a rookie-scale contract.
Where can you watch the WNBA Draft?
The WNBA Draft is normally broadcast live on ESPN and available to live stream on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. ESPN reporters like Ryan Rocco, Rebecca Lobo, Holly Rowe, and LaChina Robinson usually host and are on-site for commentary and analysis as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces the 36 draft picks live.
