Dallas Wings Strike Gold Again in WNBA Draft Lottery
The Dallas Wings have secured the top spot in the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery, marking their second consecutive year winning the lottery. This remarkable achievement gives them another opportunity to draft a star player, following last year's selection of Paige Bueckers, who was named Rookie of the Year in 2025.
A New Era for the Wings
The Wings have undergone significant changes, including the hiring of new coach Jose Fernandez, formerly of the University of South Florida. Additionally, the team is set to unveil new facilities, adding to the excitement surrounding the franchise.
Curt Miller, the team's executive vice president and general manager, emphasized the importance of this moment, stating that securing the top pick two years in a row is a huge opportunity to build a strong, competitive team.
Who Will They Draft?
Unlike previous years, this draft class is wide open, with several elite college prospects vying for the top spot:
- Flau'jae Johnson (LSU)
- Olivia Miles (TCU)
- Azzi Fudd (UConn)
- Lauren Betts (UCLA)
- Awa Fam, a 19-year-old Spanish forward
Miller noted that this draft offers plenty of options, which is great news for the Wings.
A Season of Struggles, a Future of Hope
The Wings have faced tough times recently, finishing with a poor record last season—the worst two-year cumulative record among non-playoff teams. This poor performance granted them the best odds in the lottery.
Other teams in the top five picks include:
- Minnesota Lynx
- Seattle Storm
- Washington Mystics
- Chicago Sky
Despite their luck in the lottery, the Wings have also faced bad luck, such as flight issues that prevented Miller from being in Dallas for last year's results. This year, he lost his luggage for 48 hours but remained more nervous than ever, acknowledging the importance of the top pick for the team's future.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13, though the date may change depending on Collective Bargaining Agreement talks. The Wings are now the third franchise since 2015 to win consecutive lotteries, joining the Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces, and Indiana Fever (who won in 2023 and 2024, drafting Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark).
