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WNBA mock draft 2026: UConn’s Azzi Fudd is projected No. 1

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WNBA mock draft 2026: UConn’s Azzi Fudd is projected No. 1


In an ordinary year, most of the major moves in WNBA free agency likely would be made by now, and there would be more certainty around team needs. But things have been far from ordinary this entire offseason as the WNBA and the players’ association continue negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement.

Because of that, most players not under rookie contracts are free agents, plus there are two expansion teams that don’t have any players yet. So, much like our last mock draft in November, we are projecting draft selections without important context about the players they will be joining.

What we do have now that we didn’t then, though, is much of the season’s data on which to judge the current college seniors who are eligible for the draft. (We are not including any potential draft-eligible juniors in this mock).

The No. 1 pick in ESPN’s WNBA mock draft remains the same: UConn guard Azzi Fudd, who could be on her way to joining former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, with the Dallas Wings.

Champ Week and the NCAA tournament can have an impact on draft position, as we have seen players help their stock with March Madness success. So that’s something to watch between now and our next mock draft.

UConn | shooting guard | 5-foot-11 | senior

UConn is seeking the seventh perfect season in program history, and Fudd has much to do with why the 26-0 Huskies have been unbeatable so far. She is averaging 17.5 PPG and shooting 45.5% (76-of-167) from behind the arc. Fudd’s ability to stretch defenses will be of great value in the WNBA, and she is also a reliable defensive player. Plus, the UConn pedigree goes a long way in a league that has seen so many outstanding former Huskies.


Spain | center | 6-foot-4

Fam, who is averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds for Valencia in Spain, is just 19 with a ton of potential. And what better coach to work with than the most experienced one in the WNBA: Cheryl Reeve. Despite playing professionally overseas, Fam will have a learning curve in the WNBA. It’s uncertain when Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier, who had ankle surgery in January, will be back at full strength. Perhaps a young post player such as Fam might get more time right away for Minnesota.


TCU | point guard | 5-foot-10 | senior

Miles, the former Notre Dame standout playing at TCU for her senior season, leads the Horned Frogs in points (20.5), assists (6.6) and steals (1.9). She is also averaging 6.8 rebounds. She had one of her most impressive games Thursday, scoring a career-high 40 points and making 10 3-pointers as the Frogs beat Baylor. She could have gone to the WNBA in the 2025 draft but thought one more year of college would help her game and her confidence.


UCLA | center | 6-foot-7 | senior

Betts had some ups and downs in the early part of the season, but she has been consistent since then. She is averaging 16.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Bruins, who are 24-1 and lead the Big Ten at 14-0. There will be a lot of discussion about how well true centers still fit in the WNBA, but there seem to be enough positives about Betts to make her one of the lottery picks.


LSU | shooting guard | 5-foot-10 | senior

Johnson’s scoring average is down from last season (13.8 PPG compared with 18.6), but a lot of that has to do with LSU having so much strong guard play and spreading around the offense. One key stat is up this season for Johnson: She is shooting a career-best 43.9% from behind the arc. Her energy and effectiveness on defense are big positives as well.

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Flau’jae Johnson discusses leadership style ahead of crunch matchup vs. South Carolina

Flau’jae Johnson discusses leadership style ahead of crunch matchup vs. LSU Flau’jae Johnson discusses her leadership and playing alongside MiLaysia Fulwiley before LSU’s showdown vs. South Carolina.


Ole Miss | small forward | 6-foot | senior

McMahon knows she will need to play more on the perimeter in the WNBA at her size and improve her 3-point shooting. That’s part of why she thought Ole Miss would be a good place to finish her college career after three seasons at Ohio State. McMahon spoke with Andscape’s Ari Chambers in January about better understanding her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and how it has affected her. She said that has helped her this season: She is averaging a career-high 19.9 PPG.

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Cotie McMahon drops in the smooth basket

Cotie McMahon drops in the smooth basket


France | small forward | 5-foot-11

Angloma, who plays for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (BMLA) in France, currently is having a very good season, averaging 16.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists. She doesn’t turn 20 until June and likely can play at the small forward or shooting guard spots in the WNBA.


Spain | point guard | 5-foot-8

Martin, who just turned 20 last month, was part of the Spanish team that advanced to the EuroBasket championship game last summer. She is currently averaging 14.8 PPG and 4.6 APG for Perfumerias Avenida in Spain. In 2023, she was MVP of the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.


UCLA | shooting guard | 5-foot-11 | senior

Kneepkens is part of the UCLA guard attack that has kept the Bruins unbeatable in the Big Ten. She’s well-known for her long-range shooting, which she brought to UCLA this season from Utah. For her college career, Kneepkens has shot 43.7% from behind the arc. This season, she’s at 45.9%. Her scoring average of 13.1 PPG is down from a career-best of 19.3 last season, but she’s surrounded by a lot more talent now with the Big Ten-leading Bruins.


South Carolina | center | 6-foot-6 | senior

Okot didn’t start playing basketball until her midteens but has been a quick learner. After competing collegiately in her native Kenya, she was with Mississippi State last season, then transferred to South Carolina this season. There is a possibility the Gamecocks could petition to get her another season of college eligibility. But if she enters the draft this year, she has big potential, averaging 13.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG.

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Madina Okot goes coast to coast with a steal and layup

Madina Okot gets in the passing lane and scores a fast-break basket for the Gamecocks.


Duke | shooting guard | 6-foot | senior

Jackson has been a stalwart for Duke’s strong defense her entire career. And she is also a good 3-point shooter; she has made 212 treys for the Blue Devils, 50 this season. She also is averaging a career-best 4.6 assists as a senior.

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Ashlon Jackson sinks clutch triple for Duke

Ashlon Jackson is left wide open and drains a 3-pointer, extending Duke’s late lead over Louisville.


UCLA | point guard | 5-foot-11 | senior

Rice has saved her best for her final season with the Bruins. She is averaging 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting 50.8% from the field overall and 42.1% from 3-point range. All of those are career highs. She also is averaging 4.6 assists and knows how to make the big play when needed.


South Carolina | shooting guard | 5-foot-8 | senior

Latson wanted to play for a higher-profile program, so she left Florida State after averaging a Division I-leading 25.2 PPG last season. Her draft stock might have dropped a bit as her numbers have, plus she also has been dealing with a leg injury. Still, she is averaging 15.5 PPG and is one of those prospects who might go back up the draft board during the postseason.


TCU | small forward | 6-foot-3 | senior

A native of Oviedo, Spain, Suarez is at her third college program after playing two seasons at Tennessee and two at Cal. But the move to TCU for her last season might be what helps her draft stock the most, as she has become a better 3-point shooter (52-of-144, 36.1%) and more versatile scorer at her size. She turns 24 in May, so she is a little older than most draftees, but her college experience seems to have paid off.

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Marta Suarez sinks a 3 for TCU

Olivia Miles finds Marta Suarez, who sinks a 3-pointer for TCU.


UCLA | shooting guard | 6-foot-0 | senior

Jaquez is the fourth Bruin we have going in the first round. Plus, guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and forward Angela Dugali also are almost sure to be drafted from UCLA. Jaquez is averaging 14.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG and 2.0 APG. Like teammates Kneepkens and Rice, she is shooting better than 40% from 3-point range (43.4).



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Transfer rumors, news: Fernandes to urge Man United to sign Portugal teammate

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Transfer rumors, news: Fernandes to urge Man United to sign Portugal teammate


Bruno Fernandes has outlined one player he believes should be among Manchester United‘s midfield targets this summer, while Chelsea will again look to sister club Strasbourg to add to their own squad.

Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades

TRENDING RUMORS

Manchester United are in the market for two midfielders this summer and, according to The Sun, Bruno Fernandes will recommend that one of them is West Ham United‘s Mateus Fernandes. United are set to lose Casemiro this summe when his contract expires and have been linked with a number of replacements, including Nottingham Forest‘s Elliot Anderson. Fernandes will urge United to sign his Portugal teammate, with United sporting director Hugo Viana already a strong admirer of the 21-year-old.

Chelsea are in talks to sign Strasbourg midfielder Valentín Barco, as reported by TalkSport. The 21-year-old permanently joined the Ligue 1 club last summer for £8 million having previously played for them on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, and he could now reunite with Liam Rosenior by following his route from Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge. The Argentina international has recorded two goals and nine assists in 28 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

– Manchester United have been closely tracking Bayern Munich winger Maycon Cardozo, according to TEAMtalk. The 17-year-old signed a new contract with Bayern last month and has since made his first-team debut. United are reportedly impressed by his technical ability and, although a move anytime soon would be difficult to complete for due to the recent contract renewal.

Atlético Madrid will soon make their opening offer for Atalanta midfielder Éderson with a proposal worth €35 million plus €3 million in add-ons, as reported by Sky Sports Italia. That falls short of the figure of €50 million that Atalanta expect to receive for the 26-year-old. Éderson has already agreed a four-year contract with Atlético worth €5 million-per-season plus a €2 million signing bonus. Negotiations appear to have begun and Atleti are making aggressive moves to complete a deal.

– Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson, according to TEAMtalk. The 19-year-old has stepped up to the senior level for Blackburn and Northern Ireland under Michael O’Neill, which has also resulted in further Premier League attention from Sunderland, Everton, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion. He is also being looked at by European clubs such as RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and Napoli.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen ranked Mateus Fernandes at No. 33 in his list of the best U21s players in world football. He wrote:

Last season, Fernandes suffered relegation with Southampton despite winning both of the club’s Player of the Season and Fan’s Player of the Season awards, but he had to play only three games in the Championship before making a £40 million move to West Ham. However, somehow he is in much the same predicament this season, as West Ham are in a battle to avoid the drop.

Fernandes is a central midfielder who equally brings defensive and attacking qualities. On one hand, he makes tackles, presses well and regains possession — 158 duels puts him in the 95th percentile among midfielders — while he also has the vision to deliver excellent long passes (61.1% success rate) and pick out deep runs from his teammates.

He generally covers a lot of ground and reads danger superbly, winning a lot of loose balls, while he copes well under pressure and can shift play quickly. That, along with fine dribbling at high speed, makes him equally useful at either end of the pitch. But his three goals this season — including the fastest Premier League goal of the campaign, scored after just 29 seconds against Aston Villa — also suggest he has a knack of arriving in good goal-scoring positions.

See the full list here.

OTHER RUMORS

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Hutchison: Cucurella ‘out of order’ for Chelsea transfer policy criticism

Don Hutchison reacts to Marc Cucurella’s recent comments about Chelsea’s transfer policy.

– Chelsea have a strong interest in Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs but face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City. (Football Insider)

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to make £100 million from departures with Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford all set to leave. (The Sun)

– Liverpool, Inter Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur all have Atalanta’s Cagliari loanee Marco Palestra on their radar. (Caught Offside)

– Juventus and Como have both sent scouts to watch Real Valladolid attacking midfielder Chuki in recent weeks. RB Leipzig and Stuttgart have already made moves for the 21-year-old. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Juventus could be willing to let Gleison Bremer leave during the summer transfer window. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Juventus are looking at Genoa for right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, striker Jeff Ekhator and center back Leo Skiri Ostigard. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Roma are preparing their strategy to sign Almeria attacking midfielder Sergio Arribas and are interested in Kerim Alajbegovic, whose re-sign clause has been triggered to move him from RB Salzburg to Bayer Leverkusen. (Corriere dello Sport)

– AC Milan and Napoli also want Kerim Alajbegovic, with the former sending scouts to watch him during Bosnia & Herzegovina’s win against Wales. (Corriere dello Sport)

– Paris Saint-Germain Feminines have reached an agreement with Real Madrid striker Naomie Feller. (L’Equipe)

– Several Premier League clubs are monitoring Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic. (Nicolo Schira)

Ollie Watkins is growing increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa during the summer transfer window. (Football Insider)



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Paul wins all-American semi | The Express Tribune

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Paul wins all-American semi | The Express Tribune



MIAMI:

No. 4 Tommy Paul rallied for his fourth consecutive win over fellow American and second-seeded Frances Tiafoe, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7), on Saturday in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship semifinals at Houston.
Paul clinched his first ever ATP clay-court final appearance in a grueling 2-hour, 45-minute match that was marred by rain throughout, including a 90-minute ‌delay during the second set. Paul thrived behind 14 aces and no double faults while converting two of five break-point opportunities in the pivotal deciding set.
It was back-and-forth in the final set with Tiafoe notching the first break and Paul breaking him right back in the next service. Then the reverse happened with Paul grabbing a break and Tiafoe nabbing it right back a service game later. In the deciding tiebreaker, Paul squandered two match points up 6-4 before advancing ⁠by winning two straight points to break a 7-7 tie.
In another semifinal between competitors from the same country, Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga easily dispatched Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-1, 6-1 to set up a date with Paul. Burruchaga converted 5 of 8 break opportunities while never facing one. Tirante had 25 unforced errors to Burruchaga’s 10.

Grand Prix Hassan II
Qualifier Marco Trungelliti (ATP No. 117) of Argentina continued his Cinderella run by taking down top-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi 6-4, 7-6 (2) in Marrakech, Morocco.
Trungelliti clinched a spot in the final and is the oldest first-time finalist in ATP Tour history at 36. En route to the final, Trungelliti took down the fifth, third and first seeds. Trungelliti converted four of six break-point opportunities and capitalized on Darderi’s eight double faults to deny the ‌Italian a ⁠repeat championship in the event.

Spain’s Rafael Jodar will try to halt Trungelliti’s magical run after he took down Argentinian Camilo Ugo Carabelli in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 in just 63 minutes. Jodar was never broken and held a 23-8 advantage in winners. This would also be the first title for Jodar, who at 19 years old, made his tour debut earlier this year at the Australian Open and is competing in ⁠his first tour-level clay tournament.

Tiriac Open
Qualifier Daniel Merida Aguilar of Spain came back from a set down to upset Hungarian third seed Fabian Marozsan 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-1 in a semifinal match in Bucharest, Romania.
After dropping the first set, Merida Agular knocked home four of his six break-point attempts ⁠over the final two sets, finishing with 35 winners. He defended his serve well throughout as he saved 17 of the 18 break points he faced to overcome his 39 unforced errors and reach his first tour-level final.



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PTF junior tennis begins | The Express Tribune

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PTF junior tennis begins | The Express Tribune


The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is set to host the ITF Pakistan 3rd Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Juniors Tennis Championship 2026, which will begin on Monday at the PTF Tennis Complex in Islamabad.
A total of 39 young players – 24 boys and 15 girls – from 14 countries including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand will compete in the week-long tournament.
The championship is dedicated to the memory of Zainab Ali Naqvi, a talented young tennis player from Karachi who died in February 2024 after suffering a heart attack during an ITF junior tournament in Islamabad. Officials said the event aims to honor her legacy and inspire emerging tennis talent in Pakistan and abroad.
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, along with Secretary General Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, paid tribute to Zainab. “This championship is a meaningful way to keep her memory alive while providing international exposure for young players,” Qureshi said.
Matches for both boys’ and girls’ categories will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Organizers expect a high standard of play and said the tournament offers a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills against international competitors.
The PTF extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed hope that the event would strengthen Pakistan’s role in junior international tennis. Fans and tennis enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the matches, which will run through the week and conclude with the final rounds.
The championship represents Pakistan’s continued commitment to fostering youth talent and hosting international-standard tennis events, while keeping alive the memory of a promising player whose life ended too soon.



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