Sports
WNBA mock draft 2026: Azzi Fudd returns to projected No. 1
WNBA draft day is here, and the league’s newest rookies are about to find out where they are selected. Before the draft begins Monday night (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) in New York, ESPN takes one last look at how the 45 picks might shake out.
Our final projection comes with another change at the top: UConn shooting guard Azzi Fudd returns as the projected No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, who have been busy during free agency this past week. The Wings are bringing back veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale, the No. 5 pick in 2019 who has spent her career with Dallas. They also have 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers returning at guard. They added veteran free agents Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, who were both with the Minnesota Lynx last year.
With Fudd being an elite 3-point shooter, plus her growth as a defender, she should fit well with the Wings. The other top guard in the draft, TCU‘s Olivia Miles, was the No. 1 pick in last week’s mock, but she is projected to be selected very early.
History could also be made Monday: National champion UCLA could become the first team to have a record six players drafted, as projected.
UConn | shooting guard | 5-foot-11 | senior
Fudd was the Most Outstanding Player at the 2025 Final Four, but she didn’t have as strong an NCAA tournament this season. After a career-high 34 points, including eight 3-pointers, in the second round, Fudd totaled just 31 points on 12-of-39 shooting (30.8%) in her last three games. She was 3-of-15 for eight points in the Huskies’ national semifinal loss to South Carolina. Still, she shot 42.2% from 3-point range in her college career. With her quick release and footwork, her shooting should continue to be important at the next level.
TCU | point guard | 5-foot-10 | senior
Miles averaged a career-best 19.6 points this season as the Horned Frogs went 32-6 and won the Big 12 regular-season title. She had six triple-doubles this season, including one in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Her court vision is excellent. She made 73 3-pointers this season at TCU and also last season at Notre Dame. The Lynx have lost some key players in free agency and could benefit from a young point guard who can grow in Minnesota. Miles needs to improve her defense, but she’s already offensively dynamic.
1:08
Olivia Miles drops near triple-double as TCU advances to the Elite Eight
Olivia Miles drops 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as TCU puts away Virginia 79-69.
Spain | center | 6-foot-4
Fam, who is averaging 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds for Valencia in Spain, is just 19 and has a ton of potential. The Storm, who lost veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike to Los Angeles in free agency, probably could benefit from picking up another young post player. Considering how well UCLA’s Lauren Betts played her senior season, she might be considered for this spot, too.
UCLA | center | 6-foot-7 | senior
Betts helped her draft stock during the NCAA tournament, a nice side benefit to winning the national championship. She shot at least 60% from the field in all six NCAA tournament games, finishing with a 68.8 field goal percentage. She averaged 21 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.8 blocks and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Betts likely best fits the Mystics’ needs.
1:55
UCLA routs South Carolina for first NCAA title
UCLA takes home the national title after a huge win over South Carolina.
France | small forward | 5-foot-11
Angloma is averaging 15.5 points and 5.6 rebounds for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (BMLA) in France’s premiere league, BWL. She doesn’t turn 20 until June and likely can play small forward or shooting guard in the WNBA. This past week, the Sky parted with forward Angel Reese and brought in forward Rickea Jackson in separate trades.
LSU | shooting guard | 5-foot-10 | senior
Johnson had ups and downs this season, but she has a lot of ability and might need to play against pros to start her next stage of development. She averaged 19.0 points and shot 52.4% in the Tigers’ three NCAA tournament games. This season, she shot a career-best 39.3% from behind the arc (48 of 122) and tied a career high with 89 assists. Her energy and defense are two other strong points for the expansion franchise.
1:00
Emotional Flau’jae Johnson reflects on final game at PMAC as a Tiger
Following LSU’s Sweet 16-clinching win, Johnson delivers a heartfelt reflection on her time in Baton Rouge, expressing gratitude for those who shaped her journey.
South Carolina | point guard | 5-foot-9 | senior
It appears Johnson helped her draft stock plenty as a senior after showing leadership, maturity and resilience. She displayed those qualities throughout her career at South Carolina, but they were key in helping the Gamecocks reach the national championship game again and end UConn’s unbeaten season. Johnson was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. She is very strong and can effectively guard different types of players.
0:18
Raven Johnson scores her 1,000th career point
Raven Johnson pokes the ball free and lays in her 1,000th career point for South Carolina.
Spain | point guard | 5-foot-8
Martin, who turned 20 in January, was part of the Spanish team that advanced to the EuroBasket championship game last summer. Despite her youth, she has a lot of experience playing at the professional level. She is averaging 14.8 points and 4.2 assists for Perfumerias Avenida in Spain’s LF Endesa. In 2023, she was the MVP of the FIBA U19 World Cup. The Valkyries might see her as a solid addition at point guard.
9. Washington Mystics: Kiki Rice
UCLA | point guard | 5-foot-11 | senior
Similar to her fellow UCLA seniors, Rice saved her best for last. She averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals and shot 49% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 90.2% at the foul line this season. All those numbers were career highs. She also averaged 4.6 assists and showed so much poise in clutch situations, including her four free throws in the final 13 seconds that clinched UCLA’s national semifinal win over Texas. She is from Bethesda, Maryland, and might be reunited with UCLA teammate Betts in the WNBA.
South Carolina | center | 6-foot-6 | senior
Okot averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks for the national runner-up Gamecocks. South Carolina hoped she would get one more year of college eligibility, but the NCAA denied the request. She played just two years in the U.S. college system — at Mississippi State in 2024-25 and South Carolina this season — after competing two years in college in her native Kenya. She will need to learn more on the fly in the WNBA but could be another big target for point guard Caitlin Clark.
Ole Miss | small forward | 6-foot | senior
McMahon will have to transition to the perimeter in the WNBA and improve her 3-point shooting. She has worked on that during the past two seasons. This season, after transferring to Ole Miss after three years at Ohio State, McMahon averaged a career-high 19.5 points and had a career-best 36 3-pointers. But she shot 28.6% from behind the arc. McMahon’s physical style should translate well in the WNBA.
UCLA | shooting guard | 6-foot | senior
If someone saw only Jaquez’s national championship game performance — 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and enough energy to light up the arena — that would be reason to draft her. But she has given that kind of effort for four seasons at UCLA. She averaged a career-high 13.5 points and shot 53.9% from the field, 39% on 3-pointers and 86% on free throws — all career bests. It will be an emotional season for the Sun and their fans, knowing the franchise is moving to Houston in 2027. But a player such as Jaquez could still become a fan favorite.
1:25
Emotional Gabriela Jaquez reacts to UCLA’s national title victory
UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez discusses her feelings following the Bruins winning their first NCAA women’s basketball national championship.
South Carolina | shooting guard | 5-foot-8 | senior
Latson transferring from Florida State to South Carolina for her senior season worked out well. She helped lead the Gamecocks to the national championship game thanks to a huge performance — 16 points and 11 rebounds — against UConn in the semifinals. She averaged 14.1 points and 3.6 assists this season and showed she could play South Carolina-style defense. The Dream have said they will be drafting less on “need” and more on best available player, and Latson fits that definition if she’s still on the board.
TCU | small forward | 6-foot-3 | senior
A native of Oviedo, Spain, Suarez played two seasons at Tennessee and two at Cal before going to TCU. But what she showed in her lone season in Fort Worth, Texas, might be enough to make her a first-round pick. Suarez averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while hitting a team-best 84 3-pointers. Her 33-point, 10-rebound performance in TCU’s Sweet 16 victory over Virginia was her most impressive NCAA tournament game. If the Storm also draft Fam, it might be good for her to have a fellow Spaniard on the team.
UCLA | shooting guard | 5-foot-11 | senior
Kneepkens’ most well-known skill is long-range shooting. She spent four years (with one injury redshirt season) at Utah before transferring to UCLA as a senior, a decision that worked out great for her and the national champion Bruins. Her scoring average dipped, as expected, with more talent around her. But Kneepkens still shot 42.9% from behind the arc (87 of 203). She finished her college career at 43.1% from 3-point range (335 of 777).
Second round
16. Seattle Storm: Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA, PG
17. Portland Fire: Angela Dugalic, UCLA, PF
18. Connecticut Sun: Janiah Barker, Tennessee, PF
19. Washington Mystics: Ashlon Jackson, Duke, SG
20. Los Angeles Sparks: Raegan Beers, Oklahoma, C
21. Chicago Sky: Tonie Morgan, Kentucky, PG
22. Toronto Tempo: Frieda Bühner, Germany, PF
23. Golden State Valkyries: Yarden Garzon, Maryland, SG
24. Los Angeles Sparks: Justine Pissott, Vanderbilt, SG
25. Indiana Fever: Taina Mair, Duke, PG
26. Toronto Tempo: Rori Harmon, Texas, PG
27. Phoenix Mercury: Laila Phelia, Syracuse, SG
28. Atlanta Dream: Maggie Doogan, Richmond, PF
29. Las Vegas Aces: Kierra Wheeler, West Virginia, PF
30. Washington Mystics: Grace VanSlooten, Michigan State, PF
Third round
31. Dallas Wings: Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor, PF
32. Chicago Sky: Cassandre Prosper, Notre Dame, SG
33. Connecticut Sun: Latasha Lattimore, Ole Miss, PF
34. Washington Mystics: Chance Gray, Ohio State, SG
35. Los Angeles Sparks: Kara Dunn, USC, SG
36. Toronto Tempo: Sacha Washington, Vanderbilt, PF
37. Portland Fire: Christeen Iwuala, Ole Miss, PF
38. Golden State Valkyries: Hannah Stuelke, Iowa, PF
39. Seattle Storm: Jessica Timmons, Alabama, SG
40. Indiana Fever: Shay Ciezki, Indiana, SG
41. New York Liberty: Mya Perry, Cincinnati, SG
42. Phoenix Mercury: Teonni Key, Kentucky, PF
43. Atlanta Dream: Lani White, Utah, SG
44. Las Vegas Aces: Micah Gray, Oklahoma State, SG
45. Minnesota Lynx: Serah Williams, UConn, C
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for pulling out of the marquee league at the eleventh hour.
“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the PSL, effective immediately,” the cricket board said in a statement.
Muzarabani was originally set to feature for Islamabad United in the PSL 2026, but the right-arm fast bowler withdrew himself as he was signed by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The PCB reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct and the sanctity of contractual agreements within the PSL.
“This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honour agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” the statement read.
The PCB maintained that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. “In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement.”
The PCB added that once essential terms — including remuneration and structure — are agreed upon through written correspondence, a binding obligation is formed, adding that the attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and principles of good faith that govern global professional sports.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka and Australia’s Spensor Johnson had also pulled out of the PSL and joined the IPL.
The PCB added: “Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game. Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements.”
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have seriously considered making a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, while Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga. 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
– Bayern Munich and Barcelona have seriously considered making a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. The 26-year-old’s relationship with Milan’s supporters has deteriorated in recent months and an €80 million departure could become a possibility, despite the presence of a €175 million release clause in his contract. Manchester United could be among the Premier League options for the Portugal international, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League.
– Around half the teams in the Premier League want to sign Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, with the list of interested clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City, according to TEAMtalk. Monga, 16, became the second-youngest to play in the Premier League (at 15 years and 271 days old), and the Foxes’ potential relegation to League One has put more focus on his future. While the aforementioned trio of clubs are ready to make a formal offer, Monga’s situation is also reportedly being closely monitored by Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
– Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all shown an interest in Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, but his club have shut down any suggestion of him departing, reports TEAMtalk. Enquiries had been made to the 21-year-old’s camp in recent months, but all interested parties have been told that he is not available. Pavlovic also has no interest in leaving and is fully committed to continuing his development with Bayern.
– Barcelona, Juventus, Galatasaray, Benfica and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are all in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva when his contract expires at the end of this season, as reported by Nicolo Schira. Silva, 31, looks set to leave City, which has resulted in a host of clubs showing an interest in signing the Portugal international.
– Bayern Munich aren’t actively looking to sign a center back but still have Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong on their radar, as reported by Christian Falk. Bayern are closely monitoring the 19-year-old’s progress and the situation could develop if Kim Min-Jae leaves in the summer. Even so, the South Korea international would have to go request a move if he is to depart, and is happy with his role in Vincent Kompany’s squad.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks at Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga.
Monga’s first taste of Premier League football may have initially seemed a showcase, but 12 months on the England U19 international has backed up that early exposure with some proper first-team input.
Primarily used on the right wing, Monga has impressed in the physically demanding Championship this season. He has an excellent first touch that nicely sets up his next action, whether that’s a take-on, step-over(s), sharp body feint, or quick shift of direction that allows him to unbalance defenders in tight spaces. Those highly eye-catching one-vs.-one skills allow him to beat his opponents in varied ways, but one common denominator is the speed with which he executes his actions.
When driving inside, he looks for runners instead of keeping his head down to dribble, but while his decision-making has improved, he is still not able to carry the responsibility of Leicester’s attacking phases on his own.
Off the ball, Monga has shown a decent understanding of space, drifting to receive possession on the turn rather than staying static or sticking to the touchline. That helps him to stay involved and provides passing options when Leicester’s attacking play goes stale.
His defensive tracking is a work in progress and he has to learn how to cope with defensive duels when his tricks don’t come off, but that’s likely to develop with time.
OTHER RUMORS
1:53
Laurens: Chelsea’s project with Rosenior is failing
Julien Laurens slams Chelsea’s performance vs. Manchester City and says he believes Liam Rosenior is out of his depth.
– Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is still Liverpool’s dream signing to replace Mohamed Salah, although a deal is highly unlikely. (Football Insider)
– Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall has been tracked by Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Caught Offside)
– AFC Bournemouth centrer back Marcos Senesi has turned down offers from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in recent days, with his priority being to stay in the Premier League. (Nicolo Schira)
– Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez is among Internazionale’s favored options as they look for a center back, but it would take €35 million-€40 million to sign the 21-year-old. (Calciomercato)
– Celtic and Hull City want to re-sign Andrew Robertson despite Tottenham Hotspur having an understanding with the left back that they will sign him when his Liverpool contract ends. (TEAMtalk)
– Torino are working on a deal to re-sign Matteo Darmian with the defender’s Internazionale contract expiring at the end of the season. (Matteo Moretto)
– Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu is likely to be the priority option as Leeds United aim to sign a winger. (Football Insider)
– Premier League clubs have shown an interest in Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta after Fulham saw an offer rejected in January. (Nicolo Schira)
ESPN Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale has announced he has melanoma in his lung and liver cavity and will be starting immunotherapy soon.
Vitale, one of the preeminent faces of men’s college basketball, has battled four types of cancer in the past few years and most recently underwent surgery in the summer of 2024 after a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer.
“I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer,” Vitale, 86, said in a statement Monday. “I’m four-for-four and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it five-for-five.”
Following a nearly a two-year break to deal with his health, Vitale returned to broadcasting in February of last year after announcing he was cancer-free. He just wrapped up his 46th year covering college basketball at ESPN.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I’ve received from so many people” Vitale said. “I’m incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family — led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro — has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
“The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.”
Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season, just after ESPN’s launch, and called the network’s first major NCAA basketball game on Dec. 5, 1979. He has gone on to call well over 1,000 games, and in September 2024, he was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame.
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Blessing Muzarabani banned for two editions of PSL
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