In partnership with
Did someone share this email with you? Get daily women’s basketball updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here!
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. 2026 WNBA Draft Is in the Books 📝
The 2026 WNBA Draft is official, with Azzi Fudd going No. 1 to Dallas, followed by Olivia Miles to Minnesota, Awa Fam Thiam to Seattle, Lauren Betts to Washington, and Gabriela Jaquez to Chicago.
WHY IT MATTERS: This was one of the tougher drafts to predict in recent memory, with all the movement across the league leading into it. Dallas grabbing Fudd reunites her with Paige Bueckers and adds a major perimeter threat after prioritizing size in free agency. Minnesota’s pick of Olivia Miles signals a new-look roster on the way. The top 5 picks were more or less expected to go early, just not necessarily in this order. The rest of the night was a surprise, especially Golden State’s big trade to send their No. 8 overall pick Flau’jae Johnson to Seattle in return for No. 16 overall pick Marta Suárez and a 2028 second-round pick.
Now the attention shifts to training camp, where every rookie will have to prove they belong and fight for an opening day roster spot.
🗳️ Who do you think will have the biggest rookie impact?
2. Rookie Salaries Just Took a Huge Leap 💰
Thanks to the new CBA, this year’s rookie class is set to earn more than ever before, with the No. 1 pick bringing in $500,000 in her first season. (Front Office Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a massive shift. Last year’s No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers, earned just under $79,000. Now the top pick is making more than six times that, and at a minimum, all rookies who make a roster this season will start at $289,133. For some added perspective on how big of a financial shift this is, it took 2002 No. 1 pick Sue Bird roughly ten years in the league to make $500,000 in total earnings.
3. Jada Williams Heads to LSU 🐯
A Cyclone is headed to the bayou. Iowa State transfer Jada Williams has committed to LSU after entering the portal as one of the more sought-after guards available. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: Iowa State had a major exodus after this past season, but Williams didn’t stay available for long. She’s a proven scorer and a fan favorite, and now she steps into a program that expects to compete right away. For LSU, it’s another strong addition.
🤝 From Our Partners: We occasionally share sponsored resources our readers might enjoy:
Every headline satisfies an opinion. Except ours.
Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Bru-Wins: UCLA saw six players drafted on Monday, the most ever by a single school in one WNBA Draft.
Fabulous 50s: Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed the WNBA will expand to a 52-game season by 2029.
Everything Old is New: Nike is celebrating 30 years of the WNBA with a special throwback apparel collection.*
*When you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout earns a small commission. If you do, thank you for supporting what we’re building.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked who you thought would go No. 1 in the draft… and based on the results a lot of you must have been caught off guard last night. 50% picked Lauren Betts, while 30% correctly called Azzi Fudd.
