The 2027 WNBA Draft is generating excitement, with USC's JuJu Watkins emerging as a top prospect. A preliminary list of ten potential top picks has been compiled, highlighting the talent expected in the upcoming draft.
NEW YORK ― The 2026 WNBA Draft is complete, and now it's time to start thinking about 2027.
Many are likely buzzing about top picks from this year's class. Names like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles and Lauren Betts were called within the first five selections. More extraordinary talent will be found in the 2027 draft.
USC superstar JuJu Watkins leads a stacked class that projects promise. Who else could be on the upper portion of the draft board with Watkins next year?
Here's a way-too-early list of 10 prospects for 2027 who could hear their names called at the next WNBA draft.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
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(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
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Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
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2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
Watkins is the most dynamic player in the class of 2027. The USC product is a three-level scorer and also an elite defender, who uses her 6-foot-2 frame as a larger guard to her advantage. There isn't a matchup Watkins believes she can't win, especially getting downhill, causing pressure or blocking shots.
Hidalgo, who is 5-foot-6, plays with the heart of someone who is a foot taller. She thrives on creating chaos for other teams on both ends of the floor. Hidalgo can score from anywhere on the court, and if opposing players aren't careful, she'll cause a turnover or steal the basketball for a score in transition.
Booker is a midrange maestro and has fully leaned into creating problems for other teams with her shot making. Still, jumpers are not the only thing Booker has mastered. She defends well, can produce baskets from anywhere and has a knack for creating separation that many players her age don't.
Crooks is a nightmare matchup. The Iowa State center has a smooth release and quick finish that make her tough to guard. She also continues to add depth to her offensive skill set with each season she plays, which will help at the W level. If Crooks strengthens her defense, she would be a key piece for any team.
Williams' versatility is her biggest asset. She's a guard who can play the forward position, and the two skill sets blend well. Her vision and speed are underrated, and she does a great job of knowing when to unlock both. Williams also rarely wastes a shot, and that goes a long way with pro-level efficiency.
Strack only needs a small window to operate and that makes her dangerous. Though she has noteworthy patience as a post player, often letting plays develop before attacking, she can also bring the ball out to the midrange for a quick score or stretch the floor from behind the line.
Cooper is fluid in her movements on the offense end, and it comes in handy when she's in transition or accelerating to the cup. The former Tennessee product is a disruptor and thrives on creating defensive pressure that opposing players struggle to dissect.
Scott has a bevy of offensive options, but her downhill game is what makes her stand out. The Baylor guard thrives on getting to the basket, often drawing contact or taking defenders with her to the rack. She also has a sneaky burst of speed that allows her to separate herself in many situations.
At 5-foot-7, Johnson is a smaller guard but don't let her size fool you. She has formidable control with the basketball in her hands and calculated handles that help her unravel defenses. Johnson also plays with an unparalleled level of confidence that can't be taught.
Fulwiley arguably has the highest upside of any guard in the class of 2027. She's an electric offensive talent that brings finesse to the court with a playground feel. The LSU guard might need time to develop defensively at the WNBA level to reduce inconsistency, but the path for her to be a starter exists.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 WNBA Draft preview: JuJu Watkins leads deep talent pool
JuJu Watkins from USC leads the list of top prospects for the 2027 WNBA Draft, along with other talented players yet to be named.
In the 2026 WNBA Draft, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, and Lauren Betts were among the first five selections.
JuJu Watkins is regarded as a top prospect due to her exceptional performance and skill level showcased at USC.
The exact date for the 2027 WNBA Draft has not been announced yet, but it typically occurs in April each year.
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