SoccerRecap
Forest overcome Porto to book Europa League semi-final against Villa
Nottingham Forest beats Porto 2-1 on aggregate to reach Europa League semi-finals!
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Sparks Acquire Three New Players in 2026 WNBA Draft
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Sparks selected Ta'Niya Latson with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, despite not having a first-round pick. Latson, a standout guard from South Carolina, was a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for two consecutive seasons.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Ta'Niya Latson who was selected twentieth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
The Los Angeles Sparks did not have a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. But the Sparks still acquired one of the 15 draftees invited to attend the draft in New York City.
The Sparks drafted South Carolina guard TaâNiya Latson with the No. 20 overall pick in the second round of the draft on Monday night. Latson was named a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which honors the nationâs top college shooting guard, for the second season in row.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Ta'Niya Latson who was selected twentieth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
âTaâNiya is a skilled scorer and versatile playmaker,â Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said, via the teamâs official website. âHer explosiveness, ability to score in transition and point-of-attack defense excite us. She also showed her adaptability this season in a new role. Weâre happy to add her talent to our group.â
Latson averaged 14.1 points, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting a career-high 48.6 percent with the Gamecocks this season. She also helped lead South Carolina to the national championship game against UCLA.
Four picks later, the Sparks drafted Ohio State guard Chance Gray.
Gray was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention this season, averaging 12.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She was the Buckeyesâ second-leading scorer this season and one of the best 3-point shooters in the Big Ten conference, averaging a career-best 40.5 percent from beyond the arc.
âChance is a skilled shooter and an extremely hard worker,â said Pebley. âShe was efficient at shooting the three in a strong conference, and we appreciate her versatility. Weâre looking forward to welcoming her to Los Angeles.â
The Sparks third and final pick of the draft was Kentucky forward Amelia Hassett. She was the No. 35 overall pick in the third round of the draft.
Hassett averaged 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 36 games with the Wildcats this season. She also set the program single-season record with 99 made 3-pointers during the 2025-26 season.
âAmelia is a fantastic three-point shooter,â said Pebley. âShe finished eighth in the SEC in rebounding, had a high Stock rate and is a talented block shooter. Sheâs an exciting player who fits our system well.â
The trio of rookies will now report to training camp before the Sparksâ first preseason game against the Portland Fire on May 3.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Q&A
Who did the Los Angeles Sparks draft in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Los Angeles Sparks drafted Ta'Niya Latson with the 20th overall pick.
What award was Ta'Niya Latson a finalist for during her college career?
Ta'Niya Latson was a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, recognizing the nation's top college shooting guard.
Why did the Sparks not have a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The article does not specify the reason for the Sparks not having a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
