Who’s the greatest No. 1 pick in WNBA history? Our ranking delivers answers

On Monday, April 13, the WNBA will hold its 30th annual draft where the biggest stars from the college ranks and overseas leagues will be selected.

Back in 1997, Tina Thompson was the first-ever WNBA Draft pick, and one that worked out quite well for the Houston Comets as she helped them win four championships. More recently, three consecutive first round picks by the Las Vegas Aces — Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young — helped the franchise capture multiple league titles too.

In the mix to hear their name called first on Monday night is UCLA center Lauren Betts, TCU point guard Olivia Miles, UConn sharpshooter Azzi Fudd, and 19-year-old Awa Fam from Spain.

With 29 drafts in the books for the WNBA, it’s time to reflect on some league history and answer the question, who is the greatest No. 1 pick of all-time?

To answer that, we came up with a formula that put point valuations on accomplishments the player achieved with the team that drafted them. League MVP awards and championships weighed the heaviest, followed by Finals appearances and All-WNBA selections. Other awards, leading the league in a stat — like scoring or blocks — and all-star selections were also weighted.

We’re only ranking 25 players here because it’s too early to really evaluate these four recent No. 1 picks:

• Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream (2022)
• Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever (2023)
• Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (2024)
• Paige Buckers, Dallas Wings (2025)

All of these players have already made All-Star teams and spent time with Team USA, but it’s hard to make a judgement on their careers and properly rank them on this list with limited data points.

With that, let’s jump into the rankings.

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

• Minnesota doesn't struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

• Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won't stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard's shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don't see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

• Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

• Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She's one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson's growth.

7. Portland Fire: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

• Latson's NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn't hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn't hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she'll be asked to do more, and she'll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

• If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State's "hard hat and lunch pail" culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina

• While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it's her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn't afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

• Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today's college landscape. The UCLA guard's game isn't flashy, but it's often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins' run.

13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

• Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

• Suarez's NCAA Tournament run wasn't great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

• McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut's specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she'll be dynamite at the next level.

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Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

1 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

2 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

• Minnesota doesn't struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

3 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

• Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won't stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard's shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don't see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

4 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

• Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

5 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

• Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She's one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson's growth.

6 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

7. Portland Fire: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

• Latson's NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn't hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn't hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she'll be asked to do more, and she'll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

7 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

• If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State's "hard hat and lunch pail" culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

8 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina

• While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it's her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn't afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

9 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

• Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today's college landscape. The UCLA guard's game isn't flashy, but it's often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins' run.

10 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

• Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

11 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

• Suarez's NCAA Tournament run wasn't great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

12 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

• McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut's specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she'll be dynamite at the next level.

More: The 2026 WNBA Draft board is a puzzle — here’s how it fits together now

25. Charli Collier, Dallas Wings (2021)

Collier played just two seasons in Dallas and hasn’t played a minute in the WNBA since 2022. The former Texas Longhorns star has since played in Turkey, Australia, China, Poland, Israel and Italy.

24. Ann Wauters, Cleveland Rockers (2000)

The post from Belgium played three unremarkable seasons for the Rockers. She would return to the WNBA a few times between 2004 and 2016, and was a reserve on the Sparks’ 2016 championship team.

23. LaToya Thomas, Cleveland Rockers (2003)

Thomas played for five different teams in six seasons, averaging 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

22. Lindsey Harding, Minnesota Lynx (2007)

Drafted by the Mercury and immediately traded to the Lynx, Harding lasted two seasons in Minnesota. She made the All-Rookie team in 2007 and would go on to play seven more years in the WNBA after the Lynx traded her to the Mystics.

21. Janel McCarville, Charlotte Sting (2005)

The Minnesota Gophers’ product didn’t get the chance to make an impact with the Sting as the franchise folded after her second season, but she was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player with the Liberty in 2007 and was a starter on the Lynx’s 2013 championship team.

20. Chiney Ogwumike, Connecticut Sun (2014)

The 2014 Rookie of the Year, Ogwumike missed two of her five seasons in Connecticut with injuries to her knee and achilles. She made two All-Star teams and averaged 14.1 points per game for the Sun before being traded to the Sparks.

19. Margo Dydek, Utah Starzz (1998)

The 7-foot-2 center from Poland played for the franchises in Utah and then San Antonio for seven seasons, leading the WNBA in blocks six times and making an All-Star team. She’s still the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocks, 18 ahead of Brittney Griner.

18. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun (2010)

Charles’ first stint with the Sun lasted four years, but she was a four-time All-WNBA selection, a four-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year in 2010 and league MVP in 2012.

17. Kelsey Plum, San Antonio Stars (2017)

Plum played one season with the Stars before the franchise was moved to Las Vegas. She then helped the Aces win two championships, was the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year in 2021 and finished third in MVP voting in 2022. She made three All-Star teams with the Aces and earned one All-WNBA nod before joining the Sparks last season.

16. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty (2020)

The Oregon product is likely going to quickly move up this list as the years go on, but she’s earned four All-WNBA selections, four All-Star nods and helped the Liberty win the championship in 2024.

15. Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington Mystics (1999)

The 1999 Rookie of the Year, Holdsclaw made five All-Star teams with the Mystics and was an All-WNBA selection three times before she was traded to the Sparks in 2005. The Tennessee product and two-time Olympic gold medalist also won the scoring title in 2002 and twice led the WNBA in rebounding while in Washington.

14. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (2019)

A four-time All-Star, a two-time All-WNBA selection and 2019 Rookie of the Year, Young has helped the Aces win three championships in her career.

13. Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm (2015)

The 2015 Rookie of the Year and 2023 scoring champ, Loyd helped Seattle win two championships before joining the Las Vegas Aces last season. She was also a six-time All-Star and three-time All-WNBA selection while with the Storm.

12. Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks (2012)

In 2016, Ogwumike was MVP, an All-Star, first-team All-WNBA, first-team All-Defense and helped the Sparks win the championship. She helped Los Angeles make nine trips to the playoffs in 12 seasons.

11. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream (2009)

The Louisville product’s career in Atlanta feels underrated. She guided the Dream to three appearances in the WNBA Finals, twice led the league in scoring and steals and was an eight-time All-Defense selection. McCoughtry also made five All-Star teams and six All-WNBA teams.

10. Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm (2016)

Before joining the New York Liberty, Stewart helped Seattle win two championships and was MVP of the Finals in 2018 and 2020. She won her first league MVP award in 2018 and was an All-WNBA selection five times.

9. Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury (2013)

Griner twice led the WNBA in scoring while with the Mercury and topped the league’s blocks leaderboard eight times. A 10-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defense selection, she helped Phoenix win a championship in 2014.

8. Tina Thompson, Houston Comets (1997)

The No. 1 overall pick of the first WNBA draft, Thompson was a key part of the Comets as they won four consecutive championships. She was an eight-time All-WNBA selection in Houston.

7. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx (2011)

Moore’s career was brief, but she helped the Lynx win four championships in eight seasons. She was the league MVP in 2014 and made the All-WNBA team in all but one of her seasons. Moore was the Finals MVP in 2013 and was named MVP of the All-Star game three times.

6. Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm (2001)

The 6-foot-6 Australian center won three MVPs and led the Storm to a pair of championships in eight seasons. Her 2007 performance is one of the best seasons by a player in WNBA history, as she was Defensive Player of the Year and led the league in scoring and rebounding.

5. Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx (2006)

The former LSU star won four WNBA championships with the Lynx and helped them appear in the Finals six times. She was an eight-time All-Star, MVP of the 2011 Finals and ranks 10th all-time in field goals made.

4. Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks (2008)

Before winning titles in the latter stages of her career with the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces, Parker was a star with the Sparks, piling up nine All-WNBA selections and 12 playoff appearances. She powered LA to the 2016 title and was Finals MVP. Parker also twice won the league MVP award with Sparks, including her rookie season in 2008.

3. Sue Bird, Seattle Storm (2002)

Bird has her own statue in Seattle. She spent her entire career there, bringing the Storm four championships and helping them make the playoffs 18 times. The UConn product is the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists, games played and minutes played. She was a 13-time All-Star and an eight-time All-WNBA selection.

2. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury (2004)

The WNBA’s all-time scoring leader spent her entire career with the Mercury and won three championships. One of the best women’s basketball players ever, Taurasi was an All-WNBA selection 14 times and led the league in scoring five times. She’s also the WNBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers and free throws made and probably the league’s greatest trash talker.

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces (2018)

Still under the age of 30, Wilson has already won the league MVP award four times — more than anyone else in the history of the WNBA. The former South Carolina Gamecock has powered the Las Vegas Aces to three championships, is a seven-time all-star, six-time All-WNBA selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. If she doesn’t already, she’ll have a real case for the greatest player in the history of the WNBA by the time she retires.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A'ja Wilson or Diana Taurasi? Ranking every No. 1 WNBA Draft pick