Dallas Tops Odds Ahead of 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery on ESPN
The countdown is on for the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery, set to air Sunday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The 30-minute special, hosted by Bethany Donaphin, Head of WNBA League Operations, will reveal which team lands the coveted No. 1 pick. This marks the 14th straight year ESPN has broadcast the event.
Five teams are in the mix this year — Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky — all hoping to change their fortunes. The 2026 WNBA Draft itself will take place April 13, 2026.
Here’s the exciting part — the lottery odds are based on each team’s combined records from the past two seasons (2024–2025):
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? Dallas Wings (19-65): 420 chances — best odds, guaranteed at least the No. 3 pick
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? Minnesota Lynx (via Chicago) (23-61): 261 chances
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? Seattle Storm (via L.A. Sparks) (29-55): 167 chances
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? Washington Mystics (30-54): 97 chances
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? Chicago Sky (via Connecticut) (39-45): 55 chances
Each team’s shot at the top pick comes down to a lottery machine loaded with 14 numbered balls. Four balls will be drawn to create a winning combo — that team grabs the No. 1 spot. The process repeats for the No. 2 pick, while the remaining order is set by record.
And yes, everything’s official — Ernst & Young will be on-site to ensure the results are legit.
