The WNBA Draft, held in New York, celebrated its 30th season with Azzi Fudd being chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. Fudd, a standout from the University of Connecticut, joins last year's top pick, Paige Bueckers, marking the first time since 2011 that two players from the same school were selected back-to-back. The Minnesota Lynx picked Olivia Miles at No. 2, while Lauren Betts, the reigning NCAA champion, was selected fourth by the Washington Mystics, leading a record five first-round picks from UCLA. The draft's complexity was heightened by an ongoing free agency period and recent collective bargaining negotiations, which have transformed roster requirements and expanded player opportunities. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted that the new collective bargaining agreement will allow for more developmental spots, increasing the total number of players in the league to 210. This year's draft not only highlighted the talent pool but also set the stage for a competitive season ahead.