Photos: The 2026 WNBA draft
- Staff
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Black southern players dominate the red orange carpetÂ
On April 13, 2026, the Women’s National Basketball Association drafted their newest players. The WNBA draft represents a pivotal moment for athletes to elevate their status and step into a spotlight that has historically favored the NBA. Because these players are more likely to complete their college degrees due to the way WNBA draft eligibility requirements are set up, they enter the professional ranks with a maturity and connection to their communities. For many of these women — the majority of whom are Black and many who hail from the South, or at least Southern schools — this night is a celebration of the community that raised them as much as it is a personal milestone.
While WNBA players often work harder to attain the global celebrity status of their male counterparts, draft night serves as a high-fashion declaration of their arrival. These athletes aren't just joining a league; they are redefining what it means to be a professional icon on and off the court.
Take a closer look at the standout looks from the night.
