Overview
- The league on Thursday named 15 players invited to Monday's draft at The Shed in New York, a list that includes Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam and Flau'jae Johnson.
- Free-agency talks opened Wednesday under a new CBA, with signings allowed starting Saturday and teams using Core qualifying offers that lock in a one-year supermax and exclusive negotiating rights.
- Top-pick projections diverge as ESPN places Olivia Miles at No. 1, Bleacher Report tabs Spain's Awa Fam first, and USA TODAY elevates UCLA center Lauren Betts to the top slot.
- Roster needs shifted after Atlanta acquired Angel Reese from Chicago on Sunday, and expansion rosters were set with Portland selecting Bridget Carleton and Toronto adding Marina Mabrey in their draft.
- Team fit debates sharpen with Indiana's No. 10 pick linked by different outlets to Gabriela Jaquez, Raven Johnson or Gianna Kneepkens, reflecting a broader push for playmaking wings and possible draft-and-stash internationals in a 15-pick first round.