2026 WNBA draft lottery: Time, how to watch, format, odds
The Wings, Lynx, Storm, Mystics and Sky will assess their prospects after the 2026 WNBA draft lottery. Check out how to watch the action on ESPN now.
www.espn.inThe 2026 WNBA Draft started on Monday, April 13, 2026, with coverage beginning around 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN networks and the draft itself tipping at 7:00 p.m. ET. The event took place in New York City, with ESPN providing live television coverage and a pre-draft “Orange Carpet” special.[3][4][6]
Key times to watch:
- Pre-draft coverage: 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 (Orange Carpet) and 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN (presentations).[3]
- Draft start: 7:00 p.m. ET, with the commissioner announcing the first pick live.[3]
- End of broadcast: roughly 9:30 p.m. ET, depending on length of rounds.[1]
If you’re streaming from outside the U.S., check local sports networks or streaming platforms carrying ESPN, as availability may vary by region. For up-to-the-minute results during the draft, live trackers and multiple outlets provided real-time picks and context throughout the three rounds.[2]