2026 WNBA Draft: Order, time and everything else to know as Wings hold No. 1 pick
The draft takes place on Monday night in New York City
new.cbssports.comAnswer: The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, with coverage starting around 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN (the draft lottery and pre-show air earlier that evening).[4][6]
Details you might find useful:
- Date and location: April 13, 2026, in New York City at The Shed at Hudson Yards.[2][4]
- Start time and broadcasts: 7:00 p.m. ET start on ESPN; orange carpet pre-shows and related coverage begin earlier (ESPN2 and ESPN app options are typically available).[5][4]
- Pre-draft programs: WNBA Draft Lottery Special (ESPN) and related countdown programs usually precede the main draft.[6][4]
Illustrative snapshot:
- If you’re planning to watch live from Los Angeles, you’d tune in around 4:00 p.m. PT for any pre-show coverage, with the main draft at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on ESPN.[3][6]
Citations:
- “The WNBA Draft 2026 presented by State Street Investment Management SPY will be held on Monday, April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.”[4]
- “The 2026 WNBA Draft will tip off on April 13 (Monday). The draft… starts around 7 p.m. ET. The program concludes at 9:30 p.m. ET.”[1]
- “What time is the 2026 WNBA Draft? Held at The Shed, the 2026 WNBA Draft takes place today, Monday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.”[3]