When Is the 2026 WNBA Draft? Date, Time, How to Watch and More
Here's all you need to know about the broadcasting details, timings, and related information of the WNBA draft 2026.
www.essentiallysports.comThe 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]