April 2, 2021
Everything you need to know about the 2021 WNBA Draft
By Tee Baker
April 15 virtual event will focus on health equity and league history
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The WNBA announced the details of its 25th annual draft, to be held on April 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN starting at 7 p.m. ET, and top draft prospects will participate virtually.
As part of the league’s vaccine education efforts, the telecast will include WNBA players discussing COVID-19 vaccines with a focus on health equity. The two-hour event will also preview the upcoming season and feature appearances from WNBA legends including Tina Thompson, the first selection in the WNBA’s inaugural draft on April 28, 1997. This season’s “Count It” campaign, announced in March, will honor the league’s most impactful players and highlight its breakthroughs over the past quarter century.
In its announcement, the WNBA also shared multiple options for fan engagement. “Pick Your Pick” will allow fans to predict the next player who will get their named called on the night of the draft. The “Draft Chat” will go live at 6 p.m. ET, one hour before the draft begins, and will allow fans to interact while providing access to special guests and live analysis of key draft prospects.
Charli Collier, who led Texas to the Elite 8 earlier this week, is projected to be the top pick in the draft, a selection that belongs to the Dallas Wings. The Wings also hold the No. 2, 5, and 7 picks in the first round of the draft.
The league is planning for a mid May tip-off, with training camp scheduled to begin in late April. The 2021 game schedule has not yet been released.
Written by Tee Baker
Tee has been a contributor to The Next since March Madness 2021 and is currently a contributing editor, BIG EAST beat reporter and curator of historical deep dives.
