2026 WNBA Draft Big Board 1.0: Awa Fam and Olivia Miles stand alone in first tier, UCLA stars dominate top 10
CBS Sports
by
Jack Maloney
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with significant uncertainty surrounding team rosters due to ongoing labor negotiations and the upcoming double expansion draft for Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. In place of traditional mock drafts, CBS Sports has released its Big Board ranking, highlighting top prospects who could reshape the league's future. Awa Fam and Olivia Miles stand out as the top-tier talents, offering unique strengths that make them central to this year's draft conversation.
Awa Fam, a 6-foot-4 center from Spain, tops the list as the most promising prospect despite being just 19 years old. Her combination of athleticism, versatility, and potential makes her a generational talent. While she is still developing, particularly on the defensive end, her ability to contribute immediately alongside her long-term upside has earned her the No. 1 ranking. Fam's performance with the Spanish national team, including MVP honors at the 2024 U20 EuroBasket and a silver medal in the 2025 tournament, further solidifies her reputation as a future star.
Olivia Miles, a guard from TCU, is equally compelling. Known for her elite playmaking skills and vision, Miles has proven herself as an offensive engine in Mark Campbell's spread pick-and-roll system. Her ability to create opportunities for both herself and her teammates makes her one of the best playmakers ever to enter the WNBA draft. Having returned to school after initially declaring for last year's draft, Miles' potential impact on the league is undeniable.
The 2026 draft is particularly significant due to the uncertainty surrounding team rosters, with many teams expected to have drastically different lineups by the start of the season. This adds an extra layer of excitement as fans and analysts speculate how front offices will prioritize established talent versus high-potential prospects like Fam and Miles. Their development and contributions could significantly alter the competitive landscape of the WNBA, making this draft a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026