By the Numbers: WNBA Draft
The 2024 WNBA draft promises to be one of the most significant drafts yet, as women’s basketball has taken over the spotlight following the most-watched NCAA tournament in history.
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Stars abound as hoopers like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and more wait for teams to call their name. While the stars prepare to take the stage in New York, we’ve gathered all the essential info you need to know before the draft begins.
15
For the first time since 2016, the draft will be a public-facing experience—tickets to the event in Brooklyn, NY sold out in just 15 minutes.
1997
The first WNBA draft was held in 1997. The Houston Comets used their #1 overall pick to select Tina Thompson, who went on to become a nine-time WNBA All-Star.
15
For the first time since 2016, the draft will be a public-facing experience—tickets to the event in Brooklyn, NY sold out in just 15 minutes.
1997
The first WNBA draft was held in 1997. The Houston Comets used their #1 overall pick to select Tina Thompson, who went on to become a nine-time WNBA All-Star.
22
The WNBA rules and regulations require that non-international players be 22 years of age before they are permitted to enter the draft.
0
Of the current 12 WNBA teams, the Chicago Sky is the only team with zero number-one overall draft picks.
22
The WNBA rules and regulations require that non-international players be 22 years of age before they are permitted to enter the draft.
0
Of the current 12 WNBA teams, the Chicago Sky is the only team with zero number-one overall draft picks.
2008
The Los Angeles Sparks selected Candace Parker with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft. Parker is the only player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and the overall league MVP award.
42%
The 2023 WNBA Draft reeled in an average of 572,000 viewers on ESPN — a 42% increase over the previous year and the most-watched draft since 2004.
2008
The Los Angeles Sparks selected Candace Parker with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft. Parker is the only player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and the overall league MVP award.
42%
The 2023 WNBA Draft reeled in an average of 572,000 viewers on ESPN — a 42% increase over the previous year and the most-watched draft since 2004.
144
The WNBA has 144 total roster spots across the twelve franchises. This limited number of spots severely impacts rookies, as only 15 of the 36 draftees (42%) from the 2023 draft made opening-day rosters.
$76,535
Each of the top four draft picks will make a base salary of $76,535. To learn more about WNBA salaries, NIL, and other financial aspects of the WNBA, check out our NIL Roundtable featuring Sue Bird, Nneka Ogwumike, Aliyah Boston, and Paige Bueckers.
144
The WNBA has 144 total roster spots across the twelve franchises. This limited number of spots severely impacts rookies, as only 15 of the 36 draftees (42%) from the 2023 draft made opening-day rosters.
$76,535
Each of the top four draft picks will make a base salary of $76,535. To learn more about WNBA salaries, NIL, and other financial aspects of the WNBA, check out our NIL Roundtable featuring Sue Bird, Nneka Ogwumike, Aliyah Boston, and Paige Bueckers.
4
The Seattle Storm have had the most #1 picks in draft history. They’ve picked first four times, in 2001, 2002, 2015, and 2016.
26
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has produced more first-round draft picks than any other school, with 26 players selected in the first round.
4
The Seattle Storm have had the most #1 picks in draft history. They’ve picked first four times, in 2001, 2002, 2015, and 2016.
26
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has produced more first-round draft picks than any other school, with 26 players selected in the first round.
How to Watch the draft
The draft pre-show, WNBA Countdown, will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, which will lead directly into the draft when it starts at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the draft on the ESPN app. 📺