2024 WNBA Draft: Schedule, Key Dates, Leading Prospects, Draft Sequence, and Venue
This question will begin to be answered on Monday night at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn. While there's little suspense about when Clark will be picked, the excitement is just getting started. Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Where will the 2024 WNBA Draft be held?
The eagerly awaited WNBA Draft is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 15. It will be hosted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York. This event marks the first time that fans can attend the WNBA Draft in person.
Where can I stream the 2024 WNBA Draft?
ESPN will air the 2024 WNBA Draft, starting with a half-hour preview show at 7 p.m. ET. The draft can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Who has the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft?
For the second consecutive year, the Indiana Fever holds the top pick in the draft following their WNBA Draft Lottery win. Last year, they selected Aliyah Boston from South Carolina, who became the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Which team will Caitlin Clark play for?
Caitlin Clark is set to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever. This selection makes perfect sense for Indiana for two main reasons: 1) Combining Clark's perimeter skills with Aliyah Boston's interior presence sets the stage for a strong team foundation, potentially leading to championship contention; 2) Clark's impact on the Fever's business, including ticket, sponsorship, and merchandise sales, especially jerseys, solidifies her as a strategic pick. As a result, many of the Fever's games next season are scheduled for national TV broadcast.
2024 WNBA Mock Draft Highlights: Caitlin Clark to Indiana Fever, Angel Reese to Chicago Sky
What will Caitlin Clark’s salary be in the WNBA?
As the top draft pick, Clark will earn a salary of $76,535. However, her earnings from sponsorships and endorsements are expected to be substantially higher, potentially exceeding $3 million, similar to her final year at Iowa. Despite the modest salary by professional sports standards, the commercial revenue she generates, including jersey sales, will be significant.
For perspective, the highest WNBA salary this season is $241,984, and the average player salary is around $150,000. This is one reason why many WNBA players supplement their income by playing overseas or engaging in other careers such as broadcasting during the offseason.
What is the order of the first round of the WNBA Draft?
The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds. Here is the sequence for the first round, noting that the Los Angeles Sparks will pick second and fourth.
1. Indiana Fever
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Chicago Sky (from Phoenix)
4. Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle)
5. Dallas Wings (from Chicago)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Chicago Sky (from Minnesota via Los Angeles)
8. Minnesota Lynx
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Atlanta Dream (from Las Vegas via Los Angeles)
Here are some notable prospects expected to be drafted:
Caitlin Clark, 6'0" point guard, Iowa
Caitlin Clark has emerged as a standout player and a cultural icon in college basketball, holding the record for the most points scored by any college player, male or female. Her deep shooting range and ability to distort defenses have drawn comparisons to Steph Curry. As she transitions to the WNBA, the league faces the exciting challenge of leveraging her star power.
Cameron Brink, 6'4" power forward, Stanford
Known for her dominance on defense with an NCAA-leading 3.74 blocks per game, Cameron Brink also boasts a well-rounded offensive game. With Nneka Ogwumike's departure to Seattle, the Los Angeles Sparks could benefit from Brink's inside presence. Her readiness to handle the WNBA's physicality is anticipated, and she'll need to validate her potential as a next-level star.
Kamilla Cardoso, 6'7" center, South Carolina
Kamilla Cardoso caught the attention of many during the NCAA title game, showcasing her formidable size and skill in the paint. Her agility and court mobility complement her height, making her a significant presence on both ends. Her collegiate experience playing alongside other bigs should smooth her transition into the WNBA.
Angel Reese, 6'3" forward, LSU
Angel Reese's relentless energy and athletic prowess were key factors in LSU's victory over Iowa in last year's championship. While her shooting needs refinement, Reese's high motor and explosive ability will be crucial as she adapts to the professional level. Her dedication to improving her overall scoring efficiency will be vital for her success in the WNBA.
What's the often overlooked reality of the WNBA Draft?
The stark truth is that the majority of players drafted into the WNBA do not end up making a team. While top picks like Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso are likely secure, the vast majority of draftees face long odds of securing a spot on a roster.
In the previous season, out of the 36 players selected, only eight were on opening day rosters, and only 15 appeared in at least one WNBA game throughout the season. The WNBA is notoriously difficult to break into due to its limited roster spots — each team has only 12, and some opt for only 11 to manage within the league's stringent salary cap constraints. This is in stark contrast to the NBA, which not only has 15 roster spots but also permits up to three two-way players for developmental purposes. With no equivalent to the NBA’s G-League for player development, drafted players often have to look overseas to hone their skills and continue their professional careers, as teams and coaches, focused on immediate results, frequently prefer seasoned veterans to fill out their lineups.
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