The 2026 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet Proves that Style Is All in the Details
The 2026 WNBA draft is underway, and this year, all eyes are on the history-making draftees. From Teen Vogue's September 2025 cover girl Flau'Jae to UConn standout player Azzi Fudd, these up-and-coming basketball superstars used the famous orange carpet to show the world who they are.
Following the exciting March Madness playoffs season, the finest of college basketball's seniors gathered in New York City. Tonight, they'll learn which teams they'll be joining and where they'll be starting the next chapters of their careers, which are only just getting started.
But before the draft begins, the athlete will walk the orange carpet sponsored by Coach, showing off their individual style. Think of it as a little preview of the fashion that we'll be seeing in their tunnel walks when they officially make their WNBA debut.
Just as this is a special year for the WNBA, a celebration of the league's 30th anniversary, the class of 2026 has a unique charm. Representing a generation of athletes embracing self-expression through fashion, these rising athletes skipped no detail in their looks.
Below, see what the 2026 WNBA draft class wore to the orange carpet. Scroll on to see how your fave basketball star commemorated their big moment.
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Cotie McMahon
Cotie McMahon, from the Ole Miss Rebels, showed a penchant for trendy accessories with hoop earrings, a gemstone-covered extra large clutch, leather gloves and socks with stilettos to accent her blazer dress.
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Lauren Betts
Just after winning the NCAA championship with UCLA, Lauren Betts donned a dazzling black dress.
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Ta'Niya Latson
La'Niya Latson from the South Carolina Gamecocks gave us another spin on the timeless, elegant sparkly black dress. She paired hers with sheer opera globes and a matching clutch.
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Azzi Fudd
UCONN star Azzi Fudd knew just the thing to wear with her black and silver gown – a silver metallic Coach bag. The best detail though? A regal black sash as the waist, a perfect choice for the predicted first draft pick.
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Madina Okot
The South Carolina Gamecocks' Madina Okot brought another iteration of the red pinstripe suit to the orange carpet. She mixed prints with a diagonally striped tie, for a subtle take on the trend.
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Marta Suárez
From TCU, Marta Suárez went for a bold red pantsuit. The undone tie was cool enough, but her custom bag was an adorable detail.
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Flau’jae Johnson
It’s no secret that LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson made a name for herself in fashion before she even graduated college (she was on our September cover after all). But she proved just how fashionable she is making a statement in head-to-toe black on the orange carpet. Among all the details that made this look what it is (a velvet train and diamond drop earrings!), it was her French manicure that brought it all together.
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Kiki Rice
UCLA’s Kiki Rice is making a case for the formal biker jacket. The 22-year-old point guard wore a two piece black dress that she paired with a leather jacket that she wore off her shoulders as a shall.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images9/12Awa Fam Thiam
Awa Fam Thiam stunned in a draped red gown as she took the stage, being drafted for the Seattle Storm. The 19-year-old's look was all about the dress, but the accessories deserve a special shout-out too.
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images10/12Gabriela Jaquez
Gabriel Jaquez wears a custom Coach, hitting the WNBA draft carpet. Special star details for a superstar player.
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images11/12Nell Angloma
Just 19-years-old, Nell Angloma is the number 11 draft pick. And for the big night, Angloma opted for all white head-to-toe, a lesson in monochromatic dressing.
Catalina Fragoso/Getty Images12/12Gianna Kneepkens
UCLA Bruins player Gianna Kneepkens was all about the drapery on the orange carpet.
