The WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026 provided a historic moment for Toronto. With the sixth overall choice, the expansion Toronto Tempo selected UCLA guard Kiki Rice, officially giving the new franchise its first-ever draft pick. This move came shortly after the Tempo filled their initial roster spots through the league expansion draft, and it signals the team’s commitment to building around a versatile backcourt presence.
Rice arrives after a standout collegiate run at UCLA where she helped the Bruins capture the national title and posted strong all-around numbers. The selection follows the WNBA draft lottery and the broadcast night in New York City, where multiple franchises reshaped their lineups for the 2026 season. For Toronto, Rice represents both immediate talent and a marketable face for a team set to open its regular season at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum on May 8.
A milestone draft moment for Toronto
Picking Kiki Rice sixth overall is a landmark for the Toronto Tempo. The club earned the sixth spot after winning a coin toss with the Portland Fire and opted for the higher first-round selection. That strategic choice allowed Toronto to secure a player with championship experience and playmaking ability, aligning with the Tempo’s aim to be competitive early as an expansion franchise. In addition to Rice, the Tempo holds picks at 22, 26 and 36, having negotiated the 26th pick from the Chicago Sky in exchange for passing on that team’s protected players during the expansion draft.
How the first round unfolded
The top of the draft featured high-profile college stars and international talent. The Dallas Wings used the first overall selection on UConn guard Azzi Fudd, a player who enters the WNBA with strong scoring upside and national recognition. Following Dallas, the Minnesota Lynx chose Olivia Miles from TCU at No. 2, while the Seattle Storm selected Spain’s Awa Fam Thiam with the third pick. These early selections reflect teams prioritizing a mix of size, shooting and playmaking.
Top-five summary
The early sequence underscored variety in team needs: Azzi Fudd at No. 1 brings perimeter scoring and shooting; Olivia Miles at No. 2 offers a multi-statistical floor game and playmaking; Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3 provides international frontcourt size; and Lauren Betts, taken by Washington, added a 6-7 rim presence. Chicago followed with guard Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5 before Toronto selected Rice at No. 6.
Notable prospects and international influence
The draft class included a diverse group of prospects who were highlighted before the event as part of the WNBA’s invite list. Fifteen players attended the draft in New York, representing schools such as UCLA, UConn, TCU and South Carolina, and countries including Spain and Kenya. The presence of international players like Awa Fam Thiam and others underscores the league’s global scouting reach and the continuing impact of overseas development programs on the WNBA talent pool.
Depth and role players
Beyond the lottery picks, teams focused on complementary pieces — shooters, defenders and versatile wings. Names that drew attention during draft week included guards and forwards who can step into rotation roles immediately. Toronto’s decision to draft Rice suggests the Tempo value a guard who can handle, defend and contribute across the stat sheet — a profile that fits modern WNBA rotations and the team’s early roster construction strategy.
Looking ahead, the Tempo will integrate Rice and their other selections into training camp and preseason preparations as they head into their maiden campaign. The WNBA draft on April 13, 2026 not only reshaped rosters around the league but also delivered a foundational moment for Toronto, which now has its first drafted player and a clearer identity for the franchise’s debut.
