Gathering Before the Draft
Tanya Latson, a guard from South Carolina, found herself in an unexpected setting on Saturday morning.
She was at a podium, surrounded by a few other standout prospects for the upcoming WNBA draft. This was just the beginning of a packed day leading up to the draft event on Monday.
Microphones and recorders were everywhere. They captured the players discussing their college experiences, addressing the pre-draft grind, and sharing thoughts about their game styles and the evolution of women’s basketball.
Latson and her former teammate, Raven Johnson, sat nearby, talking about their aspirations to make basketball their full-time job. Interestingly, they never envisioned stepping into the WNBA at such a time—when the league is more popular and financially rewarding than ever.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time,” Latson reflected. “This is a historic moment, especially to be a part of it now, as we approach this WNBA season.”
As players hear their names on Monday night, they’ll achieve a lifelong ambition. Unlike the previous years, there’s no definite frontrunner for the first overall pick this time. Aji Fuad from Union University, Awa Fam Thiam from Spain, Olivia Miles from TCU, and reigning national champion Lauren Betts are all in the mix.
Amid the excitement about talent in this draft class, another significant point to consider is that these rookies will be the first to benefit significantly from a new collective bargaining agreement. This change will see the top six picks earn more in their first year than last year’s first pick, Paige Bueckers, would have received over four years under the former agreement.
The players understand the importance of this moment. Many kept an eye on the CBA negotiations as they unfolded. Knowing how these details influence each player individually might send them into the WNBA even more eager to uphold its tradition.
Recently, several draft prospects enjoyed dinner with WNBA players like Nneka Ogwumike and Lexi Brown at a Midtown restaurant. The veterans shared stories from their careers, offered advice, and shared valuable insights.
Johnson mentioned how Clark’s advice about staying grounded and being aware has resonated with her.
“She said, ‘Be a sponge,’ meaning don’t expect to score 30 points each game. Just be yourself, trust the process, and learn from the moment,” Johnson recalled. “You have veterans and All-Americans in front of you, so just be the standout version of yourself that they’d want to see.”
Throughout their conversations, discussions about CBA negotiations emerged. They reflected on the intense eight-day negotiation sessions earlier in March that resulted in the pivotal agreement.
“It’s amazing to learn what they fought for,” Fudd remarked. “They really stood firm. It shows that we should carry that same energy forward. They did this for us, and we need to keep pushing for what’s just.”
“I’m thankful for those who fought for this and didn’t waver,” Miles added. “It’s now on us to continue that progress.”
How this particular draft class influences the league’s ability to build on this momentum will be key to its future.
“I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity,” former LSU guard Frauge Johnson said. “I want to pave the way for the next generation because we’re all striving to improve things continuously.”
While the CBA signifies tremendous advancement for the league, the journey toward greater progress is still ongoing.
“This negotiation, this journey, doesn’t stop here,” Fudd emphasized.
