What time is the WNBA draft tonight? The highly anticipated event will commence tonight, providing fans with an electrifying opportunity to witness the future stars of the league. The draft will showcase the top collegiate and international prospects as they embark on their WNBA journeys.
The draft will be broadcasted live on ESPN2, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For viewers in other time zones, the draft will air at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) and 9:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
WNBA Draft Time
The 2023 WNBA Draft will take place tonight, April 10, 2023. The draft will begin at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT) and will be held at Spring Studios in New York City.
For viewers in other time zones, the draft will begin at:
- 10:00 PM BST (British Summer Time)
- 3:00 AM CST (China Standard Time) on April 11, 2023
- 12:00 PM JST (Japan Standard Time) on April 11, 2023
- 8:00 AM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on April 11, 2023
Draft Coverage Information
The 2023 WNBA Draft will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, ensuring fans can catch all the action.
The draft will be televised on ESPN2, providing comprehensive coverage of the event. For those unable to watch on TV, the draft will also be streamed live on ESPN+, the ESPN app, and the WNBA website.
Radio Coverage
Fans can also tune in to the draft on SiriusXM, with coverage available on channel 147.
Draft Format and Procedures
The WNBA Draft is a three-round event, with each team making one selection per round. The draft order is determined by the reverse order of the previous season’s standings, with the team with the worst record drafting first. Ties in the standings are broken by a coin flip.
Teams can trade their draft picks with other teams before or during the draft. Trades must be approved by the WNBA league office.
Player Acquisitions
Teams can acquire players through the draft or through free agency. Players who are not drafted become free agents and can sign with any team.
Teams can also acquire players through trades. Trades must be approved by the WNBA league office.
Draft Prospects and Predictions
The 2023 WNBA Draft is poised to showcase an array of talented prospects with the potential to make an immediate impact in the league. Here’s a look at some of the top players to watch and potential surprises that could unfold on draft night:
Top Draft Prospects
- Aaliyah Boston, South Carolina: The 6’5″ center is a dominant force in the paint, averaging 13.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in her senior season.
- Shakira Austin, Mississippi: The 6’4″ forward is a versatile scorer and rebounder, averaging 18.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season.
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa: The 6’0″ guard is a prolific scorer and playmaker, averaging 27.0 points and 8.0 assists per game in her junior season.
- Diamond Miller, Maryland: The 6’3″ guard is a dynamic scorer and defender, averaging 19.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season.
- Breanna Beal, Florida: The 6’2″ guard is a versatile scorer and rebounder, averaging 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this season.
Potential Surprises
- Aaliyah Boston’s draft position: Boston is widely considered the top prospect in the draft, but there’s a chance she could slip to the second or third pick if teams prioritize other needs.
- International players making an impact: Several international players are expected to be selected in the first round, including Spanish forward Alba Torrens and Serbian center Ivana Raca.
- Trades shaking up the draft order: Teams could make trades on draft night to move up or down in the order, potentially altering the projected draft positions of some prospects.
Draft Analysis and Commentary
The 2023 WNBA Draft featured a wealth of talented prospects, and the selections made by teams will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league’s landscape. Experts and analysts have weighed in on the draft picks, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each player and their potential contributions to their respective teams.
One of the key storylines emerging from the draft is the emphasis on size and athleticism. Several teams, including the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings, prioritized players with impressive physical attributes who can make an immediate impact on the defensive end.
These selections reflect the growing trend in the WNBA towards a more physical and up-tempo style of play.
Impact on Team Performance, What time is the wnba draft tonight
The draft picks are expected to have a noticeable impact on the performance of several WNBA teams. The New York Liberty, who selected Aaliyah Boston with the first overall pick, are poised to make a significant leap forward after finishing with the league’s worst record last season.
Boston’s defensive prowess and leadership qualities could transform the Liberty into a playoff contender.
The Seattle Storm, who have won four WNBA championships in the past decade, added another dynamic scorer to their roster with the selection of Charli Collier. Collier’s ability to create her own shot and contribute from beyond the arc will give the Storm a much-needed offensive boost.
Long-Term Implications
Beyond the immediate impact on team performance, the 2023 WNBA Draft has long-term implications for the league’s future. The influx of young talent will inject fresh energy into the league and help to maintain its status as one of the most competitive and exciting women’s sports leagues in the world.
The draft also showcased the growing diversity of talent in the WNBA. Players from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences were selected, reflecting the league’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Draft Highlights and Recap
The WNBA Draft unfolded with a flurry of excitement and surprises, showcasing the league’s rising stars and shaping the future of women’s basketball.
Top Draft Picks
| Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhyne Howard | Atlanta Dream |
| 2 | NaLyssa Smith | Indiana Fever |
| 3 | Shakira Austin | Washington Mystics |
| 4 | Veronica Burton | Dallas Wings |
| 5 | Aaliyah Boston | Connecticut Sun |
Draft Recap
The draft was marked by several notable moments, including the historic selection of Rhyne Howard as the first overall pick. Howard, a versatile forward from Kentucky, is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the league’s history.
Other notable picks included NaLyssa Smith, a dynamic forward from Baylor, who went second overall to the Indiana Fever, and Shakira Austin, a towering center from Mississippi, who was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics.
The draft also featured several surprises, with Aaliyah Boston, the reigning National Player of the Year from South Carolina, falling to the Connecticut Sun with the fifth overall pick. Boston’s slide was attributed to concerns about her recovery from a knee injury.
Ultimate Conclusion: What Time Is The Wnba Draft Tonight
The WNBA draft promises to be an unforgettable night filled with excitement, drama, and the shaping of the league’s future. Tune in tonight to witness the next generation of WNBA stars take their first steps towards greatness.
