The WNBA announced details for their upcoming draft. On April 15, top prospects will hear their names called in Brooklyn, New York, at the famed BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). WNBA Draft 2024 marks the first time the league’s draft will be a seated event with fans in attendance since the 2014-16 drafts were held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce draft picks live on ESPN through the network’s exclusive coverage of the event.
“We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher,” Engelbert said in a news release. “Last season resulted in our most-watched-regular season in over two decades, our highest total attendance in 13 years and set record figures across WNBA digital and social platforms. As the official start to the WNBA season, we knew the WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm should be transformed into a larger, fan-focused event to celebrate the incredible talent set to enter the draft.
“With the continued support of ESPN, State Farm, and associate partner U.S. Bank, we anticipate hosting a truly memorable evening for WNBA teams and fans and, of course, for the immensely talented athletes for whom this night represents the realization of a dream come true and the commencement of the next phase of their basketball journey.”
The league’s iconic “Orange Carpet” makes its return as the formal tip-off for draft night festivities. Invited draft prospects will speak to the media, show off their draft fits and take pictures as they prepare to hear their names called on the draft stage.
Before hitting the orange carpet, prospects will head to the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony to celebrate draft night.
The WNBA plans to launch extensive coverage in advance of the draft, hoping to let fans get to know upcoming draftees. Draft profiles, team-specific analysis and more will become available on the WNBA App, social channels and WNBA.com beginning in March.
The Indiana Fever will select first on April 15, followed by the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky. The Sky recently acquired the No. 3 overall pick from the Mercury when they traded Kahleah Copper to Phoenix.
Tickets for WNBA Draft 2024 will be available to approximately 1,000 fans. More information on ticket packages will be available on wnbaexperiences.com in March.
