When Shane Gillis hosted the ESPYs in 2025, he put the spotlight on a woman in the crowd who he said was a four-time WNBA all-star. Everyone clapped, until he told them that it wasn’t a WNBA player at all. It was just his friend’s wife. Nobody knew, because nobody cares.
“I knew none of you knew WNBA players,” Gillis said. “That’s crazy.”
Well, Mr. Gillis, the WNBA might get the last laugh because that’s all about to change. The WNBA could soon get a shot of pure testosterone, dressed up as an athlete with feminine feelings.
Based on current eligibility rules and draft announcements, the next draft is slated to be the most stacked ever in WNBA history. The three players expected at the top of the draft will change the DNA of their new franchises forever, bringing a level of play that has never been seen in the league before.
It’s obviously still the current season, so the actual draft order is just a guess. We’re obviously not tracking the standings of the season — as Gillis proved, nobody is — so it’s barely an educated guess, but I have covered women’s basketball for much longer than any of you, so trust my analysis.
With all the buzz surrounding the WNBA and the marquee talent joining next season, it’s a great time to look at the future of women’s basketball with a Way Too Early WNBA 2027 Mock Draft.
1. Enes Kanter Freedom — Connecticut Sun
Enes Kanter Freedom is a WNBA coach’s dream.
She stands 6’10 and weighs around 250 pounds, which would make her the most physically dominant player in the league. Enes will team up with Brittney Griner, yep Brittney hasn’t made it in the NBA…yet. It’s been four years since Kanter played pro ball, but check out this video: she is jacked.
Let “The Transition” to the @WNBA begin.
Rules Are Rules!#LetFreedomPlay pic.twitter.com/EWWjrl7DaL
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 11, 2026
She is also a former WWE title holder. Kanter took down R-Truth back in 2019 in front of a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden — far larger than any WNBA crowd — to claim the WWE 24/7 Championship. Her run in sports entertainment will help Kanter with the theatrics that happen night in and night out in the WNBA. Kanter will make a splash in season one.
2. Royce White — Washington Mystics.
Credit: Royce White X Account
Get you a girl who can do both! White is working on her game and a political aspirations. Playing in D.C. gives her the perfect opportunity to fulfill both duties to the country and WNBA. A standout at Iowa State, he led the Cyclones in scoring, posted one of the best seasons in Iowa State history, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks. The Mystics will raise its stock significantly with this addition.
3. Julie Tetart — Toronto Tempo
Instagram: Julie Tétart
Pronounced like Mater from the PIXAR film “Cars,” this French woman bailed on being a man at 29 years old and has since dominated the women’s French basketball league. She’s the reigning Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year in the league with her eyes set on the next prize which is that WNBA paycheck. Check out her highlights from last season:
Julie Tetart’s best games last season in the Monaco Basket Association 👀
32 PTS, 25 REB (14/16 FG)
29 PTS, 22 REB (9/10 FG)
25 PTS, 25 REB (12 ORB)
24 PTS, 28 REB (12 ORB)
24 PTS, 23 REB (11/11 FG)
21 PTS, 30 REB, 5 STL
30 PTS, 21 REB (11/15 FG)pic.twitter.com/pdzZWIfG05— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 5, 2026
It’s a top-heavy draft, and this is where the weight may run out. These are the only three players you need to know next season. They will own every category in the league.
They’re the only three that have declared intent, but now that the seal is broken, we foresee more league-changing talent right around the corner. I went ahead and rounded out the top 10 prospects in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
4. Kyle Guy
Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
What a year to be the first Guy in the WNBA. He won a national championship for Virginia in 2019, had a few years in the NBA, and has now transitioned into a whole new era of basketball: 3 v 3, internationally. Sounds to me like the road back home runs through the WNBA.
Another transition could be intriguing for Guy.
5. Jimmy Butler
Credit: Sam Navarro/Getty Images
One of my favorite players. Always down for a rebrand. Remember Emo Jimmy with the painted black nails?
He could be an absolute trendsetter in the WNBA.
6. Tristan Thompson
Credit: Rich Storry/Getty Images
He has children with a Kardashian. He knows business and continuing his basketball career in the WNBA would be a great business opportunity, plus Caitlyn Jenner can help him with his feminine side.
7. Grayson Allen
Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Big Ted Cruz guy. Allen has a Reddit account dedicated to his favorite books… You know women love a book club.
8. Dwight Howard
Credit: John Nacion/Getty Images for Fanatics
We’ve all heard the rumors…
9. Dwayne Wade
Credit: Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Since he endorsed his adolescent son’s transition. It’s safe to assume he’s a major ally for men in women’s sports.
10. Zaya Wade
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
Dwayne Wade’s son has been identifying as a girl since she was 12. Seven years later, he could be a PR star for the league. It’s in his DNA.
The 2027 WNBA Draft is set for April of next year. Tune in for our next round of updates.
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