The WNBA announced Thursday it will hold its upcoming draft as scheduled on April 17 — as a virtual event without fans, media or players in attendance.
With the WNBA following medical guidelines because of the coronavirus pandemic, the league decided to conduct the draft remotely. It will be broadcast it live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. The league is still hashing out the details of the logistical arrangements.
“The WNBA draft is a time to celebrate the exceptional athletes whose hard work and dreams are realized with their selections in the draft,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Safeguarding the health and well-being of our prospects, players, employees, and everyone connected to our game as well as the general public is paramount. With that in mind, we will work diligently with our broadcast partner, ESPN, to create a memorable but virtual event that appropriately honors these accomplished athletes.”
The New York Liberty are considered almost a lock to select Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu with the first pick of the draft. Ionescu led Oregon to a 31-2 record as a senior, earning the AP Women’s Basketball Player of the Year while becoming the first player in college history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists. She averaged 17.5 points this past season with 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds to go along with eight triple-doubles.
Even as the WNBA has made a decision on the draft, the league said it is unlikely the season will begin on May 15 because of the pandemic. The WNBA has flexibility to start the season at a later date and will not have to put a month-long halt to the season — as they originally planned — after the Olympics were moved back to 2021.