NBA Draft 2026: How it works, Draft Order, lottery system and where to watch live

The future of the NBA takes center stage this week as the 2026 NBA Draft begins at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Across two nights, franchises will strengthen their rosters by selecting the best available talent from college basketball, international leagues, and other eligible competitions.

For rebuilding teams, the draft represents an opportunity to land a future superstar. For contenders, it offers the chance to add valuable young talent capable of contributing immediately or developing into long-term assets.

When is the 2026 NBA Draft?

The event will be held over two days:

Round One

• Tuesday, June 23
• Barclays Center, Brooklyn
• 8:00 p.m. ET

Round Two

• Wednesday, June 24
• Barclays Center
• 8:00 p.m. ET

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will announce every first-round selection before teams begin building the league's next generation of stars.

Who owns the top picks?

The Washington Wizards enter draft night holding the coveted No. 1 overall selection after winning the draft lottery.

The top ten currently features:

1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans)
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks

As always, draft-night trades could dramatically reshape the order before selections are finalized.

How does the NBA Draft work?

Each NBA franchise receives one selection per round unless picks have previously been traded or forfeited.

Teams are given a limited amount of time to submit each selection after they are officially on the clock. Once a player is selected, that franchise gains the exclusive NBA rights to negotiate a contract with the prospect.

While first-round selections generally receive guaranteed rookie contracts under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, second-round picks have greater flexibility in contract negotiations.

What is the NBA Draft lottery?

The draft lottery determines the order of the first selections among teams that failed to qualify for the NBA Playoffs. Instead of automatically rewarding the worst team with the first overall pick, the NBA uses a lottery system to discourage intentional losing.

The three teams with the poorest regular-season records each receive the highest probability of securing the No. 1 selection, while the remaining lottery teams receive progressively lower odds.

After the first lottery positions are determined, the rest of the draft order follows regular-season standings.

Who is eligible?

Players must meet the NBA's minimum age requirements before entering the draft. Most American prospects declare after completing at least one season of college basketball, while international players become automatically eligible after reaching the league's age threshold or meeting NBA eligibility rules.

Several highly regarded international prospects are also expected to hear their names called alongside standout NCAA performers during this year's event.

Can teams trade Draft picks?

Yes. Draft selections are valuable assets and are frequently traded years before the draft takes place. Teams often exchange picks as part of blockbuster player deals, salary-cap moves or long-term rebuilding strategies.

That explains why several franchises will make selections originally belonging to other organizations.

Why the NBA Draft matters

For rebuilding teams, a successful draft can completely change the direction of a franchise. Many of today's NBA superstars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Victor Wembanyama, entered the league through the draft before becoming franchise cornerstones.

With every selection carrying the potential to uncover the next All-Star or MVP candidate, draft night remains one of the NBA calendar's biggest events.

Where to watch the 2026 NBA Draft

Fans in the United States can watch Round One live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. Round Two continues on ESPN platforms, while streaming coverage will also be available through NBA digital services and supported live-TV streaming providers.

International viewers can watch through their respective NBA broadcast partners or follow live pick-by-pick updates through official NBA digital platforms.

SportsLigue