NBA · Draft
NBA Draft 2026
Expected June 25, 2026 · 60 picks · 2 rounds
The 2026 NBA Draft is expected on June 25, 2026 and will feature 60 picks across 2 rounds — 30 teams, 1 pick per round per team. The top 4 picks are determined by the NBA Draft Lottery in May. Eligible players must be at least 19 years old and 1 year removed from high school. The event airs on ESPN and ABC. SportBusy covers NBA Draft news, prospect rankings, lottery results, and team draft needs throughout the 2025-26 season.
Draft Details
Expected Date
June 25, 2026
Rounds
2 rounds (60 total picks)
Format
30 picks per round (one per NBA team)
Lottery Teams
14 non-playoff teams (best odds to worst record)
TV
ESPN / ABC
Eligibility
Must be 19 years old + 1 year post-high school
Lottery Date
May 2026 (approx. 2–3 weeks before draft)
International Players
Eligible — no age restriction for international players
Recent #1 Overall Draft Picks
| Year | #1 Pick | Selected By |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Alex Sarr | Washington Wizards |
| 2023 | Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2022 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic |
| 2021 | Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons |
| 2020 | Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2019 | Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2018 | DeAndre Ayton | Phoenix Suns |
| 2017 | Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2016 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers |
NBA Draft 2026 FAQ
When is the NBA Draft 2026?
The 2026 NBA Draft is expected on or around June 25, 2026. The exact date and location are announced by the NBA typically a few months before the event.
How does the NBA Draft lottery work?
The 14 teams that miss the playoffs enter the NBA Draft Lottery. The team with the worst record has the best odds (14%) of getting the #1 pick. The lottery determines only the top 4 picks; the remaining 10 lottery teams are ordered by reverse regular season record.
How many rounds are in the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft has 2 rounds with 30 picks per round, for 60 total selections. One pick per round per team — though teams can trade picks.
What are the NBA Draft age requirements?
To be eligible for the NBA Draft, a player must be at least 19 years old AND at least 1 year removed from high school graduation. This 'one-and-done' rule means most American prospects play one year of college basketball. International players have no age restriction.
Who are the top prospects for NBA Draft 2026?
The 2026 NBA Draft class is still developing. Watch for top college freshmen and international players from the 2025-26 season to emerge as top prospects heading into the 2026 draft. SportBusy will update prospect rankings as the season progresses.
Where is the NBA Draft 2026?
The NBA Draft 2026 location has not been officially announced. Recent drafts have been held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Prudential Center in Newark. The NBA typically announces the host venue several months before the event.
What channel is the NBA Draft on?
The NBA Draft airs on ESPN and ABC in the United States, typically starting at 8 PM ET. Both rounds are televised, and the lottery special typically airs in May on ESPN.
Can teams trade NBA Draft picks?
Yes — NBA teams can trade current and future draft picks, with restrictions (picks can be traded up to 7 years in advance, and the Stepien Rule limits trading consecutive first-round picks). Teams must retain at least one first-round pick every other year.