Why isn't Geno Auriemma at the 2026 WNBA Draft?

If you're watching this year's WNBA Draft in New York City, you might notice a notable coach not in attendance. UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma is not attending Monday night's draft as he attends the funeral for the husband of UConn program assistant and former player Peggy Myers, per ESPN's Alexa Philippou . Norm Myers died from brain cancer last month, per Philippou.

UConn assistant coach Morgan Valley will attend the draft to represent the school and cheer its players on who get drafted to WNBA teams. It's an incredibly sad occasion for Auriemma's absence, but an incredibly understandable reason to miss the draft festivities, too. Auriemma spoke with potential No.

1 pick Azzi Fudd and her family about the situation before the draft. Assistant coach Morgan Valley, Fudd's position coach, will be at her table this evening representing the Huskies staff — Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 13, 2026 We're sure Auriemma will be back next year. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why isn't Geno Auriemma at the 2026 WNBA Draft?