Historic night in NYC proves Kentucky WBB’s renaissance is just beginning
Led by Teonni Key and Tonie Morgan, a record-breaking four Wildcats were selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - MARCH 23: The Kentucky Wildcats sideline cheers during a second round game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Hope Coliseum on March 23, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Greg Fiume/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images It has been a decade since the Kentucky women’s basketball program had the momentum rolling like it does right now. After a thrilling run to the Sweet 16, the program’s first since 2016, the celebration moved from the hardwood to the stage on Monday night.
In a historic 2026 WNBA Draft, four Wildcats saw their professional dreams realized, setting a new program record and proving that the Kenny Brooks era is operating at an elite level. The senior class that restored the roar to HMC didn’t just win games; they changed the standard for what it means to wear the Blue and White. The first expansion era selection The night’s highlight came early as Teonni Key made history in more ways than one.
Key was selected in the 2nd round (22nd overall) by the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo . Key’s length and defensive versatility made her a lock for the second round, but being part of Toronto’s inaugural roster adds a special layer to her legacy. There is only ever 1 first season for each franchise.
Key was just the beginning of a flurry of Wildcat names called: Tonie Morgan (32nd Overall): The Chicago Sky added Morgan’s playmaking to their backcourt. Amelia Hassett (35th Overall): Just three picks later, the Los Angeles Sparks secured Hassett, a player whose shooting range and rebounding were the “glue” for Kentucky’s Sweet 16 run. Jordan Obi (44th Overall): The Las Vegas Aces, who have won 3 of the last 4 titles, added the physical, high-IQ Obi to their powerhouse roster, proving that even the league’s elite see the value in a Brooks-coached player.