The 2026 NBA draft was the 80th edition of the National Basketball Association’s annual draft. This was the first draft since 2021 with 60 picks, as no teams forfeited second-round draft picks for free agency violations.
๐ Draft Schedule
The first round of the draft was held on June 23, and the second round was held on June 24. The Washington Wizards selected small forward AJ Dybantsa out of BYU first overall.
๐ Trades and Combine
Prior to the draft, trades were made and resulted in exchanges of draft picks between teams. The 12th G League Elite Camp took place on May 8โ10, from which certain participants were selected to join the main draft combine.
๐๏ธ Draft Combine and Lottery
The primary portion of the 2026 NBA draft combine was held from May 10โ17 in Chicago, Illinois. The NBA draft lottery was held on May 10, and it aired nationally on ESPN and ABC.
๐ Eligibility Rules
The draft is conducted under the eligibility rules established in the league’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement with its players’ union. Players who were not automatically eligible had to declare their eligibility by notifying the NBA offices in writing no later than at least 60 days before the event.
๐ Early Entry and Withdrawals
On April 27, 2026, the NBA announced 71 players who filed as early entry candidates. On May 29, 38 early entry candidates withdrew their eligibility, and on June 16, three more candidates withdrew.
๐ข Green Room Invitations
The NBA annually invites players to sit in the “green room” at the draft site. The first wave of invites was reported on June 9 with fourteen players, a second group on June 15, and a third and final group on June 17, bringing the total to 24 invites.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| G League Elite Camp | May 8โ10 | Not specified | Selected participants joined main combine |
| Draft Combine | May 10โ17 | Chicago, Illinois | Primary portion of combine |
| Draft Lottery | May 10 | Not specified | Aired on ESPN and ABC |
| Draft | June 23โ24 | Not specified | First round June 23, second round June 24 |