2026 WNBA Awards Watch: One Quarter Into the Season

 

A quarter of the way through the WNBA season, some of the award races are already starting to take shape, even if there is still plenty of basketball left to change the conversation.

Rookie of the Year

Front-Runner: Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

From the opening stretch of the season, Olivia Miles has looked every bit like the front-runner for Rookie of the Year. With numerous 20-point games and disciplined defense, Miles has shown that she has the potential to become one of the best guards in the WNBA in years to come. Putting up a monster 31-point, 4-rebound, and 4-assist masterclass against the Los Angeles Sparks in the Minnesota Lynx's 99-83 victory, Miles' scoring skill set is nothing but impressive. Thus far, Miles is currently averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. One thing about Olivia Miles is that she's far more than a scorer. Beyond that, Miles is a playmaker that sets up her teammates for success. By taking an even deeper look beyond the ways Miles impacts the Lynx's offense through points and assists, Miles is a disruptive defender. Often found picking the pockets of an opponent for a steal and breakaway layup, Miles not only throws off opponents' offenses, but also gets in their head. This tenacious mentality is not only what helps Miles flourish, but also what makes her stand out. As the Lynx currently stand at the top of the WNBA Power Rankings with a 13-4 record, it will be interesting to see if Miles can continue to succeed at the pace she has been helping lead the Lynx to victory as the current leader in the Rookie of the Year race.

Top Contender: Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

The First-Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Azzi Fudd has done wonders for the Dallas Wings. Though much criticism and controversy come with being drafted first, there has been nothing like what Fudd has faced in recent months. Regardless of if Olivia Miles is having a better season thus far, Azzi Fudd has proved that she not only belongs in this league, but also that she deserved to be drafted where she was. Entering this season with the Wings with high hopes from select media, Fudd showed great promise as she was coming off a spectacular college career and entering her professional career with natural chemistry with former UConn teammate and current Dallas Wings teammate, Paige Bueckers. Although the first few games for Fudd started slow, she would pick up the pace and get comfortable in the Wings' matchup with the New York Liberty where Fudd would drop her first 20-point game. This breakout performance would open up Fudd to so many other opportunities and even a continued starting spot. Since then, Fudd has recorded a career-high of 24 points while averaging 13.6 points on almost 50-40-80 shooting. While this is relatively close to her career stats at UConn, fans across the world should be excited for the way Fudd has flourished recently as she has settled into the league and playing like her authentic self. Despite the fact that Fudd does not average nearly as good of stats as Olivia Miles, she could certainly increase her ROTY stock with a few standout performances along the way to boost her stats. All things considered, if there's one thing you learn it's that Fudd is here to stay and belongs not only in the Rookie of the Year talks, but also in the WNBA.

Sixth Player of the Year

Front-Runner: Chennedy Carter, Las Vegas Aces

After spending the 2025 season playing overseas, Chennedy Carter has entered the 2026 WNBA Season on a mission. Signed by the Las Vegas Aces in free agency during the offseason, Carter began with a fresh start. Despite having only previously played four seasons in the W, Carter has made her presence known on both ends of the floor. In her first season with the Aces, Carter averages 14.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game thus far. That said, there's something different and special about Carter's play this season. These statistics including her 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists masterclass against the Connecticut Sun earlier this season have all come from Carter coming off the bench. The 2020 Fourth Overall Pick has shifted her game from a starting spot to a pivotal bench leader with ease and doesn't show signs of stopping. If Carter can continue to play with this determination, maximizing the minutes she is given to play her best basketball, it's hard to put anyone above her in the Sixth Player of the Year race.

Most Improved Player

Front-Runner: Jessica Shepard, Dallas Wings

Starting a season with a brand-new team can be hard, but for Jessica Shepard, joining the Dallas Wings may have been the best decision of her career. Spending her first 5 seasons in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx, Shepard had established herself as a player that one would consider an "established role player." However, when Shepard signed with the Wings in the offseason prior to the 2026 WNBA Season, no one would have guessed how well this decision would shake out. Since joining the Wings, Shepard has been playing out of her mind averaging 14.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. This is a huge leap for Shepard as she was yet to average double-figures in any category during her time with the Lynx. Shepard's dominance comes from all areas as she has grown to become a reliable scorer as well as lockdown defender. In just her eighth game of the season, Shepard put the world on notice when she recorded a 22-point, 20-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double against the defending champs Las Vegas Aces. It was through this performance alone that the Dallas Wings knew she was one to keep as they can rely on her if players like Paige Bueckers or Arike Ogunbowale can't find their groove. Despite being on a completely new team, Shepard clearly does what the team needs rather than striving to achieve a "perfect stat line." With this progress, reliability, and breakthrough in mind, it is with no doubts that Jessica Shepard should not only be in the Most Improved Player conversation, but also a front-runner to win the award.

Defensive Player of the Year

Front-Runner: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Taking the WNBA by storm, A'ja Wilson is having one of the best seasons of her career which says a lot as she is a 4x WNBA MVP. In addition to leading the league in scoring, Wilson also leads the W in blocks while also finding herself fourth in the league in rebounds. While Wilson is often seen tearing apart opposing defenses and showing their flaws, she also does so to the offense of her opponents. Averaging 1.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game thus far, Wilson is relentless when defending the basket. Recording a season-high 5 blocks against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 2, 2026, Wilson put her ability to protect the basket on full display as she also put up 3 steals. The 3x Defensive Player of the Year is truly one of the best defenders the WNBA has seen in a long time and overall is even considered one of the best players to grace the basketball court. If Wilson can keep up the pace and continue to destroy teams with her defensive ability, she can easily go on to win her fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.

Coach of the Year

Front-Runner: Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream

Leading the Eastern Conference with 12 wins and just 4 losses and ranked second overall in the WNBA Power Rankings as of June 23, 2026, the Atlanta Dream look to be strong title contenders. While many fans look to the players to thank for this incredible season thus far and reasonably so, it would be remiss to not recognize the work and efforts of Atlanta Dream head coach, Karl Smesko. Seeing his greatest success in just his first two years coaching in the WNBA with the Dream, Smesko also had great success head coaching for the FGCU Women's Basketball Program from 2007-2024. Not only is Smesko's coaching ability undeniable, but the way he forms his teams to hold such strong chemistry does not go unnoticed. In the offseason prior to the 2026 WNBA season, Smesko and the Dream welcomed 2x WNBA All-Star, Angel Reese. This was a huge pickup for Atlanta as they solidified their frontcourt with Reese and Brionna Jones despite the loss of Brittney Griner. Lead by returning guards, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard who both average approximately 19 points per game, Smesko and the Dream have it all going for them. From the efficient scoring ability rooted by their guards to the reliable rebounding and defense from Reese and Jones, Smesko has grounded the team with depth and reliability that will surely take them far in the postseason. Although the Dream finished first in the Eastern Conference with a 30-14 record last season, they fell to the Indiana Fever in the First Round of the playoffs. Can Smesko's new looking team continue to gel and maintain their chemistry to finish the second half of the season strong and make it further in the playoffs than years past? 

Dark Horse: Jose Fernandez, Dallas Wings

In just his first season as the Dallas Wings head coach, Jose Fernandez has led the Wings to a full 180 compared to the 2025 WNBA Season. Last season, the Dallas Wings finished with a record of 10-34, tying with the Chicago Sky for the worst record in the league. As of today, June 23, 2026, the Wings have surpassed last year's wins as they have already earned 11 wins with an 11-6 record. Contrary to previous coaches, Fernandez's coaching style is very disciplined in the sense that players earn their playing time in a professional manner. This can be seen in the way that Fernandez and 2026 First-Overall Draft Pick, Azzi Fudd, were on the same page in that she must earn her spot in the starting lineup, to which she did. Not only has this discipline within the team helped the Wings takeoff, but also the fact that he pushes each of his players to be the best version of themselves in a selfless, professional way. This new system that Fernandez has established has allowed for a respectful and positive culture in Dallas that is rooted by overall team success and togetherness. Other factors that have played a major role in the team's success is the new additions Fernandez made in the offseason bringing in Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard. For just these few reasons alone and many more, Fernandez is certainly capable of climbing the rankings for Coach of the Year if the Wings continue to succeed despite being the underdogs.

Most Valuable Player

Front-Runner: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

There's no denying that A'ja Wilson is currently leading the MVP race just a quarter of the way through the season. Currently averaging 25.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game, Wilson does it all. Leading the W in points and blocks while also landing fourth in rebounds per game, the four-time MVP is the epitome of an all-around player. Even while considered to be MVP so early in the season, Wilson may also be crowned Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in her career. Not to mention her shooting splits, Wilson is also shooting an efficient field-goal percentage of 51.1% and even 42.5% from three as a center! These statistics not only prove that Wilson can score on all levels with ease, but also that she takes good shots, passing the ball rather than forcing a bad look. With each of these things in consideration, there's really nothing left to it. It's safe to say that we're watching one that could be considered the greatest of all time unfold right in front of our eyes. Could A'ja Wilson keep up the momentum to win her fifth career MVP?

Top Contender: Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks

Despite sustaining injuries that have sidelined her for four games thus far, Kelsey Plum is one of the most underrated stars in the league and needs to be recognized. In her second season for the Los Angeles Sparks since being traded from the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, Plum has proved that she is one of the most prolific and efficient scorers the W has seen in a while. Just behind A'ja Wilson and second in the WNBA in scoring, Plum averages 23.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Beyond consistently scoring as LA's number one option, Plum extended her career high in the Sparks' matchup with the Mercury on June 13, 2026. In a competitive and close contest, going back and forth with Phoenix's Kahleah Copper was Plum who would go on to score 43 points shooting a field-goal percentage of 53.8% and 45.5% from beyond the arc. If that performance alongside her insane stats doesn't show her worthiness of being in the MVP talks, I'm not sure what will. Although she is well-known and even recognized as a 4x All-Star, Kelsey Plum remains one of the most overlooked and underappreciated stars in the WNBA today.