Wilson aces 2026 WNBA awards

The best season in WNBA history was full of superlatives. The Indiana Fever’s offense. Golden State’s defense. The most skilled players of all time.

My All-WNBA picks …

First team >> Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson is the league’s top player again. A true offensive and defensive anchor. Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell were an electric highlight reel, powering the most efficient offense in league history. Clark was third in scoring and second in assists, while Mitchell was second in scoring, first in 3-point shooting. Lynx rookie guard Olivia Miles is smart and smooth, the best player on the league’s best team. Wings guard Paige Bueckers, a mature decision maker, can score from anywhere.

                               pts    reb    ast    shooting
A’ja Wilson, Aces             26.2    9.4    3.2    55-40-86
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever        24.7    1.7    2.8    55-45-85
Caitlin Clark, Fever          22.3    4.0    8.3    53-36-85
Olivia Miles, Lynx            19.8    4.7    6.0    54-39-87
Paige Bueckers, Wings         20.9    4.1    5.9    56-41-87

Second team >> Aces point guard Jackie Young, an excellent two-way player, had a career season. Lynx guard Kayla McBride was the league’s best shooter: 51% on 2-pointers, 41% on 3-pointers, 92% from the line. Dream teammates Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray belong here, too. Howard was everywhere, leading the league in 3-pointers and steals. Gray is another two-way All-Star. Liberty forward Breanna Stewart is still dominant. A traditional post player in a new wave guard league.

                               pts    reb    ast    shooting
Jackie Young, Aces            18.9    4.4    6.8    57-38-93
Kayla McBride, Lynx           17.6    4.0    2.2    51-41-92    
Allisha Gray, Dream           19.0    3.5    2.7    54-34-81
Rhyne Howard, Dream           17.7    3.8    3.7    48-36-86
Breanna Stewart, Liberty      20.8    8.3    3.3    53-25-84

AWARDS and SUPERLATIVES

Player of the Year >> Aja Wilson, Aces

Coach of the Year >> Natalie Nakase, Valkyries

Rookie of the Year >> Olivia Miles, Lynx

Best offensive players >> Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, Fever

Best defensive players >> Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton, Valkyries

Best scorer >> Kelsey Mitchell, Fever

Best shooter >> Kayla McBride, Lynx

Best 3-point shooter >> Kelsey Mitchell, Fever

Best free throw shooter >> Aja Wilson, Aces

Best bench player >> Janelle Salaun, Valkyries

2. Tiffany Hayes, Valkyries
3. Han Xu, Liberty
4. Lauren Betts, Mystics
5. Sophie Cunningham, Fever

TEAMS

Best record >> Minnesota Lynx, 33-11

>> Best point differential >> Minnesota Lynx, +7.2
>> Best net rating >> Golden State Valkyries, +9.4

Worst record >> Seattle Storm, 8-36

>> Worst point differential >> Connecticut Sun, -9.1
>> Worst net rating >> Connecticut Sun, -11.5

Home team >> Chicago Sky

Road team >> Minnesota Lynx

Best offense >> Indiana Fever

Best defense >> Golden State Valkyries

Fastest pace >> Chicago Sky

Slowest pace >> Golden State Valkyries