Caitlin Clark no longer tops WNBA GMs’ franchise player rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A year ago, Caitlin Clark was the clear choice among WNBA general managers when asked which player they would build a franchise around. Heading into the 2026 season, that conversation looks very different.
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The latest WNBA GM survey delivered one of the more surprising results of the preseason, with Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers overtaking Clark as the league’s preferred franchise cornerstone.
For Clark, the shift shows how quickly perceptions can change in a league filled with elite young talent. But it also sets up one of the most fascinating storylines entering the new season, especially with Clark and Bueckers preparing to meet on opening night.
Paige Bueckers jumps ahead of Caitlin Clark in GM survey
The WNBA released its annual GM survey ahead of the league’s 30th season, and one question stood out above the rest:
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“If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?”
Bueckers finished first with 33 percent of the vote. Clark and A’ja Wilson tied for second at 20 percent each. Dominique Malonga followed with 13 percent, while Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier also received votes. The results marked a noticeable change from last season’s survey, when Clark earned 50 percent of the vote after her historic rookie campaign with the Indiana Fever.
MORE: WNBA GMs send strong message about Fever star Aliyah Boston
Clark enters Year 3 with fresh motivation
Clark’s second WNBA season did not unfold the way many expected. After dominating as a rookie, injuries interrupted much of her momentum in 2025. Groin and quad issues limited her to only 13 games, though she still averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds when available. Even with the missed time, Clark continued flashing the playmaking and scoring ability that transformed the Fever into one of the league’s biggest attractions.
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She also reminded fans of her upside during international play, earning MVP honors at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in March. Now, Clark enters the season healthy again after a brief preseason injury scare, and the timing of this survey result only adds more intrigue to Indiana’s opener against Dallas and Bueckers on May 9.
For a player who has spent most of her career answering criticism with big performances, this latest GM survey may end up becoming extra fuel heading into Year 3.
