Hard to believe, but we are already one quarter of the way through the 2026 WNBA season.
While some things remain the same, A’ja Wilson is still very good at basketball for example, other things have changed. The Dallas Wings have risen to near the top of the standings while the Phoenix Mercury — who advanced to the WNBA Finals last season — are riding the struggle bus.
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So, as we hit the 11-game mark for all franchises, USA TODAY Sports is taking a look at who might be in line for awards come September. Here are our predictions:
With her status as the league’s only four-time MVP and its current leading scorer with 25.9 points per game, A’ja Wilson’s early position in the lead of the race for the 2026 award is unquestionable. From the most efficient 45-point game the WNBA has ever seen to reaching 6,000 career points in league-record speed, she’s already shown improvement — even though the idea that she needs to beat herself instead of the rest of the field to win the award is a bit of a silly one. — Callie FinOthers receiving votes: Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas Wings; Olivia Miles, G, Minnesota Lynx; Kelsey Mitchell, G, Indiana Fever; Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty
DPOY: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Defense and A’ja Wilson’s name are synonymous and the 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year is terrorizing opposing teams early, in ways only she can. Wilson leads the league in blocks (2.4 per game) is fifth in rebounds (9.6 per game). As the anchor of the Aces’ defense, Wilson had helped Las Vegas maintain a 103.8 defensive rating this season (sixth in the WNBA). Over the Aces’ last five games, their defensive rating has been 102.7 (fifth in the WNBA). — Meghan L. HallOthers receiving votes: Aliyah Boston, C, Indiana Fever; Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta Dream; Angel Reese, F, Atlanta Dream; Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty
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Rookie of the Year: Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx
Olivia Miles’ debut has been nothing short of historic. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft leads all rookies in virtually every category, including points (17.2 ppg), made field goals (6.1), rebounds (5.0), assists (6.4), steals (1.5) and minutes (30.6). She’s scored double-digit points in all 11 games to start her career. That includes a career-high 28-point performance against the Golden State Valkyries on June 4, where Miles broke Caitlin Clark‘s rookie record for 3-pointers in a game with eight. Miles is only getting more comfortable on the big stage and digging deeper into her bag. Watch out everyone. — Cydney HendersonOthers receiving votes: Pauline Astier, G, New York Liberty; Azzi Fudd, G, Dallas Wings; Madina Okot, C, Atlanta Dream; Kiki Rice, G, Toronto Tempo
Sixth player of the Year: Chennedy Carter, Las Vegas Aces
Chennedy Carter is the only player in the WNBA this season playing less than 21 minutes per game who is scoring at least 15 points per game. She’s been an absolute sparkplug off the bench for the reigning champs, averaging 17.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. She also ranks second in the WNBA in 3-point shooting with a 58.8% mark from behind the arc. While Carter’s personality can be offputting at times, it’s inarguable that she’s helped the Aces win games this season. She’s missed the past few games with a left leg injury, but should return to her role when healthy. — Mitchell Northam
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Others receiving votes: Sarah Ashlee Barker, G, Portland Fire; Nia Coffey, F, Minnesota Lynx; Megan Gustafson, C, Portland Fire; Naz Hillmon, F, Atlanta Dream; Charlisse Leger-Walker, G, Connecticut Sun; Janelle Salaün, F, Golden State Valkyries
Coach of the Year: Jose Fernandez, Dallas Wings
The Wings finished last season tied for last in the WNBA with a 10-34 record despite drafting point guard Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 pick. Enter Jose Fernandez, who spent the last 25 seasons as coach of the South Florida women’s basketball team. The coach has implemented an unselfish read-and-react offense. Fernandez called out his team’s “selfishness” after a 1-2 start. The Wings are now 7-3, a game and half behind the first-place Minnesota Wings in the WNBA standings. — Heather Burns
Others receiving votes: Chris DeMarco, New York Liberty; Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces; Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx; Alex Sarama, Portland Fire
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First-team All-WNBA
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A’ja Wilson, C, Las Vegas Aces*
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Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty*
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Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas Wings*
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Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta Dream
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Olivia Miles, G, Minnesota Lynx
*Denotes unanimous selection
Other’s receiving votes: Jessica Shepard, F, Dallas Wings; Kelsey Mitchell, G, Indiana Fever; Kelsey Plum, G, Los Angeles Sparks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA 2026 awards tracker: A’ja Wilson pushes for MVP, Olivia Miles ROY
