2026 WNBA MVP ballot: Why A'ja Wilson deserves honor over Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- A'ja Wilson is the overwhelming favorite to win her fifth WNBA MVP award and become the first player to threepeat, dominating the 2026 season with historic scoring and efficiency despite some back issues.
- Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever is having the greatest scoring season ever by a WNBA guard, averaging 25 points per game with exceptional shooting splits and setting a new 20-point scoring streak record.
- Caitlin Clark, also from the Fever, ranks third on the MVP ballot due to her unique combination of scoring (22.8 PPG) and playmaking (8.5 APG), contributing to the best offense in WNBA history.
- Rookie Olivia Miles has had a standout debut, leading the Minnesota Lynx to the No. 1 seed with impressive scoring and assists, breaking rookie scoring records and emerging as a top playmaker.
- Breanna Stewart, despite a strong personal performance and full health, ranks fifth on the MVP ballot as her New York Liberty's eighth-place finish limits her MVP chances, continuing the trend that MVP winners typically come from top-five teams.
