WNBA general managers just predicted who will win the 2026 title, and lots more

Key Points:

• Las Vegas is favored by 40% of WNBA general managers (GMs) to win the 2026 WNBA Finals, followed by New York (33%) and Atlanta (27%), with Las Vegas seen as the strongest due to their recent championships and retained core.
• A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas is the overwhelming favorite (60%) to win the 2026 MVP award and is also considered the best player at forward and center, while Chelsea Gray is viewed as the best point guard and Gabby Williams as the top perimeter defender.
• Dallas and Seattle are tied as teams with the most promising young core, with Dallas also seen as the most improved team for 2026 (67%), thanks to impactful offseason acquisitions like Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, and Azzi Fudd.
• Olivia Miles from Minnesota is the top pick (73%) to win Rookie of the Year in 2026, though some experts favor Flau’jae Johnson of Seattle for her scoring potential and opportunity, while Awa Fam of Seattle is projected to be the best rookie in five years.
• Cheryl Reeve of Minnesota is regarded as the best head coach in the league, with Becky Hammon of Las Vegas praised for her motivational skills; Sandy Brondello is expected to have the biggest coaching impact as Toronto’s new head coach.