WNBA GM survey picks Bueckers as player to launch a franchise

Key Points:

• Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers received the most votes from WNBA general managers as the top player they would choose to start a franchise today, with 33% of the vote, surpassing Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson, who each received 20%.
• A'ja Wilson, the 2025 MVP and 29 years old, was the most recognized player overall, leading with 60% as the favorite to win the 2026 MVP and also earning top marks as the league's best defender, leader, and the player forcing the most team adjustments.
• The Las Vegas Aces were favored by 40% of GMs to win the 2026 WNBA title, followed by the New York Liberty (33%) and Atlanta Dream (27%), with Chelsea Gray of the Aces highlighted as the best point guard, passer, and a future coaching candidate.
• Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx was voted the league's best head coach with 53% of the votes, ahead of Becky Hammon from Las Vegas who received 40%.
• Minnesota guard Olivia Miles was the top pick for Rookie of the Year with 73% of the votes, while Seattle Storm's Awa Fam was seen as the rookie with the best long-term potential, receiving 67% as the best player in five years.