WNBA GMs Predict 2026 Title Winner, MVP, and Breakout Stars in Exclusive Survey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — June 22, 2025: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever drives against A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena. The Aces defeated the Fever 89-81.

The WNBA’s 15 general managers—primary architects of drafts, free agency, and trades—recently completed a comprehensive survey covering the league’s top teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves. The results, shared exclusively with SB Nation, reveal their predictions for the 2026 season and beyond. (Note: GMs were prohibited from voting for their own teams or personnel.)

2026 WNBA Finals Predictions: Las Vegas Aces Lead the Pack

General managers overwhelmingly favor the Las Vegas Aces to win the 2026 WNBA Finals:

• Las Vegas Aces – 40%
• New York Liberty – 33%
• Atlanta Dream – 27%

Our take: The Aces’ dominance aligns with their recent success. They’ve claimed 3 of the last 4 titles and retained their championship core, adding standout guard Chennedy Carter, one of the league’s premier scorers.

2026 Kia WNBA MVP: A’ja Wilson Dominates Predictions

General managers see A’ja Wilson as the frontrunner for the 2026 MVP award:

• A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas) – 60%
• Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) – 27%
• Other nominees: Caitlin Clark (Indiana); Allisha Gray (Atlanta)

Our take: Wilson’s case is compelling. Despite Napheesa Collier’s early-season absence due to injury, Wilson has claimed four MVP awards since 2020. Her consistency and dominance leave little room for doubt.

Dream Team: Who Would GMs Sign First?

When asked which player they’d sign to build a franchise from scratch, GMs’ top choices were:

• Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) – 33%
• Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) – 20%
• A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) – 20%
• Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm) – 13%
• Other nominees: Breanna Stewart (New York); Napheesa Collier (Minnesota)

Note: In 2024, Caitlin Clark led this category with 50% of the vote.

Defensive Nightmares: Who Forces the Most Adjustments?

Opposing coaches will need to game-plan carefully against these players, according to GMs:

• A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas) – 60%
• Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury) – 13%
• Other nominees: Caitlin Clark (Indiana); Napheesa Collier (Minnesota); Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana); Breanna Stewart (New York)

Breakout Stars: Who Will Shine in 2026?

General managers identified these players as most likely to have a breakout season:

• Dominique Malonga (Seattle) – 15%
• Rickea Jackson (Chicago Sky) – 15%
• Other nominees: Julie Allemand (Toronto); Cameron Brink (Las Vegas); Paige Bueckers (Dallas); Kennedy Burke (Connecticut); Veronica Burton (Golden State); Rhyne Howard (Atlanta); Marina Mabrey (Toronto); Leila Lacan (Connecticut); Jackie Young (Las Vegas)

Our take: Both Malonga and Jackson are primed for breakout seasons. Malonga, in particular, is poised to become a cornerstone for Seattle after flashing elite potential in prior appearances.