WNBA 2026 award races intensify as season nears conclusion

As the 2026 WNBA regular season enters its final stretch, several major award races have begun to take shape. A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces remains the primary frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player award, driven by her league-leading scoring and defensive dominance. She faces competition from Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, who has emerged as a top candidate for both MVP and Rookie of the Year after helping lead the Lynx to the top of the standings.

Other notable MVP contenders include Caitlin Clark, following her return to high-level play after injury absences, as well as Paige Bueckers and Kelsey Mitchell.

In the Most Improved Player category, Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin has emerged as a leading candidate. Austin has significantly increased her scoring and rebounding averages while leading the league in defensive win shares, playing a pivotal role in the Mystics' unexpected success this season.