In the WNBA, the Most Valuable Player award goes to the player who dominates the league, performs at the highest level possible, and uplifts their team to a tier they’d never reach without their efforts.
For most of the 2020s, that player has consistently been A’ja Wilson. She is currently the back-to-back MVP winner and also earned the award in 2022 and 2020. For those who struggle with math, that means she has won the award four times over the past six years. Barring injury, she will undoubtedly
be in the running.
So, who are the players who can challenge her?
Here are three candidates to keep an eye on. Then, in the comments, nominate your contenders. Or, let us know if you think this exercise is silly because A’ja will refuse to let anyone take the crown from her.
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
Breanna Stewart is the engine that keeps New York running.
It’s early, but she is on a tear to start 2026. In three games, Stewart is averaging 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. If she can keep that kind of production up and once again have the Liberty as a top-four team in the WNBA, she’ll be in the conversation as the best player in the world.
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
When Caitlin Clark was healthy in 2024, she was an All-WNBA First Team player and was already getting MVP consideration. Now, she is healthy and is already showing signs that she’s a more polished player. Clark is elite from inside the arc this season, making 68 percent of her 2-point attempts. Those kinds of numbers are good for a big, but great for a guard.
Once her 3-point shot catches rhythm, she’ll be unstoppable offensively. That will come in due time, and once it does, she’ll be an MVP candidate. And if her defense can hold up and the Fever take a leap, she might even be the favorite to win the award.
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings)
Paige Bueckers was a monster in her rookie season. Year 2 is looking like more of the same, and her 3-point shot is even better early on.
In a couple of contests, Bueckers is converting on 45 percent of her 3-point shots and remains the offensive engine that keeps the Wings running. For Bueckers to seriously be considered for MVP, however, winning has to come along with her offensive prowess.
With a new head coach in Jose Fernandez, a No.1 pick in Azzi Fudd and Arike Ogunbowale still producing, there’s a chance Dallas can crawl out of the WNBA’s basement and contend for a playoff spot, putting Bueckers in the running for the MVP.
