The defending champion Las Vegas Aces are already turning heads ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, and according to the league's latest GM survey, they're the team to beat—again.
Released Tuesday, the survey asked all 15 general managers to weigh in on the best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves as the league gears up for its historic 30th season. And unsurprisingly, the Aces dominated the conversation.
Fresh off their third championship in four years, Las Vegas earned top marks across 42 questions. At the heart of it all is four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who continues to redefine greatness. A whopping 60 percent of GMs picked Wilson to win her fifth MVP award—extending her own WNBA record. She edged out superstars like Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), and Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream).
Wilson's resume speaks for itself: last season, she became the first player in league history to win MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and a championship all in the same year. GMs also named her the league's best leader, best interior defender, top overall defender, and the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments. She received over 60 percent of the vote in nearly every category.
But Wilson isn't the only Ace earning praise. She shares the spotlight with floor general Chelsea Gray, who was voted alongside Wilson as the player GMs would trust most to take a game-winning shot. Gray was also named the league's best point guard, best passer, and the player with the highest basketball IQ. On top of that, GMs tabbed her as the active player most likely to become a successful head coach someday.
As a team, the Aces received 40 percent of the vote as the favorite to repeat as champions. If they pull it off, they'd become the first franchise in WNBA history to win back-to-back titles on two separate occasions—a truly historic feat.
GMs also expect a blockbuster showdown, with 43 percent predicting an Aces vs. Liberty matchup in the Commissioner's Cup Championship Game. The second most likely pairing? Las Vegas against the Atlanta Dream.
In the coaching ranks, Minnesota's bench also earned recognition, but the narrative is clear: the Aces are the gold standard heading into 2026. For fans of the game—and fans of championship gear—this is a team to watch, and a dynasty to celebrate.