The WNBA's Most Improved Player race is always one of the most exciting storylines of the season. While it doesn't always go to the league's biggest superstar, it consistently honors a talented player who has transformed from a solid contributor into a true impact player—or even a rising star. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, here are four players who are primed to make a serious run at the MIP award.
Dominique Malonga stands out as the most obvious candidate. Selected with the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft, Malonga arrived with immense hype—some even speculated her ceiling could surpass that of top pick Paige Bueckers. However, at just 19 years old, patience was key. As a rookie, she averaged 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 55.1% from the field (fourth in the league). But there was plenty of room for growth: she connected on just 56.9% of her free throws and only 4-of-18 from beyond the arc.
Fast forward to this year, and the signs of a breakout are undeniable. During Unrivaled, a 3x3 competition against elite global talent, Malonga exploded for 16.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while maintaining that stellar 55.1% field goal percentage—and raising her free throw shooting to 80%. That performance may have been the spark that ignites her star turn. Even more compelling: the Seattle Storm lost their top five scorers from last season, and Malonga, who was seventh, now has the keys to the franchise. She opened this season with a 21-point, eight-rebound, two-block statement, and despite foul trouble in her second game, she still managed seven boards, three blocks, and two steals in just 20 minutes. The door is wide open for her to become a major force.
Aneesah Morrow is another rookie who is already exceeding expectations. As one analyst put it, "Aneesah Morrow is just going to find a way to make an impact." After averaging 7.7 points as a first-year player last season, she has come out firing this year. She dropped 15 points and six boards in her opener, then followed it up with a monster 17-point, 16-rebound performance in her second game. She's also shown new range, attempting 11 three-pointers and making four—including a 3-for-6 effort in her latest outing. If she continues to stuff the stat sheet, she'll be a serious contender for the award.
Bridget Carleton and Nyara Sabally round out this list of MIP hopefuls. Carleton has long been known as a reliable role player, but with an expanded role this season, she has the chance to showcase her scoring and playmaking at a higher level. Sabally, meanwhile, has battled injuries early in her career but possesses the size and skill to be a game-changer in the paint. If she can stay healthy and log consistent minutes, her production could take a significant leap.
Whether it's Malonga's star-making turn, Morrow's relentless rebounding, or the breakout potential of Carleton and Sabally, the 2026 Most Improved Player race is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Keep an eye on these four—they're all poised to make a major impact.