Acquiring shelf space might be A'ja Wilson's toughest challenge yet. Her trophy collection is so vast, it's hard to imagine where she stores it all. But the Las Vegas Aces forward will need to make more room: she's already the WNBA's first four-time MVP, winning the top individual honor for the second straight year last season.
Get ready to clear a spot, A'ja. The Athletic's women's basketball experts have spoken, and they predict more hardware is coming your way. In our preseason MVP poll, Wilson emerged as the overwhelming favorite to take home the award once again in 2026.
Here's why our panel thinks she's unstoppable—and who else could challenge for the crown:
A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
"Wilson is the best player in the world, and she's determined to prove it every time she steps on the court. Even when the Aces finished with the fourth-best record in the league, her individual brilliance still earned her the MVP. With the team expected to be excellent again and revolving around her, Wilson is the clear favorite—unless voter fatigue sets in." — Sabreena Merchant
"The Aces return their championship core and look to run it back on Wilson's shoulders. Bold prediction: the league's first four-time MVP becomes the first five-time MVP." — Chantel Jennings
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
"Already a two-time MVP, Stewart has another most-valuable season in her after re-signing with the Liberty. She's feeling and looking like a renewed version of herself—fully healthy, fresh off an Unrivaled title and another championship with Fenerbahçe. This might be a bold pick given Wilson's dominance, but Stewart has an aura about her that says the rest of the league should be on notice." — Annie Costabile
"She's healthy, she's probably miffed about how last season played out, she has one of the most explosive skill sets in the world, and her team should be good. Fun fact: no one has won WNBA MVP three times in a row, so maybe voters look outside Las Vegas this season." — Brian Hamilton
Other names on our ballots included Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, but the conversation starts and ends with Wilson and Stewart.
Who's winning the 2026 WNBA championship?
Our experts also weighed in on the team title race. The Las Vegas Aces are the heavy favorites to repeat, returning their championship roster and riding the momentum of Wilson's MVP-caliber play. But the New York Liberty, with a healthy and motivated Stewart, are poised to challenge. The Liberty's deep roster and championship experience make them a serious threat to dethrone the Aces.
In a league where dynasties are built on individual greatness, 2026 promises to be a season of epic battles—both for the MVP trophy and the ultimate prize. Whether you're Team Wilson or Team Stewart, one thing is certain: the WNBA is about to get even more exciting.