When you ask a WNBA general manager to build a franchise from scratch, the choice isn't always about who's the best player right now—it's about who will define the next decade. And according to the league's latest GM survey, that player is Paige Bueckers.

The 2026 survey, released just days before the season tips off, posed a simple but revealing question: Which player would you sign first to start a new franchise? Bueckers earned 33% of the vote, putting her ahead of two of the biggest names in women's basketball: A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, who tied at 20% each.

That gap is more significant than it looks. Wilson just wrapped up a historic 2025 season, becoming the first player ever to win a championship, Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same year. She averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds over 40 games, and 60% of GMs still expect her to win MVP again in 2026. At 29, she's the most dominant force in the game today.

But GMs weren't asked who's best right now. They were asked who they'd build around for the long haul. And that changes the math. Wilson's prime is undeniable, but age and mileage matter when you're planning a ten-year foundation.

Clark, meanwhile, won this exact category last year with 50% of the vote. Her rookie season in 2024 shattered television records and electrified arenas. Even while battling injuries in 2025, she continued to showcase elite playmaking and shooting. Her work ethic and offensive creativity make her one of the most exciting players to watch in any sport.

Then there's Bueckers. As a rookie, she made an immediate and complete impact—becoming the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 in points, assists, and steals. She scores, facilitates, and defends at an elite level, all while actively giving back through her foundation. GMs see her as the rare combination of star power, versatility, and leadership that can anchor a franchise for years to come.

All three players are exceptional teammates and proven leaders. Each represents the best of professional women's basketball. But when it comes to building for tomorrow, the GMs have spoken: Paige Bueckers is the foundation.