The WNBA's annual GM survey just dropped a major surprise that has the basketball world buzzing—and it involves two of the league's biggest stars: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.
When you think about the future of women's basketball, these two names are impossible to ignore. Their rivalry has quickly become one of the league's defining storylines, and now, before the 2026 season even tips off, general managers across the WNBA have added an unexpected twist to the narrative. According to the survey, league executives believe Angel Reese may have a better shot at winning a championship this season than Caitlin Clark.
That's a bold call, especially considering how much has changed over the offseason. Caitlin Clark enters the year healthy and leading an Indiana Fever squad that has real playoff momentum after back-to-back postseason appearances and a tough five-game semifinal series against the defending champions last year. The Fever are rising, and Clark is at the center of it all.
But here's where it gets interesting. The survey asked one major question: Who will win the 2026 WNBA Finals? The defending champion Las Vegas Aces led with 40 percent of the vote, followed by the New York Liberty at 33 percent. The only other team to receive votes? The Atlanta Dream, at 27 percent. The Indiana Fever? Zero votes.
That disconnect is what makes this so compelling. Reese, after spending her first two seasons carrying a rebuilding Chicago Sky team, now joins an Atlanta roster that was already built to compete. The Dream had playoff expectations before adding one of the league's best rebounders and most physical interior players. Reese's individual production has never been questioned—she led the league in rebounding in each of her first two seasons and established herself as a relentless force. The issue in Chicago was always team success. Now, in Atlanta, she steps into a situation designed to win immediately.
Meanwhile, Clark's Fever are still building, even if the foundation is strong. The GM survey suggests executives see a clearer path to a title for Reese this season, thanks to a roster that's ready to contend right now. It's a reminder that in the WNBA, championships aren't just about star power—they're about the right fit at the right time.
For fans watching this rivalry unfold, the 2026 season just got a whole lot more intriguing. And for anyone following the league's biggest names, this survey is the latest chapter in a story that's only getting better.