The WNBA MVP award has been A'ja Wilson's playground for the better part of a decade, but the 2026 season is shaping up to be a serious challenge to her throne. Since 2020, Wilson has collected four MVP trophies (plus two Finals MVP honors), establishing herself as the league's gold standard. But the landscape is shifting, and a new wave of talent is hungry for the spotlight.
Napheesa Collier has finished runner-up for two straight seasons, proving she's the closest competitor. Alyssa Thomas remains a consistent top-five fixture, while Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have each claimed MVPs in the odd years. Now, with the league's popularity skyrocketing and a new collective bargaining agreement in place, the stage is set for a changing of the guard.
Caitlin Clark is the name on everyone's lips. After an injury-plagued second season, the Indiana Fever superstar is healthy and motivated. With her team projected to be one of the league's best, Clark is primed for her first legitimate MVP run. Her blend of scoring, playmaking, and sheer star power has fans rallying behind her like never before.
FanDuel's early odds for the 2026 WNBA MVP offer a glimpse into who's best positioned to dethrone Wilson. Here's a breakdown of the top contenders:
A'ja Wilson — The defending co-Defensive Player of the Year is still the player to beat. Last season, she shot an incredible 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line. Those numbers are MVP-worthy in any era.
Caitlin Clark — Healthy and leading a reloaded Fever squad, Clark already has a Rookie of the Year award and a First-Team All-WNBA selection under her belt. This could be the year she takes the leap.
Napheesa Collier — She'll miss at least the first month of the season after ankle surgery, but don't count her out. Last year, she posted career highs in points, blocks, and field goal percentage. When she's on the court, she's a force.
Breanna Stewart — Coming off championship runs in Unrivaled and EuroLeague, Stewart is healthy, confident, and ready to reclaim the MVP crown she won in 2023.
Sabrina Ionescu — With a new head coach and full control of the Liberty's offense, Ionescu is poised to put up elite shooting and assist numbers. She's the engine of the league's most potent roster.
Paige Bueckers — After winning Rookie of the Year and earning Second-Team All-WNBA honors, Bueckers already looks comfortable as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. The sky's the limit for this rising star.