WNBA general managers just predicted who will win the 2026 title, and lots more

There are 15 general managers in the WNBA — and those are the people who are the primary decision-makers on the draft, free agency, trades, and more. These GMs responded to 42 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves.

Here’s what they landed on — and what our reaction was at SB Nation.

(Of note, general managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel).

Which team will win the 2026 WNBA Finals?

1. Las Vegas – 40%
2. New York – 33%
3. Atlanta – 27%

My reaction: I’d pick Las Vegas, too. They won 3 of the last 4 titles after all, and have brought back their entire core — plus Chennedy Carter, one of the best bucket-getters in the league.

GMS share their thoughts on the best WNBA players

Who will win the 2026 Kia WNBA MVP?

My reaction: I’d also pick A’ja Wilson. Napheesa Collier is starting the year injured, and Wilson has won four MVP awards since 2020. There’s no reason to think anyone will top her.

If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?

>> Also receiving votes: Breanna Stewart (NYL); Napheesa Collier (MIN)

**Last year: Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 50%My reaction: I’d also pick A’ja Wilson. Napheesa Collier is starting the year injured, and Wilson has won four MVP awards since 2020. There’s no reason to think anyone will top her. **Last year: Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 50%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60%
2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13%

>> Also receiving votes: Caitlin Clark (IND); Napheesa Collier (MIN); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); Breanna Stewart (NYL)

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season?

T-1. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15%
T-1. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 15%

>> Also receiving votes: Julie Allemand (TOR); Cameron Brink (LAS); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Kennedy Burke (CON); Veronica Burton (GSV); Rhyne Howard (ATL); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Leila Lacan (CON); Jackie Young (LVA)

My reaction: Both players seem poised based on situation and talent, but I’d probably go with Malonga, who will be a centerpiece this season for the first time and already showed flashes of brilliance when given chances last season.

Who is the best point guard in the WNBA?
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 73%
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20%
3. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 7%

**Last year: Caitlin Clark and Chelsea Gray — 50%

Who is the best shooting guard in the WNBA?

1. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 27%
2. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 20%
T-3. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana – 13%
T-3. Sabrina Ionescu, New York – 13%
T-3. Allisha Gray, Atlanta – 13%

>> Also receiving votes: Kelsey Plum (LVA); Kayla McBride (MIN)

My reaction: Young probably gets the edge due to her two-way brilliance, but this question made me realize just how deep the shooting guard position was. Kelsey Mitchell was the best scorer in the bunch last year, and Paige Bueckers has a case of her own.

Who is the best forward in the WNBA?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 47%
T-2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 27%
T-2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 27%

My reaction: If we’re counting Wilson as a forward, I’m sort of surprised she didn’t get more than 47% of votes.

Who is the best center in the WNBA?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 57%
2. Jonquel Jones, New York – 21%
3. Aliyah Boston, Indiana – 14%
4. Brionna Jones, Atlanta – 7%

My reaction: Same thing: is Wilson a center? If so, I don’t know how you make the case that the others on this list are overall better players.

GMs share their thoughts on offseason moves

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?

1. Dallas – 47%
2. Atlanta – 33%

>> Also receiving votes: Chicago; Las Vegas; New York

My reaction: The Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream are two great picks. I think the Wings impressed me most — adding Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, and Azzi Fudd, as well as vets like Alysha Clark and Odyseey Sims makes them super well-rounded. Would expect them to be a playoff team.

Which player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

T-1. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 27%
T-1. Gabby Williams, Golden State 27%
3. Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles – 20%
4. Satou Sabally, New York – 13%

>> Also receiving votes: Marina Mabrey (TOR); Skylar Diggins (CHI)

My reaction: Angel Reese will elevate everything Atlanta already did well, and bolster their defense. But Gabby Williams might have the most substantial impact on the roster because of how much they needed an additional scorer. She’s also the best perimeter defender in the game.

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

T-1. Ariel Atkins, Los Angeles – 21%
T-1. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 21%
3. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Pauline Astier (NYL); Monique Billings (IND); Kennedy Burke (CON); Nneka Ogwumike (LAS); Nyara Sabally (TOR); Erica Wheeler (LAS)

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

1. Satou Sabally, New York – 23%
T-2. Angel Reese, Chicago – 15%
T-2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 15%

>> Also receiving votes: Bridget Carleton (POR); Skylar Diggins (CHI); Rickea Jackson (CHI); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Jacy Sheldon (CHI); Brittney Sykes (TOR)

My reaction: I wasn’t surprised Angel Reese’s tenure in Chicago ended, but I was surprised to see her land in Atlanta. I think it will be a great fit. I was also pretty surprised to see Richea Jackson’s time in Los Angeles end after two seasons — in hindsight, kind of wild that the teams who drafted Reese and Jackson just two years ago both moved on from them so quickly.

Which team will be most improved in 2026?

1. Dallas – 67%
2. Chicago – 20%
3. Los Angeles – 13%

My reaction: Agreed. Dallas was one of the worst teams in the league last year. I don’t think that will be the case this season.

GMs share their thoughts on the best young players in the game

Who will win the 2026 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year?

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 73%
2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas – 20%
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 7%

My reaction: I’d pick Flau’jae Johnson, in large part because I think she’ll have enormous opportunity in Seattle. There’s no clear-cut Rookie of the Year winner in this class, so I’m going with a pretty polished scorer who could have the chance to be a primary scoring option.

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. Awa Fam, Seattle – 67%
2. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 33%

My reaction: Fam is a teenager and has a high ceiling, so, like Malonga, I’m not surprised to see GMs are bullish on her. A little surprised she went No. 3 overall, though, if there was such consensus.

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where she was selected in the Draft?

T-1. Nell Angloma, Connecticut – 21%
T-1. Ta’Niya Latson, Los Angeles – 21%
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Gianna Kneepkens (CON); Gabriela Jaquez (CHI); Cotie McMahon (WAS); Olivia Miles (MIN); Justine Pissott (IND); Awa Fam (SEA)

Who is the best international player in the WNBA?

1. Jonquel Jones, New York – 33%
2. Janelle Salaun, Golden State – 20%
T-3. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13%
T-3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13%

>> Also receiving votes: Leonie Fiebich (NYL); Leïla Lacan (CON); Awa Fam (SEA)

Which country (outside of the U.S.) is producing the best WNBA talent right now?

GMs share their thoughts on the league’s top defenders

Who is the best defensive player in the WNBA?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 53%
2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 20%
3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13%
T-4. DiJonai Carrington, Chicago – 7%
T-4. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 7%

My reaction: This one feels like a no-brainer. Noteworthy, though, that Alanna Smith, who won Co-Defensive Player of the Year doesn’t finish in the Top 3.

Who is the best interior defender in the WNBA?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 73%
2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13%
T-3. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle – 7%
T-3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 7%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the WNBA?

1. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 60%
2. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 20%

>> Also receiving votes: DiJonai Carrington (CHI); Jordin Canada (ATL); Kahleah Copper (PHX)

My reaction: If Defensive Player of the Year only included perimeter defenders, Williams would have won last season. This is an easy choice.

Which team will be the best defensive team in the WNBA?

1. Golden State – 50%
2. Atlanta – 36%
T-3. Indiana – 7%
T-3. Minnesota – 7%

GMs share their thoughts on the best coaches in the WNBA

Who is the best head coach in the WNBA?

1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 53%
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 40%
3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 7%

My reaction: Cheryl Reeve has won four Coach of the Year awards and four WNBA titles. Regardless of how you slice it, she’s one of the best coaches in women’s basketball.

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?

1. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 43%
T-2. Nate Tibbets, Phoenix – 14%
T-2. Stephanie White, Indiana – 14%
T-2. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Cheryl Reeve (MIN); Karl Smesko (ATL)

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 50%
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 33%
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 7%
T-3. Nate Tibbets, Phoenix – 7%

Which head coach runs the best offense?

1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 33%
2. Nate Tibbets, Phoenix – 20%
T-3.Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 13%
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 13%
T-3. Karl Smesko, Atlanta – 13%
6. Stephanie White, Indiana – 7%

Which new or relocated head coach will make the biggest impact on his/her new team?

1. Sandy Brondello, Toronto – 71%
2. Jose Fernandez, Dallas – 14%
T-3. Sonia Raman, Seattle – 7%
T-3. Chris DeMarco, New York – 7%

My reaction: Sandy Brondello is a former player and she’s won two WNBA championships as head coach. The fact she was available to be Toronto’s first head coach was extremely fortuitous. I think she’ll be a great fit from the jump.

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Eric Thibault, Minnesota – 36%
T-2. Kristi Toliver, Phoenix – 18%
T-2. Briann January, Indiana – 18%

>> Also receiving votes: Olaf Lange (TOR); Brandi Poole (ATL); Roneeka Hodges (CON)

My reaction: Hard to compare, but I’ve heard so much good about Briann January as an assistant coach. She feels like a no-brainer selection for head coach down the road.

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 50%
2. Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago – 17%

>> Also receiving votes: Lindsay Allen (DAL); Veronica Burton (GSV); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Alyssa Thomas (PHX)

Which retired player who isn’t already coaching in the W should be?

1. Sue Bird – 36%
T-2. Katie Smith – 14%
T-2. Candace Parker – 14%
T-2. Seimone Augustus – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Lindsay Harding; Lisa Leslie; Diana Taurasi

Other miscellaneous questions

Which team will be the most fun to watch?

1. Dallas – 36%
T-2. Atlanta – 29%
T-2. Indiana – 29%
4. Golden State – 7%

**Last year: Indiana – 75%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Golden State – 64%
2. Indiana – 21%
3. New York – 14%

Which team has the most promising young core?

T-1. Dallas – 31%
T-1. Seattle – 31%
3. Washington – 23%
4. Indiana – 15%

Which player is the most athletic?

1. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 31%
2. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Cameron Brink (LAS); Kahleah Cooper (CHI); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); Saniya Rivers (CON); Gabby Williams (GSV); A’ja Wilson (LVA); Jackie Young, (LVA)

Which player is the best passer?

1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93%
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 7%

Which player is the best leader?

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 79%

>> Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Chelsea Gray (LVA); Breanna Stewart (NYL);

Who is the most versatile player in the WNBA?

1. Breanna Stewart, New York – 36%
T-2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 21%
T-2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 21%

>> Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Allisha Gray (ATL); Satou Sabally (NYL)

Which player has the best basketball IQ?

1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93%
2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 7%

Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?

T-1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 36%
T-1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 36%
3. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 14%

>> Also receiving votes: Paige Bueckers (DAL); Arike Ogunbowale (DAL)

Which 2 teams will lead their conference in the Commissioner’s Cup to reach the championship game?

1. Las Vegas (West) vs. New York (East) – 43%
2. Las Vegas (West) vs. Atlanta (East) – 29%

>> Also receiving votes: Las Vegas vs. Indiana; Phoenix vs. Atlanta; Dallas vs. New York; Los Angeles vs. New York

Which change to the league this year will require the biggest adjustment?

1. Development Player Spots – 42%
2. New Expansion Teams – 25%
3. New CBA – 17%
4. World Cup Break – 8%