Way-too-early picks for the WNBA’s end-of-season awards

The GIST: WNBA All-Star Weekend is just two sleeps away — but first comes tonight’s six-game slate, where a certain superstar could make her season debut. As we near the season’s unofficial halfway point, here are our way-too-early picks for the league’s end-of-season awards. Nothing but net.

🤩 Most Valuable Player — A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): But of course. An unprecedented four-time MVP, Wilson’s remained virtually unstoppable. In fact, the league’s leading scorer has only gotten better, adding a three-point shot to her already lethal repertoire this offseason. It’s the 29-year-old’s world, and we’re just living in it.

🐣 Rookie of the Year — Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx): The Lynx boast one of the best offenses in the W, and 2026 No. 2 overall pick Miles is the maestro. Her ball fakes and slick passes drop jaws on the daily, she’s breaking records left and right, and her aura is off the charts. High fives all around.

💪 Defensive Player of the Year — Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries): Williams is as versatile as they come. The anchor for the W’s best defense, the two-time All-Star consistently stifles the league’s top perimeter scorers (think Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell and the Aces’ Jackie Young), logging the second-best steal rate in the WNBA.

📈 Most Improved Player — Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo): With ample opportunities for breakout stars in the expansion era, no one’s capitalized quite like Mabrey — look no further than her record-tying 53-point masterpiece in June. No rage bait here, just a franchise cornerstone.