A'ja Wilson (+220) is the consensus preseason favorite to win her fifth WNBA MVP in 2026, while Caitlin Clark (+240), Napheesa Collier (+800) and reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers (+1400) are among the next best on the board.
After injuries sidelined her for most of 2025, the Fever star is ready to turn the page after months of rehab and the "mental battle."
From the Dallas Wings’ big moves to the most valuable team, here’s what we’ll be watching as the 2026 campaign begins on FridaySign up to get WNBA 30 in your inbox every TuesdayI’ve been obsessed with basketball for as long as I can remember (and have played it since I was five). Now, I cover the sport full-time. I co-wrote a book on the history of women’s hoops, Court Queens, and host the Audacy podcast The Women’s Hoops Show. I grew up a Sacramento Monarchs fan, and proudly own the signature sneakers of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson. (Angel Reese, you’re next.) The WNBA is celebrating its historic 30th season this year, and I’ll be here every Tuesday covering the past, present and future of the game in this newsletter. Think of it as my exclusive WNBA diary, filling you in on the 4-1-1 of my favorite league. I can’t wait.As someone who celebrated my 30th birthday ahead of the league (not telling how long ahead), I can confidently say it’s a big deal. I, too, aimed to make more money and prioritize stability over hustle; WNBA players have signed million-dollar contracts for the first time, thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement. Some players, such as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, saw a 1,389% pay increase ($75,556 to $1.1m in her new three-year deal). In your 30s, you truly know your worth and come into your own. It’s fun to see the league mirror that, too. Continue reading...
Fantasy expectations and analysis on Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink and others returning from injury.
Caitlin Clark made her return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in more than nine months Thursday, scoring 21 points before exiting with a kneecap injury in the Indiana Fever's 95-80 preseason loss to the Dallas Wings. The two-time All-Star collided with Dallas forward Alanna Smith on a shot attempt in the third quarter but returned to make two free throws before watching the rest from the bench. Clark said she felt fine afterward, attributing the injury to landing hard on her kneecap. The game also featured the league's past two Rookie of the Year winners as Paige Bueckers scored 20 points for Dallas.
Fever star Caitlin Clark is prepared to give up a bit of control heading into the season by playing off the ball for stretches in order to give her a bit of rest.
Now 100% healthy with no restrictions, Caitlin Clark and the Fever are trying to keep it that way.
