The interest in the WNBA is peaking, and the 2026 season is sure to be one of the best in the league’s history. The constant progression on and off the court makes for an exciting year. The stars will be on full display, but who are the five who will stand above the rest?
Several established stars remain on top of this list, with the younger generation, led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, still chasing for the top spot. The list isn’t a consensus, but a similar five should be seen in a majority of rankings.
Alyssa Thomas enters the 2026 season as one of the best forwards in the WNBA. She has the ability to do everything on a basketball court, nearly averaging a triple-double.
Thomas can create her own shot, find open teammates, and make defensive stops in clutch moments. Her energy and versatility mean she can take over a game in multiple ways, making her one of the league’s most exciting players to watch.
Sabrina Ionescu enters the 2026 season as one of the WNBA’s best guards. Her exceptional playmaking, court vision, and scoring ability make her a constant threat in transition and half-court sets. Ionescu’s creativity elevates the performance of her teammates on a nightly basis.
Ionescu is one of the best shooters in the world, regardless of league. Her stats continue to pop off the scoresheet, leading to more and more national praise and attention.
Breanna Stewart continues to be one of the most complete players in the WNBA heading into 2026. Her scoring efficiency, rebounding, and defensive presence make her a dominant force on both ends of the court. Her leadership truly sets her apart from the competition.
Stewart is the cornerstone of the New York Liberty, keeping the team in championship conversations every season along with Ionescu. There is certainly a conversation to be had with her and the number two spot, but for now, she sits at three.
Napheesa Collier is one of the league’s most versatile and reliable stars heading into the 2026 season. She excels on both ends of the court, combining her elite defensive play with good offensive ability.
Collier’s consistency and work ethic have solidified her as a cornerstone for the Minnesota Lynx. As the 2026 season approaches, Collier will look to continue her surge up the rankings, but her peak may be at two for an obvious reason. Number one is locked up.
A’ja Wilson enters 2026 as the most dominant player in the WNBA. Her ability to control games on both ends separates her from every other player in the league. Wilson consistently produces at an elite level, combining scoring, rebounding, and rim protection without sacrificing efficiency.
What makes Wilson stand out even more is her consistency to remain elite. Every single season it can be counted on that Wilson will be in the mix for the MVP award. Think Nikola Jokic of the NBA, just always around the top.
The 2026 WNBA season is one of the most important in league history. The new CBA has just been agreed upon, and players are getting the national attention they’ve been wanting for so long. This is their time to shine, and these five players will help them do that.
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