Early favorites + dark horses for 2026 WNBA awards

In honor of the WNBA season kicking off, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give their early WNBA award candidates. The duo breaks down who their undisputed number one MVP candidates are. Will Aja Wilson continue her MVP run? They give their insight.

Next, they give their early favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, and Nekias explains why guards and wings matter. Who are their dark horse selections? The answers may surprise you.

Later, they share why Olivia Miles and Flau’jae Johnson have stepped up as their favorites for Rookie of the Year candidates, share their dark horse candidates for Sixth Player of the Year, and which players are taking All-Star leaps for their Most Improved Player candidates. Plus, will Becky Hammon be named Coach of the Year?

All that and more!

1:55 MVP candidates
19:03 Defensive Player of the Year candidates
25:25 Rookie of the Year candidates
35:20 Sixth Person of the Year candidates
41:20 Most Improved Player candidates
46:46 Coach of the Year candidates

AUSTIN, TX - MAY 03: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson #22 takes a shot over Dallas Wings forward Alysha Clark #32 during the game on May 03, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - MAY 03: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson #22 takes a shot over Dallas Wings forward Alysha Clark #32 during the game on May 03, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, TX. (Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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