A'ja Wilson, Olivia Miles lead WNBA award front-runners

The Minnesota Lynx are sitting atop the WNBA standings, led by dynamic rookie guard Olivia Miles, who became the first player in WNBA history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in 22 games. She's not only emerged as the Rookie of the Year front-runner, but has also entered the MVP conversation. (Candace Parker is the only player in league history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season in 2008.)

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, however, would like a word. It's hard to consistently top yourself, but the four-time MVP continues to dominate on both sides of the basketball. Wilson's former college coach, South Carolina's Dawn Staley, predicted Wilson will become the league's first five-time MVP.

"When you see great players get better each and every year, that's hard to do. It's easy when you're an average player … you can see that growth. But when you see the great ones get better each and every year, it's not talked about enough," Staley said of Wilson, whose Aces are within striking distance of the No. 1 overall seed.

As play resumes on the final third of the 2026 WNBA season, USA Today Sports' Studio IX is taking a look at who might be in line for awards come September. Here are our predictions:

WNBA MVP: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Wilson has emerged as the favorite to win MVP, which should shock no one. Wilson is flirting with her career high, averaging a league-leading 26.1 points per game in her ninth season. Wilson's stat line is rounded out by 9.5 rebounds, which is tied for fourth place in the league. She's recorded double-digit points in every game this season (24 starts), including an efficient 45-point performance against the Connecticut Sun on May 15. She's grabbed at least 15 rebounds five times this season and her 12 double-doubles ranks third overall. Wilson's usage rate is the highest in the league (32.1) and she's accounted for nearly a third of the team's made field goals this season (33.9%). Should we keep going? Wilson has positioned the defending champion Aces to make another run at the title at 18-8 on the season.

Others receiving votes: Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas; Olivia Miles, G, Minnesota; Caitlin Clark, G, Indiana

WNBA DPOY: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Wilson has won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season twice (2022, 2025). Can she make it three? Wilson leads the league in blocks (2.0 per game) and is fifth in rebounds (9.6 per game), the third highest mark of her career. As the anchor of the Aces' defense, Wilson had helped Las Vegas maintain a 103.8 defensive rating across Las Vegas' past five games (third in the WNBA).

Others receiving votes: Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta; Angel Reese, F, Atlanta; Shakira Austin, C, Washington; Gabby Williams, F, Golden State

WNBA Rookie of the Year: Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Miles’ debut has been nothing short of historic. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft leads all rookies in points (19.3 ppg), made field goals (6.8) and assists (6.0). She’s scored double-digits in all 26 games to start her career, including a career-high 33 points against Phoenix earlier this season. Miles was named an All-Star starter, the only rookie to earn the honor this season. "(Miles) doing this and shouldering so much, basically … the success of the team is on her shoulders and that is impressive how she's handled it," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said.

Others receiving votes: Azzi Fudd, G, Dallas; Awa Fam, C, Seattle; Sydney Taylor, G, Chicago; Flau'jae Johnson, G, Seattle

WNBA Most improved: Jessica Shepard, Dallas Wings

After spending five seasons in Minnesota, Shepard found a new home and expanded role in Dallas after signing with the Wings in free agency. Shepard ranks second in scoring for the Wings through 27 games (all starts) and averaged a career-high 14.9 points per game, besting her previous high of 8.1 points per game in 2019. She also set career-highs in assists (5.4) and rebounds (12), which leads the entire league. Shepard owns four of the five triple doubles recorded this season. Her career-best year was rewarded with her first All-Star nod, being voted as a starter, no less. An award for Most Improved Player is likely next.

Others receiving votes: Marina Mabrey, G, Toronto; Carla Leite, G, Portland; Aneesah Morrow, F, Connecticut; Dominique Malonga, C, Seattle

WNBA Sixth player of the Year: Janelle Salaün, Golden State Valkyries

Salaün has been explosive off the bench for Golden State, averaging a career-high 12.5 points for the Valkyries. Golden State has the highest scoring bench in the league (35.4 points per game) and Salaün's 345 total points off the bench lead the way. Salaün is shooting 41.1% from the field and a blistering 39.4% from 3-point line, which both mark career highs. "I'm just trying to bring energy whenever I come on the court," Salaün said. Well, mission accomplished. The Valkyries are second in the standings at 19-8 and will likely set a new franchise record of wins.

Others receiving votes: Sophie Cunningham, G, Indiana; Jewell Loyd, G, Las Vegas; Kaitlyn Chen, G, Golden State; Rae Burrell, G, Los Angeles

WNBA Coach of the Year: Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx

Reeve has led the Lynx to new heights since taking over head coaching duties in 2010, guiding the franchise to four WNBA championships in seven Finals appearances to become the all-time winningest coach in WNBA history. Yet, Reeve somehow continues to top herself. This year is especially unique. The Lynx weren't on anyone's radar heading into the season due to injury (five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier) and losing key pieces in free agency (Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard). But Minnesota has the best record in the league with the second-best defense and third-best overall offense. That's in large part to rookie Olivia Miles, who's seamlessly made the transition to the pros. Collier is back in the lineup after missing the first 27 games, so there's no telling how deep the Lynx can go. Reeve has won Coach of the Year a record four times (2011, 2016, 2020, 2024) and is well on her way to extending her record.

Others receiving votes: Jose Fernandez, Dallas; Natalie Nakase, Golden State