The 2026 WNBA season has placed the likes of Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark under the spotlight. Shifting power structures, evolving award criteria, and rising parity set the stage for a defining year. And these predictions might dictate some of the WNBA’s biggest moments. 

Paige Bueckers Might Win MVP

Bueckers is coming into the 2026 season as a WNBA Rookie of the Year winner. With the Dallas Wings, she averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in the last season. On top of that, she shot 47.7% of shots from the field and 88.8% of shots from the free-throw line. All that accumulated to a total of 692 points and 194 assists. 

But Paige Bueckers’ value goes beyond the numbers. She can generate offense without dominating usage. Her stance for the MVP is built on efficiency and versatility, not just volume. If Dallas improves in 2026 and converts her production into wins, she has the profile and statistical foundation that MVP voters value. After all, 70 out of 72 voters chose her for the ROTY award. 

An Expansion Team Will Compete in 2026

The Golden State Valkyries became the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their debut season last year. That result has shown how quickly a new franchise can succeed with smart staffing and an impressive roster, including stars like Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaun. 

Hence, we can expect Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire to repeat the Valkyries’ stance in the coming season. Tempo has acquired Sandy Brondello, and Portland added Vanja Cernivec to the team. These names can take their respective teams to the playoffs. 

UConn Might Not Win the National Title

The UConn Huskies are returning with a strong roster in 2026, with Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong in the lineup. They remain undefeated early in the season, have already recorded 11 wins by 30 or more points, and rank inside the national top 10 on both offense and defense. But as per history, they might not win the title defense this time. 

No program has defended a national title since UConn in 2016. And only South Carolina advanced to the championship game the season after winning it. With the Texas Longhorns, UCLA Bruins, LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, and Iowa State Cyclones all presenting legitimate title paths, the gaps are pretty narrow. 

Project B’s Launch Slips Beyond 2026

Project B is set to launch with a series of two-week tournaments in November. And high-profile players like Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd, Jonquel Jones, Kelsey Mitchell, and Alyssa Thomas have already made commitments to it. But apart from these names, the roster lacks depth.

Project B hasn’t even revealed its funding sources and team formation plans. If the WNBA season extends into November or conflicts with global competitions, Project B will lose access to its core draw and fail to stage a single official game this year. 

Finalization of a Deal Between WNBA and Players’ Union

The WNBA and WNBPA are expected to be busy in negotiations over a new bargaining agreement. The players’ union has demanded to allow its leadership to strike, but both sides have put pressure on a 48-hour extension termination clause. With this tension in place, it doesn’t seem like the 2026 season will start in May. 

Nevertheless, these negotiations will tighten the timelines around the expansion draft, free agency, and college draft. But both sides will have to reach a deal and kick-start the new season. 

But what are your predictions for 2026?

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das