A’ja Wilson claimed the 2025 WNBA MVP title. However, looking ahead to 2026, Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark appear to lead the MVP conversation. 

Paige Bueckers Impressed the Crowd in 2025

In her rookie season, Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 36 games. Additionally, the Dallas Wings star shot 47.7% from the field and 88.8% from the free-throw line, combining volume scoring with efficiency. 

With 692 points and 194 total assists, Paige Bueckers won the 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Award with 70 out of 72 votes. Availability strengthens her MVP case, while Dallas’ team record remains the primary limitation.

Reflecting on Bueckers’ strengths, Wings coach Chris Koclanes said, “She lets the game come to her, and she takes what the defense is giving her all over the floor. She doesn’t get sped up, and it’s really impressive for a rookie in this league to be able to maintain her own speed and tempo.”

But Caitlin Clark also has a strong resume. 

How Strong Is Caitlin Clark’s Resume?

Unlike Bueckers, Clark has built her resume around elite playmaking and offense. In the 2024 season, the Indiana Fever rookie averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.33 steals across 40 games. She even had the second-highest free-throw accuracy of 90.6%. But 2025 was a different story. 

Clark was limited to 13 games due to injury and still averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. When available, Clark dictates tempo, spacing, and shot quality for everyone on the floor. If Indiana pairs her availability with wins, her MVP case accelerates quickly.

With the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’ in mind, Rachel DeMitta once claimed, “The face of the league is decided by the fans.” And Clark certainly left the legends like Stephen Curry and LeBron James behind, as per the PSA popularity charts. 

Who Can Win the 2026 WNBA MVP Trophy?

If we look at the overall field-goal percentage, Bueckers has the better chance of winning the MVP. But the Fever guard has better three-point scoring, distance, and accuracy.

Nevertheless, Bueckers and Clark dominated with the support of their teammates. Clark’s assists are linked to Aliyah Boston’s presence, and Bueckers shaped her game with the help of Kelsey Mitchell and Arike Ogunbowale. 

The 2026 MVP race will hinge on health and team performance. If Dallas improves, Bueckers gains the edge. If Indiana wins behind a full season from Clark, the race tilts her way. But Paige Bueckers also carries a strong inaugural season to back her up in 2026. 

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik