As the WNBA prepares to tip off the 2026 regular season, the air is thick with anticipation and a sense of impending history. The league has never been more talented, more visible, or more competitive. On the heels of a transformative offseason, the annual WNBA General Manager survey has been released, providing a fascinating roadmap of what the league’s top decision-makers expect to see over the coming months. From the dominance of the Las Vegas Aces to the resurgence of the Chicago Sky and the high-octane growth of the Dallas Wings, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a cinematic display of professional basketball.
The headline coming out of the survey is clear: the Las Vegas Aces are the heavy favorites to win back-to-back championships. For a team that has already established itself as a modern-day juggernaut, the expectation of a “repeat” isn’t just a goal—it’s a baseline. With a core group that includes A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Plum, the Aces possess a level of chemistry and elite talent that remains the envy of the league. However, as Sophia Jones and Clea Butler discussed on the latest episode of “Locked On Women’s Basketball,” the road to a trophy is rarely a straight line.
The Las Vegas Dynasty: Can Anyone Stop the Aces?
The GM survey shows that the league’s front offices still view Las Vegas as the gold standard. While the New York Liberty received 33% of the championship votes and the Atlanta Dream garnered 27%, the consensus is that the trophy remains in Nevada until someone physically takes it away. The Liberty’s addition of Satou Sabally is a move designed specifically to counter the Aces’ frontcourt dominance, but New York is also navigating a transition with a brand-new head coach. In contrast, Becky Hammon and the Aces have a system that is not only proven but constantly evolving.
A’ja Wilson, already a four-time MVP, is widely expected to secure her fifth title this year. Her growth as a leader has been well-documented, specifically her “no-nonsense” approach to team culture. Last season, when the Aces hit a mid-season slump, it was Wilson’s infamous text message—telling players not to show up for practice if they weren’t upset about losing—that righted the ship. That same relentless mindset is present as 2026 begins.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Aces’ 2026 campaign is the potential emergence of Kennedy Carter. Becky Hammon has publicly stated her desire for a “downhill, dynamic threat,” and Carter fits that description perfectly. After a standout preseason where she averaged 18 points and 5 rebounds, Carter looks like a more mature and composed version of the player the league saw years ago. If the Aces officially sign her and integrate her into the rotation, they gain another offensive weapon that can break down defenders one-on-one. With Dana Evans currently out indefinitely, Carter isn’t just a luxury; she might be a necessary component of their championship puzzle.
The Rookie of the Year Race: A Battle of Expectations
The 2026 rookie class is one of the most balanced in recent memory, but the GM survey highlights a clear favorite: Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx. Miles led the voting with a staggering 73%, followed by Azzi Fudd at 20% and FJ Johnson at 7%. The overwhelming support for Miles likely stems from her projected role in Minnesota. Under head coach Cheryl Reeve, Miles is expected to have the “keys to the car,” operating in a high-usage role that allows her to showcase her elite playmaking and scoring ability.
However, many insiders believe the survey may have overlooked several “sneaky” contenders. Lauren Betts, for example, has looked incredibly comfortable as a pro. During her preseason matchups against the Lynx and the Dream, Betts showed that there is virtually no adjustment period for her game. She dominated the interior both offensively and defensively, looking like a veteran despite her rookie status.
There is also the mystery of Awa Fam. The Seattle Storm’s prized international prospect has been overseas for much of the preseason, meaning many GMs haven’t had the chance to scout her recent progress. However, in the category of “which rookie will be the best player in five years,” Fam led the voting with 67%. At just 19 years old, Fam possesses a physical profile and a mobile skill set that is rare for a player her size. While she may not have the immediate usage rate of an Olivia Miles, her long-term ceiling is reportedly the highest in the class.
Most Improved: The Wings and the Sky
If the Aces are the team to beat, the Dallas Wings are the team everyone is watching. According to the survey, 67% of GMs believe Dallas will be the most improved team in 2026. This isn’t just about new additions; it’s about health. Last year, the Wings were decimated by injuries, forced to rely on a rotating door of hardship players just to field a roster. With a healthy squad that now includes Alanna Smith—the reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year—and the sharpshooting of Azzi Fudd, Dallas is a nightmare matchup.
Sophomore sensation Paige Bueckers is expected to build on her elite rookie season, and with Alanna Smith providing a defensive backline, the Wings have addressed their biggest weakness from a year ago. If Dallas can stay healthy, they are no longer just a “fun” team to watch; they are a legitimate threat to crash the semifinals or even the finals.
The Chicago Sky, meanwhile, are undergoing a total transformation. Clea Butler, a sideline reporter for the Sky, noted that the roster is almost unrecognizable from last season. With the departures of Angel Reese and Haley Van Lith, the Sky have pivoted to a backcourt led by the explosive Skyler Diggins-Smith and the defensive tenacity of Natasha Cloud. The inclusion of DJ Carrington, one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league, suggests that Chicago is building its identity on the defensive end of the floor.
Rickea Jackson is the player to watch in the Windy City. After a rookie season that showed flashes of brilliance, Jackson is tied with Dom Malonga as the favorite to have a “breakout season” in 2026. Jackson has expressed a deep sense of comfort in head coach Tyler Marsh’s system, noting that she finally feels “wanted” and empowered to showcase her full versatility. For a player with her “deep bag” of offensive moves, that confidence could translate into an All-Star caliber season.
Coaching and Defense: The Cheryl Reeve Factor
When it comes to coaching, the league’s GMs still bow to the experience of Cheryl Reeve. The Minnesota Lynx head coach received 53% of the vote for “best head coach,” followed by Becky Hammon at 40%. Reeve’s ability to maximize talent and maintain a top-rated defense year after year is unparalleled.
The Defensive Player of the Year race is expected to be a showdown between the established dominance of A’ja Wilson and the perimeter excellence of Gabby Williams. Williams, playing for the Golden State Valkyries, is a three-time EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year. Her arrival in Golden State brings an elite defensive mindset to the expansion franchise. If the Valkyries can stay competitive, Williams’ ability to shut down the league’s best guards will be a primary storyline.
The Clutch Factor: A Wealth of Riches in Las Vegas
Finally, the survey asked GMs who they would want taking the final shot with the game on the line. In a testament to the Aces’ depth, Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson tied for the top spot at 36%, with their teammate Jackie Young coming in third. This “luxury of options” is what makes Las Vegas so difficult to prepare for in a playoff series.
Chelsea Gray, the reigning Unrivaled MVP, became known as “The Point Gawd” for a reason. Her ability to hit contested, fadeaway jumpers in the closing seconds is legendary. On the other hand, Wilson’s footwork and interior dominance make her almost impossible to stop if she gets to her spot. As Sophia Jones pointed out, the choice often depends on the matchup. If there’s a “mouse in the house” in the paint, you go to Wilson. If the perimeter defender is struggling, you let Gray “call game.”
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
The 2026 WNBA season is more than just a collection of games; it is a battle for the soul of the sport. With the Aces looking to solidify a dynasty, a massive wave of young talent entering the league, and historic franchises like Chicago and Dallas reinventing themselves, every night will offer something compelling.
The GM survey provides a glimpse into the minds of the people who build these teams, but as every player knows, the game isn’t played on paper. The 2026 season will be defined by the players who refuse to settle, the coaches who out-maneuver their rivals, and the moments of clutch brilliance that leave fans breathless. Whether the Aces secure their back-to-back crown or a new challenger rises from the ranks, one thing is certain: women’s basketball has never been in a better place.
