2026 WNBA awards picks: A’ja Wilson sweeps MVP, experts divided on Angel Reese for top defender

After a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, which saw the Golden State Valkyries secure the No. 2 seed thanks to a 13-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Los Angeles Sparks, all eight playoff seeds and all four first-round matchups are set. The action will begin Sunday with a quadruple header featuring Game 1 from all four series.

Before the playoffs get underway, it's time to honor this season's best performers with our end-of-season awards picks. A'ja Wilson is the heavy favorite to win MVP for a fifth time and a third consecutive season, while Olivia Miles is expected to be the unanimous Rookie of the Year. But what about Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year? There are real dilemmas there. Likewise, the All-WNBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie Teams are never easy to determine.

Below, we've made picks for every major award, as well as All-WNBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie Teams. The official deadline for awards voting was Friday at Noon ET, and CBS Sports' Jack Maloney was once again an official awards voter. His picks below were the same as those he submitted to the league.

Without further ado, here are our selections and explanations:

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/