WNBA general managers have chosen Paige Bueckers as their preferred franchise player over Caitlin Clark in the annual GM survey. Bueckers received 33% of the votes, ahead of Clark.
WNBA general managers have spoken, and their preferred franchise player is not Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
The WNBA released its annual GM survey ahead of the leagueâs 30th season, which tips off May 8. The poll covered a multitude of league-related topics. Among the categories, GMs answered who they would prefer as a franchise cornerstone.
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âIf you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?â the poll read.
Dallas Wings star and reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers topped the results with 33 percent of the votes.
Clark came in second, tied with four-time MVP Aâja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces at 20 percent each.
Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm finished third at 13 percent. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx also received votes.
Caitlin Clark lost the spot as WNBA GMs preferred Paige Bueckers, who received 33% of the votes in the annual GM survey.
Paige Bueckers received 33% of the votes in the WNBA general managers' survey.
The WNBA's 30th season is set to tip off on May 8.

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The shift is a stark contrast to last yearâs survey. Clark garnered 50 percent of the franchise player votes in 2025 following her record-breaking rookie campaign.
From the top pick as a franchise cornerstone among GMs last year, Clark has lost the spot to Bueckers heading into 2026.
The decline is not entirely surprising. An injury-riddled second season limited Clark to just 13 games. Groin and quad injuries derailed what many expected to be a dominant second year. She averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in limited action.
Clark has since returned to form. She earned tournament MVP honors at the FIBA Womenâs Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in March.
Clark dealt with a minor injury scare during the Feverâs preseason slate. However, she is fit to play ahead of Indianaâs season opener against Bueckers and the Wings on May 9.
The GM survey is the latest slight for a player who has made a habit of proving people wrong.