Experts predict Olivia Miles is the frontrunner for the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year, with strong competition from Azzi Fudd and Lauren Betts. The rookie class is considered talented, making the award competitive.
Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts? Who will win 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year?
In 2024, Caitlin Clark was the no-brainer pick. Last season, little debate ensued about Paige Bueckersâ win.
This seasonâs preseason prediction for 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year also seems pretty locked down. Our experts mostly foresee Olivia Miles performing well enough with the Minnesota Lynx to take home that honor near the end of the summer. But with a talented rookie class, it could be up for grabs.
The Athleticâs voters, who selected their top three picks, also put the Dallas Wingsâ Azzi Fudd, Washington Mysticsâ Lauren Betts, Toronto Tempoâs Kiki Rice and Seattle Stormâs Flauâjae Johnson on their ballots.
Hereâs how our experts explained their predictions for who will win Rookie of the Year.
The Lynx are giving the keys to Olivia Miles right away, and she will have an opportunity to put up stats on a roster without many other high-usage guards. Cheryl Reeve has coached three other rookies of the year â two of whom were not No. 1 picks; she can get players to succeed in their first seasons and impact winning. â Sabreena Merchant
With out at the beginning of the season, the rookie PG will have a chance to shoulder more for the Lynx (while making her case for ROY if she can sustain Minnesota enough to still contend for a playoff run upon Collierâs return).
The top contenders include Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Lauren Betts, among others.
Olivia Miles plays for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.
Other players considered include Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Flau'jae Johnson.

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Miles got overlooked as the No. 1 pick because of the Wingsâ needs, but in Cheryl Reeveâs system she not only will have the opportunity to shine â considering the early injuries the Lynx are facingâbut also will have the resources needed to maximize her talent playing for a coach with a history of developing Rookie of the Year players. â Annie Costabile
Opportunity matters. Are you a complementary player coming out of college, or are you expected to carry a pretty heavy load immediately? Johnson joins a retooling franchise and should have all the opportunity she needs to flourish. â Brian Hamilton
⢠What do our All-WNBA preseason first- and second-teams look like? Theyâre stacked with talent.
⢠Who will be the WNBAâs Coach of the Year? How about General Manager of the Year?
⢠Want to know who got our vote for 2026 MVP? Check back in on Friday.
⢠Eager to stay up to speed on the non-stop womenâs basketball beat? Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter, No Offseason.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, Toronto Tempo, WNBA
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