UConn great Paige Bueckers voted best player to start a franchise in WNBA general manager survey

Collier’s presence was more substantial in last year’s general manager survey, where she was voted the runaway favorite to win MVP. The Minnesota Lynx star had a spectacular 2025, becoming the second player ever to record 50/40/90 shooting splits and finishing runner-up in MVP voting, but it’s unclear what her 2026 season will look like after she underwent surgery to repair lingering injuries in both ankles in March. The Lynx announced in late April that the former UConn star is on track to return to the court by early June.

Even though she’s expected to miss the start of the season, Collier tied with Stewart in the survey for best forward in the WNBA, each earning 27% of the vote behind Wilson with 47%. She and Stewart also both received votes for best leader, won by Wilson with 79% of the vote.

Former Huskies standout Gabby Williams, who played with both Stewart and Collier while at UConn from 2014-18, had a breakout season in 2025 earning her first career All-Star nod, and general managers predict will her rise will continue into this year. Williams was voted one of the most impactful player acquisitions of the offseason after signing in free agency with the Golden State Valkyries, and she was overwhelmingly voted the best perimeter defender in the league receiving 60% of the vote. Williams also earned 20% of the vote for best defensive player behind Wilson, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and she was second behind Stewart for most versatile.

The No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft has won Rookie of the Year the last four straight seasons, but the general managers consider UConn’s Azzi Fudd an underdog to earn the award after she was selected first by the Dallas Wings. Fudd received 20% of the votes to win Rookie of the Year behind Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, drafted No. 2 overall, with 73%.

That result is less a commentary on Fudd’s ability than on her role with the Wings, who put together a loaded roster via free agency entering 2026. Fudd will likely be a third or fourth option in Dallas rather than a centerpiece like Miles will be, but the Wings are expected to be one of the biggest risers as a team after finishing last in the league with a 10-34 record in 2025. The general managers voted Dallas the team that had the best offseason, the most improved team and the most fun team to watch, and 31% also said the Wings have the most promising young core in the league anchored by Bueckers and Fudd.