Paige Bueckers tops WNBA GM survey as best player to build around ahead of Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | May 06, 2026, 03:14 IST
Paige Bueckers tops WNBA GM survey as best player to build around ahead of Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson
Paige Bueckersemerged as the top choice to build a franchise around in the 2026 WNBA GM survey, receiving 33% of the vote and surpassingCaitlin ClarkandA'ja Wilson, who tied for second. The survey, which included all 15 teams, highlighted shifting perceptions across the league. TheLas Vegas Aceswere picked as title favorites, while Wilson dominated individual categories, earning 60% of MVP votes and being named the most impactful player on opposing game plans.Chelsea Grayled the point guard category, with Clark and Bueckers also receiving recognition. TheDallas Wingswere viewed as the most improved team, with additions likeAngel Reeseboosting expectations.Olivia Mileswas favored for Rookie of the Year, whileCheryl Reevetopped coaching rankings.
WNBA general managers made their choices clear in the 2026 GM survey, and one result stood out. Paige Bueckers was picked as the top player to build a team around, getting 33% of the votes. Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson were tied for second with 20% each, a shift from last year when Clark led the same category.
The survey, released on May 5, included responses from all 15 teams and covered 42 questions. GMs were not allowed to vote for their own teams or staff. While some results were expected, like the Las Vegas Aces being picked as title favorites, this vote around building a franchise got attention.
Las Vegas was chosen by 40% of GMs to win the 2026 championship, followed by New York Liberty at 33% and Atlanta Dream at 27%. Wilson was also the clear favorite for MVP, getting 60% of the votes, ahead of Breanna Stewart.
When it came to impact on the court, Wilson was again on top. She was voted the player who forces the most changes from opposing coaches. One GM said, “She affects every part of the game and makes teams adjust every possession.”
In the point guard category, Chelsea Gray led comfortably with 73% of the votes. Clark finished second, while Bueckers also received a few votes.
Off the court, Dallas Wings were seen as the team that improved the most this offseason. Angel Reese was among the names picked as a major addition, along with Gabby Williams.
Looking ahead, Olivia Miles was the top choice to win Rookie of the Year. Among coaches, Cheryl Reeve was voted the best in the league, just ahead of Becky Hammon.
The survey, released on May 5, included responses from all 15 teams and covered 42 questions. GMs were not allowed to vote for their own teams or staff. While some results were expected, like the Las Vegas Aces being picked as title favorites, this vote around building a franchise got attention.
Las Vegas was chosen by 40% of GMs to win the 2026 championship, followed by New York Liberty at 33% and Atlanta Dream at 27%. Wilson was also the clear favorite for MVP, getting 60% of the votes, ahead of Breanna Stewart.
When it came to impact on the court, Wilson was again on top. She was voted the player who forces the most changes from opposing coaches. One GM said, “She affects every part of the game and makes teams adjust every possession.”
In the point guard category, Chelsea Gray led comfortably with 73% of the votes. Clark finished second, while Bueckers also received a few votes.
Off the court, Dallas Wings were seen as the team that improved the most this offseason. Angel Reese was among the names picked as a major addition, along with Gabby Williams.
Looking ahead, Olivia Miles was the top choice to win Rookie of the Year. Among coaches, Cheryl Reeve was voted the best in the league, just ahead of Becky Hammon.