The 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a deep and talented rookie class ready to make their mark. While Caitlin Clark's 2024 win and Paige Bueckers' 2025 victory were largely foregone conclusions, this season's top newcomer isn't quite as clear-cut—though there's a strong early favorite.
According to The Athletic's expert panel, Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx is the preseason pick to take home the Rookie of the Year honors. But with a loaded class featuring Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings), Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics), Kiki Rice (Toronto Tempo), and Flau'jae Johnson (Seattle Storm), the race could go down to the wire.
Here's why our experts are backing Miles—and why a few others could steal the spotlight:
The Case for Olivia Miles
The Lynx are handing the keys to their offense to Miles right away, and she'll have every opportunity to put up big numbers on a roster that lacks other high-usage guards. With Napheesa Collier sidelined to start the season, the rookie point guard will need to shoulder even more responsibility early on. If she can keep Minnesota competitive until Collier returns, her ROY case will be hard to ignore. Plus, head coach Cheryl Reeve has a proven track record—she's coached three previous Rookies of the Year, including two who weren't No. 1 picks. Miles may have been overlooked as the top selection due to the Wings' needs, but in Reeve's system, she has the perfect environment to thrive.
Dark Horses to Watch
Flau'jae Johnson joins a retooling Seattle Storm squad and should have all the runway she needs to shine. As our expert Brian Hamilton notes, "Opportunity matters. Are you a complementary player coming out of college, or are you expected to carry a heavy load immediately?" Johnson fits the latter description perfectly.
Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, and Kiki Rice also received votes from our panel, each bringing unique skills to their respective teams. With such a deep class, any of these rookies could make a strong push if they seize their opportunities early.
Whether you're stocking up on Lynx gear to support Miles or grabbing a Storm jersey for Johnson, one thing is certain: the 2026 rookie class is must-watch basketball.