WNBA Award Races Feature Clear Leaders Based on Betting Odds
The 2026 WNBA season is a little over halfway done, but there are already clear leaders in every major award race. In fact, all six award markets have a minus-odds favorite at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson is actually a minus-odds favorite in two different markets, as she looks to continue adding to her trophy case. Wilson is a -325 favorite to win a fifth MVP trophy, giving her an implied probability of 76.47%. She’s also -145 (59.18%) to claim a fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has been Wilson’s primary challenger in the MVP race, trading at +700 to win the award in her second season. Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard and Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams are +650 and +900, respectively, in the latest DPOY odds.
Wilson is in a strong position for both races at this point in the season. She’s averaging 25.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, two blocks, and 1.6 steals per game.
Despite Wilson’s dominance, she’s not the biggest favorite in the awards market. That title belongs to Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, who is -5000 in the updated WNBA Rookie of the Year odds race. That gives her an implied probability of 98.04%.
At BetMGM, bettors have been all over Miles in this market. She’s received 83.4% of the handle and 42.3% of the bets. She’s certainly delivered in her debut season, averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per contest.
Minnesota is leading another race, too, with Cheryl Reeve trading as a -155 favorite in the Coach of the Year market. Reeve’s Lynx have the league’s best record despite being without Napheesa Collier and having replaced multiple rotation players from last year’s team.
Former Lynx forward Jessica Shepard has made the most of her new role with the Wings. She’s -210 to win Most Improved Player, translating to an implied probability of 67.74%. Shepard has filled up the stat sheet in Dallas, averaging 14.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per outing. Shepard has notched three triple-doubles this season.
Lastly, Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün has established herself as the early favorite in the Sixth Player of the Year race. Salaün’s -275 price tag suggests an implied probability of 73.33%.
Salaün has been a reliable reserve in her second season, averaging 12.9 points and four rebounds per game.
BetMGM continues to update odds for all major award races throughout the year. It will be interesting to see if any races take a turn during the back half of the regular season.
Visit the BetMGM sportsbook throughout the season for updated WNBA futures, including WNBA Finals odds. You can also view updated sportsbook promos, including a First Bet Offer for eligible new customers.







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