Bueckers Tops WNBA GM Survey as Ideal Franchise Cornerstone.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has emerged as the leading choice among WNBA general managers as the player they would build a franchise around, according to the league’s annual GM survey released Tuesday. Bueckers, fresh off a Rookie of the Year campaign, received 33% of the vote. She edges out A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, who each garnered 20%. Clark held the top spot in last year’s survey but was limited to 13 games this past season due to injury. While Bueckers earned the nod as the top franchise-building piece, Wilson dominated the survey’s overall categories. The 29-year-old, coming off her fourth MVP season, was the clear favorite to win the 2026 MVP award with 60% of the vote. She was followed by Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty at 27%, with Clark and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray each receiving 7%.

Wilson’s impact extended across multiple areas. She was voted the league’s best defender (53%), the player who forces the most adjustments from opponents (60%), and the top leader (79%). The Aces, reigning 2025 champions, were also picked as the most likely team to win the 2026 title, earning 40% of the vote. The Liberty followed with 33%, while the Dream received 27%. Las Vegas point guard Chelsea Gray also stood out in the survey, leading several categories. She was voted most trusted to take a game-winning shot (36%), best point guard (73%), best passer (93%), and highest basketball IQ (93%). Half of the respondents also identified her as the active player most likely to succeed as a future head coach.

On the sidelines, Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx was named the league’s best head coach, receiving 53% of the vote, ahead of Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon (40%).

Among rookies, Minnesota guard Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick, was the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year with 73% of the vote. Dallas’ No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd followed with 20%. However, Seattle Storm forward Awa Fam, selected third overall, was viewed as having the highest long-term upside, with 67% of GMs predicting she will be the best player from the class in five years. The Wings were also identified as the league’s most improved team, earning 67% of the vote, ahead of the Chicago Sky at 20%.