Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles are emerging as the primary contenders for the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
The race between the two top draft picks matters because it signals how the league's newest stars will impact their respective franchises and the broader professional game.
Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Wings [1], is currently adjusting to the professional pace. She is averaging 7.7 points per game [3]. Her struggle from long distance has become a point of discussion, as she has made only one three-pointer in three WNBA games [4].
Conversely, Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick for the Minnesota Lynx [1], has seen a rapid ascent in the rankings. Miles recently contributed to a dominant performance where the Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 111-77 [2], the largest margin of victory recorded this season [2].
In that specific contest, Miles played 28 minutes and recorded 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and three steals [2]. She shot seven of nine from the field during the game [2].
These disparate starts have created a divide among analysts. Some experts now foresee Miles winning the 2026 ROY honor based on her early efficiency and all-around contributions. Other insiders said the race remains a hot debate and is still contested as the season progresses.
“Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles are emerging as the primary contenders for the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.”
The early contrast in performance between the top two picks highlights the different trajectories of rookie adaptation. While Miles is providing immediate multi-categorical impact for Minnesota, Fudd's slower start in Dallas reflects the difficulty of translating elite collegiate scoring to the professional level. The outcome of this race will likely depend on whether Fudd can find her perimeter rhythm before Miles builds an insurmountable lead in efficiency metrics.
