The 2026 WNBA rookie class has delivered a surprisingly strong debut, and a seasoned league voter has announced the five players who earned spots on this year’s All‑Rookie Team. The selections reflect both individual excellence and the ability to lift winning teams, underscoring the league’s bright future.
Rookie of the Year: Olivia Miles
Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick, was an unmistakable choice for the All‑Rookie roster and was also named Rookie of the Year. At just 20 years old, Miles has become the engine of the league’s best team, posting a league‑leading 19.8 points per game on 49.2 % shooting and a 38.8 % three‑point clip. She also contributed six assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest, while posting a +7.0 plus‑minus rating. Her true‑shooting percentage of 60.6 % and a VPM (value per 100 possessions) of +3.96 were the highest among all rookies considered, cementing her status as an early MVP candidate.
Azzi Fudd: A Strong Start Cut Short
Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, earned a spot despite a season truncated by a knee injury. In the games she played, Fudd averaged 13.1 points on 45.6 % shooting and 39.7 % from beyond the arc. She also contributed 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game, with a +4.7 plus‑minus rating. Her defensive contributions helped the Connecticut Sun secure a playoff berth, and her VPM of +0.41 placed her third among rookies.
Other Notable Contenders
The voter also weighed several strong performances from players who fell just short of the final five. Pauline Austier, a guard for the New York Liberty, impressed with a 9.3‑point average on an efficient 54.6 % field‑goal rate and a league‑best 64.2 % true‑shooting percentage. Her VPM of +0.48 ranked second among rookies, and her +2.3 plus‑minus helped the Liberty finish 25‑16.
Flau’jae Johnson, a versatile forward for the Dallas Wings, posted 14.9 points on 40.2 % shooting and contributed heavily on defense, ranking second in steals and rebounds among rookies. Although her VPM of –0.46 was lower, her overall impact on the court was a factor in the final decision.
Sydney Taylor, an undrafted guard for the Chicago Sky, earned a nod for her scoring consistency (13.6 points per game) and positive impact on a struggling team, highlighted by two game‑winning shots in August. Her VPM of –0.56 and a modest +0.9 plus‑minus demonstrated that she could influence outcomes even when her team was not winning.
Kiki Rice, a forward for the Toronto Tempo, posted solid numbers (12.9 points, 47.4 % shooting) before missing 16 games with an ankle sprain. Her VPM of +0.01 and a 58.9 % true‑shooting percentage were respectable, but the missed time ultimately kept her off the final roster.
Final Selections
The All‑Rookie Team therefore consists of Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Pauline Austier, Flau’jae Johnson, and Sydney Taylor. The voter emphasized that the selections balance individual statistics with contributions to winning teams, a principle that aligns with the league’s emphasis on teamwork and competitive excellence.
Looking ahead, the rookie class still has several players—Awa Fam, Laura Juskaite, and others—who could break into future All‑Rookie considerations as they gain experience and health. Their early performances suggest a deep talent pool that will continue to elevate the WNBA’s quality of play.
Fans can anticipate an exciting second half of the season as these newcomers continue to develop, and the league’s growing visibility promises more opportunities for young athletes to shine on the national stage.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
