Updated Top 25 WNBA Players Ranking Ahead of the 2026 Playoffs

With just one week left in the regular season, the final update of the top 25 WNBA players ranking ahead of the playoffs has been published. The evaluation considers only form during this season, while availability plays a major role: players who missed a significant portion of games and played fewer than half of their team’s matches are not included in the list — examples include Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier.

According to Bleacher Report, the ranking emphasizes two-way impact: offensive production matters, but defensive contribution and impact on winning are valued just as much. The article mentions individual cases with major shifts during the season, such as Carla Leite, who generates 22.4 points per game from pick-and-roll according to Synergy data, with notable improvement in assists as well (from 22.4% to 42.5%). Kiki Iriafen has shown dominance on the boards and a streak of five games with at least 18 points and 10 rebounds, while names like Marina Mabrey and Courtney Williams have seen notable improvements or fluctuations that affected their positions in the list.

The list continues with players who consolidated their positions through role and efficiency: Nneka Ogwumike, who announced she will retire at the end of the season, continues to put up strong numbers; Veronica Burton is confirmed as a benchmark in the role of two-way point guard; and Sonia Citron has increased her responsibilities as a wing shooter and defender. Also mentioned are stretch bigs like Jonquel Jones, as well as role crossovers among players like Jessica Shepard and Alyssa Thomas that influence their teams’ dynamics.

Among other evaluated names are Angel Reese for her rebounding dominance and defensive impact, Natasha Howard for her return to form even at an advanced age, Aliyah Boston for improving her long-range shooting, and Kayla McBride for her contribution as a movement shooter. Several other players like Shakira Austin and Jackie Young have marked considerable rises that bring them close to high spots in the ranking, while continuous changes in form have moved some players further down the list.

For the full analysis and the detailed ranking of the 25 players, see the update published by Bleacher Report.

Source: Bleacher Report