The Dallas Wings WNBA team as part of a story on 10 WNBA players to watch this season. (Credit: Dallas Wings | InClub Magazine does not claim ownership of this image.)
Features, Sports

10 WNBA Players to Watch This Season During the WNBA’s Cultural Takeover

Posted on by Epiphany La’ Sha

The W is back for the 30th season this spring. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) currently has 15 teams across 12 states in the 2026 season, with the news dropping in May that the Connecticut Suns are planning to relocate and become the Houston Comets in 2027.

 
 
 
 
 
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Thirty-six girls were just drafted in the 2026 class on April 14. The league’s decision now leaves fans anticipating the next big moves by its most popular players, including Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Aja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Rickea Jackson, Caitlin Clark and Skylar Diggins.

On May 8, opening night kicked off in multi-arena leagues across four different states. On opening night in Brooklyn, New York, the Connecticut Sun faced the New York Liberty, while the Washington Mystics took on the Toronto Tempo and the Golden State Valkyries matched up against the Seattle Storm.

Several rising stars made an early statement in the first games of the season: Breanna Stewart led New York with 31 points, Marina Mabrey scored 27 for Toronto, Sonia Citron put up 26 for Washington and Janelle Salaün added 20 points for Golden State. The opening-night performances set the tone for what looks to be a highly competitive WNBA season, with established stars and new talent immediately stepping into key roles. Each team showed flashes of offensive firepower, but also areas they’ll need to tighten up as chemistry continues to build early in the year.

Beyond the box scores, the energy around the league felt different this season, with expanded rosters and fresh faces adding depth across the board. Coaches emphasized pace, spacing, and defensive intensity, signaling that consistency and adaptability will be just as important as individual scoring outbursts as the season unfolds.

Here are 10 players we believe you should keep an eye on this season.

1. Azzi Fudd

The number one 2026 draft pick deserves the first spot on the watch list this season. Azzi absolutely killed the game in college at UConn. The icon is known for her shooting ability, but with the recent announcement that she is out with a knee injury, fans are questioning whether she was worth the number one pick.

 

2. Olivia Miles

Number two pick Olivia Miles already has the fans going crazy. The point guard, recognized for her court vision and playmaking skills, is the third player in WNBA history to record 10 points and 5 assists in her first 3 career games, after Candace Parker and Sue Bird. She started her career at Notre Dame and ended her final season at Texas Christian University.

3. Sonia Citron

Hitting a career high against Indiana on May 15 with 30 points. Citron was number three in the 2026 draft class. A guard/forward known for being a shooter at Notre Dame before entering her rookie season. Citron currently plays for the Washington Mystics.

4. Breanna Stewart

A proven baller that stays trending in the top five stats. She is one of the league’s most versatile forwards. Before entering her 11th WNBA season, she played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, where she won four national championships. Stewart was selected number one overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm and now plays for the New York Liberty.

5. Marina Mabrey

Another proven baller in her eighth season! Mabrey is a guard known for her scoring. She balled at Notre Dame, helping lead the program to a national Championship. Selected in the 2019 draft class, Mabrey is currently playing for Toronto Tempo and scoring 22 plus in a game.

6. Cameron Brink

The Stanford University forward is known for her elite shot blocking and defensive skills. She was drafted at number two by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024 but spent the first season injured. Bruno returned during the 2025 season, so this will be her first full season as a healthy, consistent player.

 
 
 
 
 
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7. Janelle Salaun

Off the bench, the French forward is known for her ability to score threes. The 17th pick was selected by the Dallas Wings in 2025. In her second WNBA season, Salaun currently plays for the Golden State Valkyries. Before her time in the States, she built a professional career with the French national team.

8. Aliyah Boston

As the number one overall in the 2023 draft class. Boston is now entering her fourth season in the W under the Indiana Fever. Before coming to the league, the forward was making a name on campus at the University of South Carolina, where she won a national championship and multiple national player of the year awards.

9. Dominique Malonga

As the youngest player to hit 200 rebounds in WNBA history. Malonga was a highly anticipated international prospect coming into the league. She is a center known for her finishing ability at the basket. Selected as number two in the 2025 draft class by the Seattle Storm. This is her second season.

10. Jovana Nogić

Nogić was an overseas player before coming to the States to ball out in the W. She played college basketball at Providence College before continuing her professional career overseas. Under her international experience, she competed in countries such as Europe and Serbia. The Serbian guard joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2025.

Featured image credit: Dallas Wings | InClub Magazine does not claim ownership of this image.

Epiphany La’ Sha