Getting into the season, Caitlin Clark was the odds-on favourite to win the WNBA MVP award. Her harm this week modified the dynamic of a number of WNBA futures races, beginning with the MVP — the place we’ve got a brand new odds-on favourite.
Let’s check out the present state of the MVP and Rookie of the 12 months races, on the favorites, the contenders and the longshots to determine the place one of the best betting worth lies.
Most Helpful Participant
Chief: Napheesa Collier (-275)
Within the hunt: Caitlin Clark (+400), A’ja Wilson (+1000)
Longshots of curiosity: Breanna Stewart (+6000), Kelsey Plum (+6000), Alyssa Thomas (10,000)
Collier has taken over because the heavy favourite to win the MVP award, at -275. The Lynx, final season’s WNBA Finals runner-up, are tied with the defending champion Liberty for one of the best file within the WNBA because the final two undefeated groups. Collier, the defending Defensive Participant of the 12 months, is main the WNBA in scoring at 26.8 PPG and can be top-10 in rebounding (tenth, 7.8 RPG), blocks (fifth, 1.4 BPG) and steals (fourth, 2.4 SPG).
Clark nonetheless has the second-shortest odds, even together with her harm. The preliminary estimate is that she’s out at the very least two weeks, which might be roughly 4 to 6 video games out, or roughly 10% – 15% of the season. Clark would nonetheless have the possibility to get again within the race with that a lot break day, significantly if the crew is ready to keep in rivalry whereas she’s out. Workforce file is an enormous think about MVP vote, along with particular person stats. Clark leads the WNBA with 9.3 APG, is top-10 in each steals and blocks and is top-25 in rebounds.
Wilson, the three-time and reigning WNBA MVP, is one of the best worth on the board at +1000. She was the runaway winner final season, and even with a comparatively gradual begin to the season she nonetheless leads the league with 2.3 BPG, is top-5 in each scoring (fourth) and rebounds (second), is top-10 in steals and fifteenth in assists. The Aces are 2-2 as they alter to their new lineup, however they venture to settle out as top-of-the-line groups within the league. Wilson will very probably push for the league lead in a number of classes once more this season, as she did final 12 months. With the ability to get 10-to-1 odds on Wilson for MVP appears nearly too good to be true.
Stewart, Plum and Thomas all have arguments to be within the MVP race. However one participant that probably ought to be talked about, and is not even listed on the percentages board, is Jonquel Jones. The 2021 MVP is off to an impressive begin for the Liberty and is the crew’s second-leading scorer with 16.8 PPG. She ranks top-10 within the league in each rebounds (seventh) and blocks (third). If the Liberty stay on prime of the league with Jones main the way in which, she is going to probably enter the MVP dialog earlier than the season ends.
Rookie of the 12 months
Chief: Paige Bueckers (-700)
Within the hunt: Sonia Citron (+800)
Longshots of curiosity: Janelle Salaun (+1500), Kiki Iriafen (+1800)
Bueckers is the overwhelming favourite to win Rookie of the 12 months and has lengthy been thought-about a generational prospect. Along with the expectations, she had coming into the season because the No.1 general decide, the overwhelming majority of bettors have put cash on her to win. She is off to a strong begin to the season, main all rookies with 6.7 APG and second in scoring, steals and blocks.
Citron, the third general decide, is off to a powerful begin to her rookie 12 months. She leads all first-year gamers with 15.0 PPG whereas capturing 50.8% from the sector and 40.0% from behind the arc. Her robust play, together with fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen, has helped the rebuilding Mystics get off to a .500 begin. Iriafen is main all rookies with 10.7 RPG (the third-best mark within the WNBA) and is the one rookie averaging a double-double with 14.2 PPG as effectively.
Salaun is a shock longshot who wasn’t even listed on the percentages board at first of the season. She was undrafted in 2025 and signed with the Golden State Valkyrie. She presently leads all rookies in 3PG (2.8) and ranks second in RPG (7.8) RPG and PPG (13.8).
Whereas I agree Bueckers ought to be the favourite to win, it’s an unlucky actuality that an harm might change the race in a rush. Citron, Iriafen and Salaun are every presently placing collectively rookie seasons that may legitimately problem Bueckers. There is no purpose to wager on Bueckers to win at -700 ($70 to win $10), so I would say Iriafen presents one of the best worth on the board proper now, with 18-1 odds.
