Go Off, Queens
WNBA players I'm loving so far this season
We’re about halfway(ish) through the 2026 WNBA season, and it has been nothing short of entertaining. To celebrate the milestone, I wanted to shout out a few players who have been incredibly fun to watch. This definitely isn't an exhaustive list—there are plenty of amazing players I missed here—but because I'm all about showing love, a part two might just be on the way!
Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings
Stats: 13.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.9 block(s), 46% FG, 37% 3P
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Azzi fan—and for good reason! She’s a sharp-shooting, defensive powerhouse who is incredibly fun to watch. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Her transition from college to the pros has been nothing short of fantastic. She’s already making a massive impact, particularly on the defensive end. It’s exactly why Dallas took her #1 overall in the draft, and she’s already delivering. Currently, she ranks 5th in the league in total steals, 4th in steals per game, and 24th in blocks. Plus, she’s second on the Wings in Defensive Win Shares (DWS) at 1.0, trailing right behind Jessica Shepard (1.1). Oh, and did I mention she’s a guard?
When you pair those elite defensive metrics with her putting up 13.3 points a night, it’s impossible not to love everything about Fudd’s game, especially for a rookie. The present is already bright, but the future is blinding for both her and the Dallas Wings.
Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo
Stats: 21.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steal(s), 45% FG, 40% 3P, 87% FT
Now in her eighth season out of Notre Dame, it’s safe to say Marina Mabrey has officially found her groove up north.
She’s currently averaging career-highs in both scoring (surpassing her previous high of 15.0 PPG) and field goal percentage (topping her prior 43% best). On top of that, her usage rate has spiked to a heavy 31.4% (up from 27.6%), and her 22.0 efficiency rating ranks among the best in the W. Whatever Head Coach Sandy Brondello is cooking up in Toronto is clearly working, because Mabrey is playing like the All-Star she (finally!) is in 2026.
And we can’t talk about her season without mentioning her absolute masterclass against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 25th. Mabrey erupted for 53 points, shooting a blistering 17-of-28 from the floor—including nine triples—while adding six rebounds and two assists. Girl was busy!
But what truly makes Mabrey a must-watch player is her passion. Sure, she’s never been one to shy away from a little controversy, but her love for the game shines through every game. At the end of the day, there are few things better in sports than watching a player genuinely have a blast on the court.
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Stats: 16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steal(s), 46% FG, 37% 3P, 95% FT
Four words: Jackie. Young. Is. Special.
That’s it. That’s all I’m going to say.
Just kidding—you know I have thoughts! On a serious note, Jackie Young consistently reminds us exactly why she was the No. 1 overall pick back in 2019. Even on a historically stacked Aces roster, she constantly finds ways to level up. This year, she’s dishing out a career-high in assists and knocking down free throws at her best clip yet—not to mention flirting with history on June 11th when she came just two boards shy of a triple-double (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists).
But my absolute favorite game of hers this season has to be the Commissioner’s Cup against the Liberty. With A’ja Wilson sidelined, the Aces desperately needed someone to step up, and Young put the team on her back. She erupted for 31 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and shot 12-of-21 from the floor. Las Vegas staged a late-game comeback, and it was entirely the Jackie Young Show. Even though they fell just short, Young was a star, proving she can put a team on her shoulders against elite competition.
Everyone knows and loves Jackie, but it’s time to stop normalizing her greatness. Let’s take a moment to really appreciate the masterpiece she's putting together this season.
Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky
Stats: 14.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, 58% FG
I love Kamilla Cardoso, and it’s not just because we both went to Syracuse—it’s because she is absolutely coming into her own this season.
She is currently averaging career-highs in literally everything: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage. That is wild to think about, especially considering she was already flirting with a double-double average as a rookie just two seasons ago.
When she steps on the court, she commands the paint and constantly reminds the league that most teams simply do not have an answer for her. She’s a certified powerhouse who can score with hyper-efficiency and anchor a defense, and she deserves so much more credit for how she is shaping this interesting Chicago Sky squad.
Emily Engstler, Portland Fire
Stats: 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.8 blocks, 46% FG, 36% 3P
I know, I know—another Syracuse player. But honestly, can I help it if they’re absolutely balling out?
Emily Engstler is the perfect example of a player finding her groove on an expansion squad. After being drafted 4th overall by the Fever in 2022, she spent a season in Indiana, one in Minnesota, and two in Washington before the Portland Fire snagged her in the 2026 Expansion Draft. Talk about a fresh start: she is currently averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—literally everything. Plus, she’s started all 23 games so far, which is already more starts than her previous four seasons combined.
Her best game of the season came against the team that drafted her, the Indiana Fever. Engstler stuffed the stats sheet with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, while shooting 7-of-10 from the floor. Her efficiency is way above the league average, and she’s playing with a visible, contagious confidence.
When given a real opportunity, she has proven she’s a solid, reliable presence who can elevate a team. At just 26 years old, she’s putting together her best season yet—and the ceiling is only getting higher.
Who did I miss? Let me know :)
Stay tuned for part two coming soon!
Thrilled to see my girl Marina on here. Completely ballin’ out. Already a Toronto treasure. 🌟