WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds (2026)

The following post features WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds (2026).

With opening futures now available, the board lays out how oddsmakers are pricing the league’s top defensive players heading into the season, based on past performance, role, and overall expectations.

Read: WNBA Most Valuable Player Odds

Related: WNBA Rookie of the Year Odds

The early numbers establish a clear group of contenders, with the rest of the field priced behind them. Below is the full set of current odds, showing how each player stacks up to start the year.

WNBA DPOY Award Odds (2026)

Below is a table displaying the odds of the top contenders for the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. All odds were sourced on April 17, 2026. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

WNBA DPOY Award – Preseason Spotlights

A’ja Wilson

As the +300 favorite for 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, A’ja Wilson enters the season as a proven anchor for the Las Vegas Aces after sharing co-DPOY honors in 2025, leveraging her elite rim protection, rebounding dominance, and ability to guard multiple positions while leading a championship-caliber defense alongside a veteran core that includes Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Her unmatched physicality and basketball IQ allow her to disrupt plays at a historic rate, making her the centerpiece of one of the league’s stingiest units as the Aces pursue back-to-back titles. Key considerations include maintaining peak conditioning through a full 44-game schedule, avoiding foul trouble in an expanded league, and delivering consistent impact that stands out even on a star-studded roster. With her two-way superstar status and proven pedigree, Wilson remains the safest and most dominant candidate in the DPOY race, especially if Las Vegas starts strong and she continues her historic defensive production.

Aliyah Boston

At +750, Aliyah Boston looks to build on her strong defensive foundation with the Indiana Fever, where her shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior presence complement Caitlin Clark’s offense and help form a more balanced, stingy unit capable of contending at the highest level. The young big’s versatility and timing on help defense have already earned her recognition, and with veteran additions around her, she has the platform to take the next step as a primary rim protector and anchor. Factors to monitor include elevating her on-ball defense, staying healthy through increased minutes, and translating regular-season stops into playoff dominance that voters notice in a crowded field. These odds provide solid value on a rising star whose team success and individual growth could align for a breakout DPOY campaign if the Fever push deep into the postseason.

Angel Reese

Sitting at +900, Angel Reese brings her rebounding prowess and defensive versatility to the Atlanta Dream as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings, pairing with established talent to create a more physical and opportunistic defense that capitalizes on her second-chance opportunities and transition disruption. Her relentless motor and ability to impact the glass while guarding multiple spots give Atlanta a unique edge, especially in a league where rebounding margins often decide games. Critical variables include refining her positioning and foul management, building chemistry with new teammates, and sustaining high-level effort over a longer schedule. While longer shots in a frontcourt-heavy race, Reese’s upward trajectory and the Dream’s potential make these odds intriguing for a high-energy player poised for a major defensive leap in what could be a career year.

Gabby Williams

The +900 (marked with *) Gabby Williams enters 2026 with the Golden State Valkyries after a career-best season that saw her lead the league in steals, earn All-Defensive First Team honors, and make her first All-Star team, bringing her perimeter lockdown skills, versatility, and high-motor defense to a new expansion-era roster hungry for identity. Her ability to guard wings and bigs alike while generating turnovers positions her as a disruptive force capable of anchoring a gritty defensive scheme. Things to watch include adapting quickly to new teammates and system, maintaining her steal rate without overcommitting, and standing out individually amid a rebuilding environment. These odds reflect strong value on an ascending two-way wing whose proven defensive impact and fresh start could vault her into serious contention if the Valkyries exceed expectations early.

Alanna Smith

At +1000, Alanna Smith joins the Dallas Wings on a max contract after sharing 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with A’ja Wilson, bringing her elite shot-blocking (ranking top-three in blocks), versatility as a 6-4 forward/center, and two-way impact to a frontcourt that desperately needs her anchoring presence alongside new additions. Her timing, length, and ability to protect the rim while stepping out on perimeter assignments make her a plug-and-play defensive upgrade for a Wings team looking to improve dramatically. Key considerations revolve around integrating into a new system, sustaining her high block and rebound numbers, and helping elevate Dallas’ overall defensive identity in a competitive Western Conference. With her recent award-winning form intact, these longer odds offer appealing upside on a proven stopper capable of repeating or improving upon her co-DPOY performance in a fresh environment.

Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier checks in at +1000 with the Minnesota Lynx, but her DPOY outlook carries notable uncertainty following bilateral ankle surgery in January that is expected to sideline her for the early portion of the 2026 season, limiting her availability despite her history as a two-way force with strong steal and block rates that helped power Minnesota’s elite defense in recent years. As a supermax cornerstone known for her versatility, anticipation, and ability to guard multiple positions, Collier’s return timeline and ramp-up will be pivotal in determining whether she can re-enter the conversation. Important factors include her recovery progress, maintaining defensive instincts through limited early reps, and the Lynx’s ability to stay competitive enough for her to accumulate impactful minutes once cleared. If Collier returns healthy and at full strength mid-season, her elite production still makes these odds a worthwhile long shot for a player with championship-level defensive pedigree.

WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award is awarded annually to the top defensive player in the league. A national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters submits votes based on the regular season, regardless of postseason results. The ballot features a single selection, with each panel member casting one vote for their preferred recipient. The winner is determined by the player with the highest overall vote total.

WNBA DPOY Winner (by Year)

Click here for WNBA Defensive Player of the Year winner by year.