WNBA midseason grades, first-half MVPs for all 15 teams - ESPN

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is nearly here, and it's time to examine the opening half of the season. We're handing out team grades for the second time this summer.

ESPN's first report card for all 15 teams was June 4, and the Minnesota Lynx — the squad that was on top then — remains there. The Lynx and the Golden State Valkyries are at the head of the class as teams play their last games Wednesday before Saturday's All-Star Game (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC) in Chicago.

The New York Liberty are the Commissioner's Cup champions, but their grade reflects a 14-12 record and seventh place in the standings. By contrast, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are below .500, but considering the expectations for this season's expansion teams, have earned better grades.

That's a big part of what goes into grades: what could be reasonably expected vs. what has been produced. And while some teams might not like their grades, there is still plenty of time to improve them. The regular-season schedule resumes Tuesday.

Jump to:
ATL | CHI | CON | DAL | GS | IND | LV |
LA | MIN | NY | PHO | POR | SEA | TOR | WAS

Cheryl Reeve became the WNBA's winningest coach this season and is the favorite for Coach of the Year. Here's why: Even without injured star forward Napheesa Collier, the Lynx have the league's best record at 21-6 and have been the most consistent team. They have lost back-to-back games just once and have eight- and six-game winning streaks. Returning guards Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams have been dependable veterans, as have free agent signees and forwards Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey.

First-half MVP: The front-runner to win Rookie of the Year, Olivia Miles is already one of the league's most exciting players. The No. 2 draft pick