Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese has been named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year; the honor was announced Thursday afternoon. Reese edged out Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams, who finished second with 20 votes. Las Vegas Aces standout A’ja Wilson placed third. Wilson won the award in 2022 and 2023, and last season she shared it with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith.
In her first season with the Dream, the three-time All-Star helped Atlanta reach the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2018.
Reese said she wants her teammates to share in the moment. “I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin [Canada] and Rhyne [Howard] to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do,” she said. “I’m grateful for Atlanta, I’m grateful for my teammates and my coaches and all the supporting staff that supports us. This is just the beginning.”
Reese Leads the WNBA in Defensive Win Shares
Reese’s defensive impact showed up across the board. She led the league in Defensive Win Shares (3.39) and ranked fourth in defensive rating (100.0). Atlanta gave up 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with her on the court, the biggest defensive on/off swing among Dream rotation players.
Defensive Rebounding Fuels Atlanta’s Defense
Reese also finished the possession. She grabbed 7.3 defensive rebounds per game, fourth-most in the league, and Atlanta held opponents to a league-low 9.5 second-chance points per game.
Record-Setting Rebounding Season
Her work on the glass produced a historic year. Reese became the first player in WNBA history to reach 500 rebounds in a season, and she set single-season records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and double-doubles. She also set the league’s single-game rebounding record with 26 boards.
The WNBA named her its Peak Performer as the league’s top rebounder. She also became the first Dream player to win Eastern Conference Player of the Week three weeks in a row.
