Angel Reese Makes History as 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

Angel Reese has added another major achievement to a record-setting season. The WNBA announced Thursday that the Atlanta Dream forward is the 2026 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, the first such award of her career and the first in Dream franchise history. Reese received 46 of 74 votes from the national media panel, comfortably finishing ahead of Golden State’s Gabby Williams, who received 20.

Reese’s first season in Atlanta produced historic numbers. She led the league with 12.1 rebounds per game, ranked third with 77 steals and established WNBA single-season records for total rebounds and offensive rebounds. She also set the league’s single-game rebounding record with 26. Her impact helped Atlanta finish 30-14 and advance into the WNBA semifinals, turning an already impressive individual season into one tied directly to team success.

The award also changes the conversation around Reese’s game. Her rebounding has generated attention since she entered the league, but Defensive Player of the Year recognition highlights how much broader her impact has become. With Atlanta preparing for its semifinal matchup against New York, Reese now has an opportunity to turn the best defensive season of her young career into an even deeper playoff run.