Janelle Salaün leads candidates for 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 12:37 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Janelle Salaün of the Golden State Valkyries is the strong favorite for the 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year title. Coming off the bench in all 38 games played, she averages 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, trailing only teammate Gabby Williams in scoring. Other notable candidates include Sophie Cunningham from the Indiana Fever, who boasts a career-high 43.4% from three-point range, and Zia Cooke of the Seattle Storm, a fast guard averaging 7.6 points per game. The competition for the award remains tight as the season approaches its conclusion.
- •Janelle Salaün has played 38 games, all off the bench.
- •She averages 12.9 points and is a primary three-point shooter.
- •Sophie Cunningham is recognized for her scoring ability and energy.
- •Zia Cooke shows potential despite not being on a playoff team.
- •The Valkyries hold the second-best record in the league.
- 2:47 PMYahoo Sports — There’s an obvious pick for WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
- 12:37 AMYahoo Sports — Why Janelle Salaün could become Valkyries' go-to option in playoff crunch time
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 WNBA awards: Janelle Salaün remains the runaway favorite for Sixth Player of the Year
"All the reasons Janelle Salaün is a clear frontrunner for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year Award make the 6-foot-3 forward a potential X-factor for the Golden State Valkyries' postseason run.
"All season long, Janelle Salaün has been the best player to come off the bench in the WNBA.
"Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun has earned my vote for the award.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 2:47 PMThere’s an obvious pick for WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun has earned my vote for the award.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 12:37 AMWhy Janelle Salaün could become Valkyries' go-to option in playoff crunch time
All the reasons Janelle Salaün is a clear frontrunner for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year Award make the 6-foot-3 forward a potential X-factor for the Golden State Valkyries' postseason run.
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 12:00 PM2026 WNBA awards: Janelle Salaün remains the runaway favorite for Sixth Player of the Year
All season long, Janelle Salaün has been the best player to come off the bench in the WNBA.
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