Janelle Salaün named 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 4:03 PM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
Janelle Salaün of the Golden State Valkyries has been awarded the 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year. The announcement was made by the WNBA on October 4, as Salaün averaged 12.7 points and played an integral role off the bench for her team throughout the season. She set a WNBA record with 509 points from the bench while helping the Valkyries finish the regular season with a 32-12 record, the second-best in the league. This is Salaün's first professional award after a standout campaign that included contributions in 40 games. The Valkyries are currently preparing for their semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces after a win over the Dallas Wings in the first round.
- •Janelle Salaün won the 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award.
- •She averaged 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
- •Salaün set a WNBA record for points off the bench with 509.
- •The Valkyries finished the regular season with a 32-12 record.
- •Golden State will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Janelle Salaün accepted bench role, won WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
- 4:03 PMYahoo Sports — Valkyries' Janelle Salaün wins 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award
"After starting 33 of 36 games last season, Janelle Salaün accepted a reserve role this season and averaged 12.7 points for the Valkyries.
"Janelle Salaün has been a key contributor for the Valkyries all season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 4:39 PMJanelle Salaün accepted bench role, won WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
After starting 33 of 36 games last season, Janelle Salaün accepted a reserve role this season and averaged 12.7 points for the Valkyries.
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 4:03 PMValkyries' Janelle Salaün wins 2026 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award
Janelle Salaün has been a key contributor for the Valkyries all season.
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