Since the tipoff of the WNBA’s 25th season on May 14th, many teams and players have come to play and have shocked fans. It may seem early, but the topic of MVP and who will win this championship at the end of the season is already a big topic. Free agency, new teammates, and being back to playing at home has been a huge part of this season so far, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Let’s look at the Way Too Early 2021 WNBA MVP Race.
A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
The reigning MVP A’ja Wilson is definitely not off of the table just because she won the 2020 MVP title. Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are hungry for a championship after their loss in the finals back in October. With many new additions to the team, Wilson is a huge staple for this team. She is currently averaging 18.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, and 2.0 BPG. Just because the Aces are off to a 2-2 start do not count out A’ja and the Aces on being a big contender in the coming games. A’ja has her title of MVP to defend and who knows she may get to keep it.
That turnaround jumper 👌@_ajawilson22 // #ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/HBurhTX1Z8
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 23, 2021
Arike Ogunbowale – Dallas Wings
Yet another talented young player in the league is Arike Ogunbowale. At only 24 she plays such a large role as a leader on and off the court for the young Wings team. Ogunbowale has never played in the WNBA playoffs and is looking to do that under new head coach Vickie Johnson. She is currently averaging 22.5 PPG and 3.5 APG. She is currently third in the league in scoring. The Wings are only off to a 1-2 start, but this young team has a fire to them that is not going away anytime soon. If Arike can lead this young team to success and be a leading scorer while doing so, the MVP title should be on the horizon for her.
NOT. OVER. YET. 😤@Arike_O #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/pOlq9JCw2L
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 25, 2021
Breanna Stewart – Seattle Storm
The talent keeps on rolling with the Finals MVP and 2020 Champion, Breanna Stewart. The Storm keeps on going to defend their title of champions. Although with a target on their back the Storm prevails with the help of Stewart. She was both the regular season MVP as well as the Finals MVP in 2018 becoming the sixth player in WNBA history to do so. Currently, she is averaging 25.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 2.0 BPG. She is first in the league in scoring, third in rebounds, and fifth in blocks. Do not be shocked if Stewie becomes MVP again this season or anytime in the future.
🔥 No. 1 in the league in points per game
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 24, 2021
🔥 Three double-doubles
🔥 Became fastest player to 2500 points and 1000 rebounds@breannastewart is your Western Conference Player of the Week! 🤩#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/8MIdvbGCfc
Betnijah Laney – New York Liberty
The 2020 MIP, Betnijah Laney, had played a large role already for her new team with the New York Liberty. Now with the MIP title under her belt, Laney is taking a step further and seeking a winning season and championship for the Liberty as well as the MVP title. She is currently averaging 22.0 PPG (4th in the league) and 4.2 APG for the Liberty. Betnijah’s gameplay has led the Liberty to a 5-1 start which is one of the best starts for the Liberty in franchise history. With a very young team, she has taken on a large role as a leader and so far has proven to be successful. Look out for Betnijah because she wants that championship and that MVP title.
Betnijah doing Betnijah things! @BetnijahLaney#SeafoamSZN pic.twitter.com/HuycQLLqqS
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 25, 2021
Honorable Mentions
In addition to these players, many others could come out with the MVP title. DeWanna Bonner of the Connecticut Sun with 19.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 3.6 APG. Tina Charles of the Washington Mystics with 25.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm with 21.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 4.8 APG. With a healthy Candace Parker, we can expect her to defend her Defensive Player of the Year title and make a run for MVP. But there is still plenty of time left in the season for anyone to make an MVP run and help bring their team to success.
Thanks for reading Way Too Early 2021 WNBA MVP Race. Make sure to follow my Twitter @aislynjowers for more of my content and follow @beyondwsports. Make sure to keep a lookout for my next article. Be sure to check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
