We are still early in the 2025 WNBA season, but it's never too early to talk end-of-season awards and how players are shaping up in the discussions. We have seen several rookies battling for the title of Rookie of the Year, including preseason frontrunner Paige Bueckers. But, Washington rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen sure are making a name for themselves. Along with a couple of sleeper picks in Monique Akoa Makani and Janelle Salaün.
What is the WNBA Rookie of the Year award?
Rookie of the Year is an award that has been around since the 1998 WNBA season. At the end of every regular season, a sportswriters' panel votes on a plethora of awards. Some of these awards include Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.
The panel places their top three rookies in first, second, and third place — with a dedicated number of points for each placement — the player with the most points after the vote is awarded recognition as that year's rookie of the year.
The history behind Rookie of the Year
The award began in the WNBA's second season. Since then, 27 rookies have been awarded this honor. Of the 27, 15 of them were the No. 1 overall draft pick. No. 16 overall, Crystal Dangerfield won the award in 2020, making her the lowest draft pick to ever win.
Only two Rookie of the Year winners have helped lead their teams to winning the WNBA Championship in their debut season. Those players were Cheryl Ford in 2003 and Maya Moore in 2011. Candace Parker is the only player who has ever won MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, in 2008.
This award allows young players to be recognized for their achievements as newcomers in a sometimes intimidating league. It can also empower them and give them the confidence they need heading into their long professional careers.
Every WNBA Rookie of the Year award winner:
Year | Player | WNBA Team |
|---|---|---|
1998 | Tracy Reid | Charlotte Sting |
1999 | Chamique Holdsclaw | Washington Mystics |
2000 | Betty Lennox | Minnesota Lynx |
2001 | Jackie Stiles | Portland Fire |
2002 | Tamika Catchings | Indiana Fever |
2003 | Cheryl Ford | Detroit Shock |
2004 | Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury |
2005 | Temeka Johnson | Washington Mystics |
2006 | Seimone Augustus | Minnesota Lynx |
2007 | Armintie Prince | Chicago Sky |
2008 | Candace Parker | Los Angeles Sparks |
2009 | Angel McCoughtry | Atlanta Dream |
2010 | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun |
2011 | Maya Moore | Minnesota Lynx |
2012 | Nneka Ogwumike | Los Angeles Sparks |
2013 | Elena Delle Donne | Chicago Sky |
2014 | Chiney Ogwumike | Connecticut Sun |
2015 | Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm |
2016 | Breanna Stewart | Seattle Storm |
2017 | Allisha Gray | Dallas Wings |
2018 | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces |
2019 | Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx |
2020 | Crystal Dangerfield | Minnesota Lynx |
2021 | Michaela Onyenwere | New York Liberty |
2022 | Rhyne Howard | Atlanta Dream |
2023 | Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever |
2024 | Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever |
This exclusive group of players has just about everything — from WNBA legends like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Tamika Catchings, to some current players that we all expect to be dominating the league for years to come, like Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark. As for who wins the 2025 honors, the trophy is still completely up for grabs. Maybe we will see some more history made.