Angel Reese has been named the 2026 AP WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Atlanta Dream history to claim the award. The announcement came as part of a series of postseason recognitions, with Reese also earning All-AP Second Team honours alongside teammate Rhyne Howard.
Reese’s defensive prowess helped anchor the Dream’s defense, which established itself as one of the WNBA’s strongest units this season. Her impact on that end of the court was a significant factor in Atlanta securing a fourth consecutive postseason appearance. The Dream will open their 2026 WNBA Playoffs campaign against the Washington Mystics on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, with Game 1 of the First Round scheduled to air nationally on Prime Video.
The Defensive Player of the Year award ended the recent dominance of A’ja Wilson, who had won the title in three of the previous four seasons. Wilson, a standout for the Las Vegas Aces, led the league in scoring this season with 26.2 points per game and shot nearly 52.7% from the field, adding 9.4 rebounds, a career-best 3.2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. Despite those numbers, Reese’s defensive contributions earned her the top defensive honour.
Reese and Howard’s All-AP Second Team selections reflect their importance to the Dream’s success. Howard, a rising star, complemented Reese’s defensive intensity with her own offensive and defensive contributions throughout the season.
The WNBA awards will continue to unfold over the course of the playoffs, with MVP honours expected to be announced soon. Wilson remains the favourite for MVP, aiming for her third straight award, while Reese’s Defensive Player of the Year title signals a changing of the guard on the defensive end.
The Dream’s defensive identity was a defining feature of their 2026 campaign, and Reese’s recognition confirms her as one of the league’s premier defenders. Her award is historic for the franchise and adds to the growing momentum for the Dream as they prepare for the postseason.
According to CBS.
