Angel Reese is the 2026 WNBA defensive player of the year – and the first player in Atlanta Dream history to win it
Angel Reese made history as the first Atlanta Dream player to be named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year following a record-breaking performance on the court.
🏆 Angel Reese really spoke this one into existence.
Earlier this season, the Atlanta Dream star declared, “The Defensive Player of the Year is in Atlanta!” Now the WNBA has officially named Angel Reese the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year — making her the first player in Atlanta Dream history to win the award.
And she gave them a season to remember. Angel finished with 521 rebounds, becoming the first WNBA player ever to reach 500 in a single season, while also setting league records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds and double-doubles. She received 46 of 74 votes for Defensive Player of the Year.
Even after winning, Angel made sure her teammates got their flowers too, saying she wants Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard to sign the trophy because they deserve it just as much. Then she left us with: “This is just the beginning.” 🖤🏆
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