Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson Again Top Contenders for WNBA MVP
2024 WNBA MVP Odds: Stewart Trying to Be Fourth Three-Time Winner
Last season featured the closest WNBA MVP race in league history, with Breanna Stewart edging reigning winner A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas for top honors. The New York Liberty star outlasted Wilson by just seven votes (446-439). Meanwhile, Thomas finished 13 votes shy.
With the 2024 season upon us, all three players figure to be in the mix again for MVP. But it won’t be so cut and dry, with players like Caitlin Clark also factoring in the discussion.
Who are the other leading contenders? Let’s break down the 2024 WNBA MVP odds.
THE FAVORITE
A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces, F (+180)
After narrowly missing out on her third MVP award, Wilson showed her true worth in last year’s WNBA Finals. She averaged 21.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks as the Aces overwhelmed New York in four games to win their second straight title.
As the focus shifts to 2024, a three-peat is a strong possibility. With most of their core returning, including Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, the Aces are +100 championship favorites.
Nobody is more important to the Aces’ hopes than Wilson, who has been a difference-maker from the moment she was drafted first overall in 2018. She averaged a career-high 22.8 points on 55.7% shooting last season while playing in all 40 games. It’s no wonder she is the 2024 WNBA MVP odds favorite.
TOP CONTENDER
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty, F (+400)
Wilson’s biggest threat to another MVP remains Stewart. Stewart made an enormous impact with New York after six seasons in Seattle, placing in the top 5 in scoring (23.0), rebounding (9.3), and blocks (1.6). She was rewarded with her second MVP—and first since returning from a torn Achilles—though the Liberty fell short of ending their championship drought.
Stewart’s track record of winning is nearly unparalleled, and her presence remains vital. Assuming she avoids splitting the vote, Stewart will be firmly in the mix for back-to-back MVPs.
NEXT IN LINE
Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun, F (+1000)
Thomas made a strong case for MVP last season, recording a WNBA single-season record of 28 double-doubles and six triple-doubles on top of her 316 assists. Nicknamed “The Engine,” Thomas was the heartbeat for a team that went 27-13 and finished third in the WNBA standings behind Las Vegas and New York.
Thomas surprisingly finished with the most first-place votes (23), but it wasn’t enough to trump Wilson or Stewart.
While health is always a concern for the 32-year-old Thomas, her production and impact on the Sun make her a deserving candidate.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, G (+1200)
Expectations for Clark are immense. Nobody has entered the WNBA with such fanfare in years, and interest in the former Iowa star is already booming.
There are obviously a lot of questions about Clark’s adaptability to the professional game. The sharpshooting guard averaged 31.3 points last season with the Hawkeyes to claim her third NCAA scoring title in four seasons. While many expect her to seamlessly carry those numbers over to the WNBA, history says otherwise.
Diana Taurasi, the league’s all-time leading scorer, averaged only 17 points as a rookie in 2004 and needed three seasons to crack 20 points per game.
Clark’s skills will translate anywhere. However, it may be a bit soon to expect her to reach this level of stardom.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm, G (+2000)
Loyd was Seattle’s most established name last season following the departures of Sue Bird and Stewart. Naturally, she embraced that role, averaging 24.7 points on 37% shooting (35.6% from 3-point range) to win her first scoring title.
Seattle loaded up again this offseason, signing multi-year All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith. That should alleviate some of the defensive attention on Loyd, allowing the former No. 1 overall pick more open looks from the field. Loyd’s scoring may dip by default, but there’s no debating her talent.
LONGSHOTS
Satou Sabally, F, Dallas Wings (+3000)
The Wings franchise enjoyed a breakthrough last season, winning their first playoff series since relocating from Tulsa in 2016. They finished 22-18, losing in the semifinals to Las Vegas.
Sabally was a big part of that, averaging 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals.
Unfortunately, injuries have been an issue ever since Dallas drafted the former Oregon star second overall in 2020. Sabally played only 44 games in her first three seasons combined due to a series of issues and is on the mend once more following offseason shoulder surgery. Coach Latricia Trammell said last week that the team doesn’t expect to have Sabally back until following the Olympic break.
Barring any changes, that’d leave her with 15Â WNBA games at most. It seems unreasonable to think she can contend for MVP after missing half the season.
Sabrina Ionescu, G, New York Liberty (+3000)
Few players are as adept at contributing across the board as Ionescu, who averaged 17.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting nearly 45% from 3. Furthermore, she’s recorded 14 double-doubles and four triple-doubles since being drafted first overall in 2020 out of Oregon.
New York remains a legitimate contender (+250 title odds), so Ionescu will have her run in the spotlight. But she runs the risk of splitting MVP votes with Stewart. That may be tough to overcome.
Brittney Griner, C, Phoenix Mercury (+3000)
Griner returned after a lengthy incarceration stint in Russia looking much like her old self. In 31 games last season, she averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks and made her ninth All-Star appearance.
Griner may be a sentimental favorite for some voters, but at 33 years old, she’s on the backside of her career. Plus, the Mercury is likely to again struggle.
Given that, Griner is priced accordingly as a +3000 longshot on the 2024 WNBA MVP odds board.
For WNBA scores, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
