As the WNBA season tips off, fantasy managers are gearing up for drafts, seeking out sleepers, breakouts, and potential busts. While RotoWire's rankings and projections are invaluable tools, there are players who could surprise and outperform expectations. This article delves into the players who could be the next big thing, the ones who might just exceed their ADP, and the potential risks to avoid. It's important to note that the author(s) may have personal interests in certain players, which could influence their analysis. Now, let's dive into the world of fantasy WNBA and explore the players who could be the next big names in the league.
Sleepers to Target
Shakira Austin, C, Washington Mystics
Shakira Austin is a player who has consistently been labeled a sleeper due to her stellar efficiency when she's on the court. Despite dealing with injuries for most of her career, Austin appeared in a career-high 38 regular-season games last year, averaging 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game. The Mystics have a talented young frontcourt, including 2025 first-rounder Kiki Iriafen and 2026 first-rounders Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic, which could help take some of the load off Austin. Even if she doesn't see a massive spike in minutes, Austin is one of the most efficient per-minute players in the league and has plenty of upside if she can remain healthy.
Temi Fagbenle, F, Toronto Tempo
Players for expansion teams are among the most difficult to project due to uncertainty about how a new group of players will blend together. However, Temi Fagbenle has established herself as a productive frontcourt option in recent years, most recently averaging 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.7 minutes per game across 39 regular-season appearances (38 starts) with Golden State last year. Fagbenle will be playing for a first-year franchise for a second consecutive season, and she's already proven to be capable of leading new clubs to success.
Breakout Candidates
Dominique Malonga, F, Seattle Storm
Dominique Malonga is one of the league's most intriguing young players, showcasing a versatile skill set overseas before being drafted by Seattle with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She was brought along slowly during her rookie season, averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game across 42 regular-season appearances, all of which came off the bench. However, the Storm will have a much different look in 2026, with several key departures and a new international player, Awa Fam, drafted this spring. Malonga should still have ample opportunities to make an impact at the WNBA level.
Aneesah Morrow, F, Connecticut Sun
Aneesah Morrow was a dominant college player at DePaul and LSU, and she showed promise during her rookie season with Connecticut in 2025. Across 41 regular-season appearances (23 starts), she averaged 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game, a campaign that included eight double-doubles. Although the Sun acquired Brittney Griner and Aaliyah Edwards during the offseason, Tina Charles announced her retirement, and Morrow could be poised to step into a prominent role for the Sun during their sunset season in Connecticut.
Busts to Avoid
Arike Ogunbowale, G, Dallas Wings
Arike Ogunbowale is a prime example of the term 'bust' not reflecting a lack of talent, as the 2019 No. 5 overall pick is still one of the league's premier scoring threats. However, the Wings added another strong backcourt scoring option with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft by selecting Paige Bueckers, and Ogunbowale averaged a career-low 15.5 points to go with 4.1 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game across 29 regular-season starts. She missed the end of last season due to a knee injury and ended the 2026 campaign with an ankle injury, and it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact her availability to begin the regular season this year. The Wings also drafted another strong scoring threat with this year's No. 1 overall pick in Azzi Fudd, which could lead to slightly less volume for Ogunbowale once again.
Cameron Brink, F, Los Angeles Sparks
Cameron Brink is one of the most intriguing young frontcourt options in the league and is capable of racking up blocks in bunches, which is especially valuable for fantasy purposes. After serving exclusively as a starter across her 15 regular-season appearances as a rookie in 2024, Brink missed the second half of the season due to a torn ACL that also kept her off the court for the start of the 2025 campaign. The Sparks exercised caution with her upon her return, as she averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game across 19 regular-season outings, all of which came off the bench. The Sparks made several key acquisitions during the offseason, and head coach Lynne Roberts suggested ahead of the regular season that Brink could begin the year in a bench role, which could limit the 24-year-old's fantasy upside.
In conclusion, the 2026 WNBA season promises to be an exciting one, with players who could surprise and exceed expectations. While sleepers and breakouts offer potential value, busts should be avoided due to injury concerns and role risks. As fantasy managers, it's crucial to stay informed and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the league. Remember, in the world of fantasy sports, the unexpected can always happen, so be prepared to adjust your strategies and embrace the thrill of the game.
