Can Olivia Miles Take A’ja Wilson’s MVP Award? + WNBA Midseason Awards | Chiney Today

The WNBA has reached the midway point, which means it’s time to hand out some hardware. Chiney Ogwumike is joined by ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph to reveal their 2026 WNBA midseason award winners, from Sixth Woman of the Year and Coach of the Year to Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and, of course, MVP. A’ja Wilson remains the standard, but Olivia Miles has quickly entered the MVP conversation while putting together a historic rookie season. Plus, Chiney and JayJo debate Jessica Shepard versus Marina Mabrey for Most Improved Player, Gabby Williams’ case for Defensive Player of the Year and Cheryl Reeve’s latest coaching masterclass in Minnesota. Then they have some ESPYs-inspired fun by selecting the season’s best game, best record-breaking performance, best drip, and most dedicated WNBA superfan. In this episode: Is A’ja Wilson trending toward her fifth MVP, or can Olivia Miles make history as a rookie? Olivia Miles takes Rookie of the Year and enters the MVP conversation. Jessica Shepard and Marina Mabrey battle for Most Improved Player. Gabby Williams leads the Defensive Player of the Year race. Cheryl Reeve continues making history with the Minnesota Lynx. Marina Mabrey’s 53-point masterpiece gets its flowers. Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Lauren Betts, and Ezi Magbegor battle for best drip. Leslie Jones, Jason Sudeikis, Latto, aka Big Mama, and Kevin Durant compete for WNBA superfan of the year. Chiney Today is your home for hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices