A'ja Wilson and Angel Reese headline the 2026 WNBA All-Defensive first team

The league's best defenders got their due on Thursday and two of the game's biggest stars sit at the top of the list.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese and Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson were named to the 2026 WNBA All-Defensive first team. Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin, Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams and Dream guard Rhyne Howard round out the five.

A first for Reese

Reese was already named Defensive Player of the Year this season. This is her first All-Defensive selection. She has led the league in rebounding in each of her first three seasons and pulled down 12.1 boards a game this year.

Wilson adds to a big year

Wilson recently won a record fifth MVP award. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year finished third in this year's voting behind Reese and Williams. She averaged 9.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals over 41 games.

The second team

Valkyries teammates Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes made the second team along with New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, Mystics standout Sonia Citron and Dream guard Jordin Canada. It is the seventh All-Defensive selection for Stewart.

Finals teams well represented

Six of the 10 players will be on the court in the WNBA Finals. Atlanta and Golden State each placed three players on the two teams. The best-of-seven series between the Dream and the Valkyries opens Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Central at Chase Center in San Francisco. Either way the league will crown a first-time champion.