Olivia Miles, a guard for the Minnesota Lynx, has won the WNBA's 2026 Rookie of the Year award, according to The Straits Times, CNA and CBS Sports, all of which reported the vote was unanimous.
CBS Sports reported that Miles is also likely to receive First Team All-WNBA honors following her season with the Lynx.
Yahoo Sports reported that Miles, a former Notre Dame women's basketball star, now shares a rare accomplishment with NBA legend Larry Bird, though the outlet did not specify the nature of the shared feat.
USA Today, in an exclusive report, said the WNBA had expected Miles to perform well but that she instead became what the outlet described as a phenomenon.
How each side covered it
Left
- USA Today reported the WNBA expected Miles to perform well but that she exceeded expectations, becoming what it called a phenomenon.
- The report was framed as an exclusive.
“The WNBA thought Olivia Miles would be good. She became a phenomenon.” — USA Today
Center
- The Straits Times and CNA reported that Miles won the Rookie of the Year award in a unanimous vote.
- CBS Sports reported Miles is likely to also earn First Team All-WNBA honors after her season with the Lynx.
- Yahoo Sports reported Miles shares a rare accomplishment with NBA legend Larry Bird.
- Yahoo Sports noted Miles previously played women's basketball at Notre Dame.
“Lynx guard unanimously wins honor after historic season” — CBS Sports
Questions readers ask
Who won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award for 2026?
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles won the award, according to The Straits Times, CNA and CBS Sports.
Was the Rookie of the Year vote close?
No, The Straits Times, CNA and CBS Sports all reported that Miles won the award in a unanimous vote.
What other honors might Olivia Miles receive?
According to CBS Sports, Miles is likely to also receive First Team All-WNBA honors for her rookie season.
Where did Olivia Miles play college basketball?
Yahoo Sports reported that Miles played women's basketball at Notre Dame before joining the WNBA.
What connection does Olivia Miles have to Larry Bird?
According to Yahoo Sports, Miles shares a rare accomplishment with NBA legend Larry Bird, though the specific feat was not detailed in the report.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningLynx take two WNBA awards: Miles is Rookie of the Year, and Reeve is a five-time Coach of the Year
- USA TodayLeft-leaningThe WNBA thought Olivia Miles would be good. She became a phenomenon. | Exclusive
- CBS SportsCenterOlivia Miles named 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year: Lynx guard unanimously wins honor after historic season
- CNACenterLynx guard Miles wins WNBA Rookie of the Year award in unanimous vote
- NewsNationCenterLynx take two WNBA awards: Miles is Rookie of the Year, and Reeve is a five-time Coach of the Year
- The Straits TimesCenterLynx guard Miles wins WNBA Rookie of the Year award in unanimous vote
- Yahoo SportsCenterOlivia Miles shares rare accomplishment with NBA legend Larry Bird