Shock Shift in WNBA MVP Race: Napheesa Collier Surges Ahead as Caitlin Clark Falls Behind
The WNBA MVP race has taken a dramatic and unexpected twist, and it has fans buzzing. While Caitlin Clark remains one of the league’s most electrifying stars—even while sidelined—her grip on the top of the MVP leaderboard has slipped. Rising in her place? Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier, who’s not just stepping into the spotlight—she’s owning it.
Just weeks ago, it seemed like Clark was destined to run away with the MVP trophy in her explosive rookie campaign. Her dazzling court vision, deep shooting range, and elite passing had fans and oddsmakers alike tagging her the early-season favorite. But after suffering a strained left quadriceps during a hard-fought May 24 matchup against the defending champion New York Liberty, Clark was benched and ruled out for approximately two weeks.
The injury not only dealt a blow to the Indiana Fever, who struggled in her absence, but it also shook up the MVP race. While Clark rehabbed, the rest of the league moved forward—and Napheesa Collier sprinted past her.
According to Polymarket, Collier is now the betting favorite for WNBA MVP with odds sitting at a commanding -160. Clark, meanwhile, has dropped to +400, as questions loom about her return and whether she can make up for lost time.
Collier’s rise hasn’t come out of nowhere. The 2023 MVP runner-up has opened the season like a woman on a mission, leading the unbeaten Minnesota Lynx to an 8-0 start and doing it with style and dominance. In their most recent blowout win over the Phoenix Mercury, Collier dropped 18 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and dished out five assists with one block for good measure.
On the season, she’s putting up jaw-dropping numbers: 25.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Even more impressive—she’s shooting a blistering 52.5% from the field. Simply put, she’s everywhere on the court, and she’s making the Lynx look unstoppable.
The debate has begun: Has Collier already locked up the MVP, or can Clark return and reclaim her throne? While the Fever finally managed their first win without Clark—a hard-fought 85-76 victory over the Washington Mystics—there’s no denying the team is missing their star’s playmaking and leadership.
With the season far from over, one thing is clear: this MVP race is officially wide open. Clark’s comeback will be one of the most anticipated storylines of the summer, while Collier continues to make a strong case that she’s not just this year’s best player—she’s one of the best we’ve seen in years.
So buckle up, WNBA fans. Whether it’s the return of a generational rookie or the rise of a seasoned star, the battle for MVP is heating up—and it’s going to be a wild ride.
