Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün became the WNBA’s first unanimous Sixth Player of the Year in 2026 after moving to a reserve role from the starting spot she held as a rookie.
The 25-year-old French forward received all 74 votes. She also set single-season records for points and 3-pointers by a reserve. The award has been presented since 2007.
At a pregame presentation at Chase Center, Salaün was moved to tears as congratulatory videos from her family in France played. She later said the moment reflected the sacrifices of being away from home more than the trophy itself.
Valkyries assistant coach Sugar Rodgers, who won the award with the New York Liberty in 2017, described the honor as one that recognizes the personal ambition players put aside to succeed off the bench.
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