There’s a clear WNBA Sixth Player of the Year frontrunner
Janelle Salaün makes a big-time shot, or a big-time play, seemingly every game. The French sharpshooter has established herself as one of the league’s elite bucket-getters, and she’s also well on her way to securing the WNBA’s Sixth Player of the Year award. The 24-year-old comes off the bench for the Golden State Valkyries and […]
San Francisco, CA - August 4, 2026 - Janelle Salaün, the French sharpshooter for the Golden State Valkyries, is poised to be the clear frontrunner for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year award after displaying her consistent excellence on the court. As a 24-year-old who comes off the bench for the Valkyries, Salaün averages an impressive 13.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, making her the team's second-leading scorer.
Her efficiency from beyond the arc, shooting a league-best 40.5% from three-point range, has proven invaluable for a Valkyries squad that has struggled to score at times. In a recent game against the Toronto Tempo, Salaün put up a game-high 21 points in just 21 minutes of action, showcasing her ability to explode when needed. Salaün, who plays in 21 games for the Valkyries this season, has been a consistent presence on the bench, making her one of the most reliable contributors in the league.
While other bench players have also made significant impacts, Salaün's high usage rate and dominant performances set her apart as the top candidate for the Sixth Player of the Year award.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
