Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun was unanimously voted as the 2026 Sixth Player of the Year following a stellar second season in the WNBA, the league announced Sunday.
The 25-year-old Frenchwoman received all 74 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
Salaun was tops among reserves in scoring with 12.7 points per game. She came off the bench in all 40 of her games this season, establishing new WNBA single-season records for total points (509), made 3-pointers (93), and appearances with 10 or more points by a reserve (27). Salaun was also eighth in the league in made 3-pointers on 39.2% shooting from deep.
A WNBA All-Rookie Team selection in 2025, Salaun played a vital role in the Valkyries' surprise 32-12 record. Golden State finished one game behind the Minnesota Lynx in the standings in just its second season and advanced to the playoff semifinals courtesy of a first-round series win over the Dallas Wings.
