2023 All-WNBA First Team Announced: MVP Finalists Highlight the Selections
The 2023 All-WNBA First Team has been announced, and it features the top three finishers in the 2023 WNBA MVP race. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas were unanimously named to the first team. They are joined by Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum and Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally. Here’s everything you need to know about the selections:
Your 2023 All-WNBA First Team ⬇@breannastewart@athomas_25@_ajawilson22@PHEEsespieces@satou_sabally #MoreThanGame pic.twitter.com/RbdVhpJXlt
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 15, 2023
Finals loaded with All-WNBA performers
The All-WNBA First Team selections highlight the concentration of talent in this year’s WNBA Finals. Five out of the ten players named to the first and second teams are currently competing in the finals. Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, who was not named to either team, is considered one of the most deserving players. The Aces are currently leading the series 2-0 and are aiming to become the first repeat champion since 2002.
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Positionless voting favors forwards on first team, and guards on second team
Although voters were instructed to select players without considering their positions, the voting results showed a clear split by position. The All-WNBA First Team consists entirely of forwards, while the All-WNBA Second Team is comprised of four guards: Jewell Loyd, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray, and Tiffany Mitchell. This year’s voting result contrasts with last year’s second team, which featured mostly forwards or centers.
Backstory
The players were selected based on votes, with each first-team vote worth five points and each second-team vote worth three points. Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Napheesa Collier earned their first All-WNBA First Team selections, with Sabally making her first appearance on either team. Breanna Stewart, on the other hand, secured her fifth All-WNBA First Team selection, while A’ja Wilson earned her third first-team appearance.
Required reading
(Photo: Michelle Farsi / Getty Images)
For more information and coverage of the 2023 WNBA season and the All-WNBA teams, be sure to check out The Athletic’s WNBA section.
Overall, the 2023 All-WNBA First Team selections reflect the exceptional performances of the top players in the league. With the WNBA Finals underway, fans can expect to witness the incredible talent and competitiveness of these outstanding athletes.