WNBA 2025: Will Napheesa Collier Win Defensive Player of the Year?
WNBA 2025: Will Napheesa Collier Win Defensive Player of the Year?
Top defenders in the WNBA will hope to add the Defensive Player of the Year award to their trophy cabinets this year.
While the league isn’t short of exceptional defensive players, only one will take home the accolade at the WNBA Awards 2025.
A panel of US sportswriters and broadcasters will vote for the winner, making first, second, and third selections, and the player with the most points will receive the award this year.
Napheesa Collier’s performance for the Minnesota Lynx during the 2025 regular season may have placed her in a strong position for the honor.
Keep reading to learn if the 28-year-old power forward is likely to win Defensive Player of the Year.
LEADERBOARD
2025 WNBA Awards - Defensive Player of the Year Winner
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner A'ja Wilson | 38.17% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Napheesa Collier | 23.09% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Breanna Stewart | 5.88% |
The trajectory of the odds for this BEO bet indicates it is most probable that A’ja Wilson will win Defensive Player of the Year at the 2025 WNBA Awards ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Napheesa Collier is a Top Candidate
Napheesa Collier is arguably one of the most versatile defensive players in the WNBA, as she’s well-regarded for her ability to guard in various positions at the Minnesota Lynx.
Following a phenomenal 2024, she earned multiple awards for her performance, including Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career.
However, the recognition hasn’t altered her focus, as she continues to play at an elite level.
As of August 2025, Collier is averaging 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks during the 2025 season. As a result, she has ranked second on the leaderboard for steals and seventh for blocked shots.
Her solid performances have resulted in the Minnesota Lynx ranking second for defense and fewest points allowed during the 2025 regular season.
If the team finishes strong, Napheesa Collier could earn Defensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive year, and she may even be named the WNBA’s MVP.
A’ja Wilson is the Frontrunner
It could prove a tough award category this year, as Napheesa Collier and A’ja Wilson are both enjoying spectacular seasons.
Yet, Wilson might have the edge for the honor, as she is leading the WNBA by averaging 2.3 blocks.
Also, she’s one of the best rebounders in the sport, as she’s averaging 9.1 rebounds per game, placing her second in the league. Also, she’s hot on Collier’s heels for steals, as she’s averaging 1.7 per game for the Las Vegas Aces this season.
Due to her exceptional performance this season, BEO betting odds indicate A’ja Wilson is a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year for the WNBA 2025 regular season.
It wouldn’t be the first time Wilson has accepted the honor, either, as she was the proud recipient of the award in 2022 and 2023, and is likely eager to add a third accolade to her trophy cabinet.
Breanna Stewart Could Win
Breanna Stewart is another top defender in the WNBA who shouldn’t be overlooked for Defensive Player of the Year.
After all, she is a six-time All-Defensive honoree, which is a testament to her elite skills on the court.
The 30-year-old power forward has played a key role in the New York Liberty’s defense this season, as she knows how to shut down the perimeter, deflect, block, and protect the rim.
Her performance during the 2025 regular season suggests she is a serious threat for the accolade, as she is averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals each game.
