The 2024 WNBA season has been defined, in large part, by the play of standout newcomers Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Clark, the first overall pick, and Reese, the seventh selection in this year's draft, have emerged as two of the league's brightest talents, rising up the rankings to capture All-Star appearances in their maiden years in the league.
In the process, they've captivated millions, climbing atop the shoulders of WNBA legends past to push the league to new heights.
For rookies, there's one recognition that stands above all else, however. The Rookie of the Year Award reigns supreme among the league's newbies. At present, Clark and Reese are the frontrunners for the prize.
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Most trophies represent something of a zero-sum game in the sport. Rookie of the Year has tended to be a similar case, with 26 victors in 26 seasons. That doesn't meant they can't share the prize, however.
Here's what you need about Rookie of the Year voting, which could prove quite consequential come the end of the season.
WNBA Rookie of the Year voting, explained
The honor of selecting the Rookie of the Year is handed to dozens of the league's leading sportswriters, with voters casting a vote for the first- (five points), second- (three points), and third-place (one point) finishers.
Whoever garners the highest point total, regardless of first-place votes, takes home the prize.
By and large, that prize has only belonged to one person. Last year's winner, Aliyah Boston, was a unanimous choice. In 2022, Dream standout Rhyne Howard captured 53-of-56 voting points.
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There have been some tight elections here and there. Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale fought tooth-and-nail for ROY honors in 2019, with Collier taking home the run-off after receiving 29 points to Ogunbowale's 15. In 2015, Seattle's Jewell Loyd just outlasted the Liberty's Kiah Stokes and Indiana's Natalie Achonwa. The final vote tally read as follows: 21 points to Loyd, 15 points to Stokes, and two points to Achonwa.
Although not the norm in W history, a tie seems possible, at least at first glance. Given that voters are expected to name three players to their ballots, point totals could get skewed, with some choosing Clark as their first-place selection and Reese as their second-place choice and others flipping the pairing's order. Rickea Jackson, Aaliyah Edwards, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso could all garner down-ballot votes, as well, adding to the mystery regarding ROY voting point totals.
It's unclear whether, in the case of a tie in points gained, a vote for Rookie of the Year would then be determined by first-place votes. For what it's worth, last year's MVP vote resulted in Breanna Stewart winning the title of league's best player despite Alyssa Thomas receiving more first-place votes.
In all likelihood, one of Clark and Reese will receive more voting points than the other. Given how close the race for the rookie prize is expected to be, however, that could spawn countless discourse about the voting process — especially if the player who receives more first-place votes doesn't actually win the award.
Let the games begin...
