First time WNBA defensive player of the year award shared between two players

In the United States, Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces were recently honored as co-recipients of the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The announcement came on September 18, 2025, marking a significant moment in league history, as it's the first occurrence since the award's inception in 1997 that it has been awarded to more than one player in the same season. Both players demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess throughout the season, contributing significantly to their respective teams' success. Smith had an impressive season with the Lynx, leading her team to hold opponents to a mere 76.7 points per game while recording 135 combined steals and blocks. She was also recognized for her defensive abilities with a total of 80 blocks, setting a franchise record for the Lynx. Her contributions helped her team secure the top seed in the playoffs, showcasing her vital role in the team's defense. Smith’s performance also included an average of 1.9 blocks per game, illustrating her importance as a shot-blocker in the WNBA. On the other hand, A'ja Wilson continued to assert her dominance on defense, having already won this accolade in both 2022 and 2023. Her defensive statistics included leading the league with an average of 2.3 blocks per game and contributing 7.9 defensive rebounds per game. Wilson's defensive impact was felt across the league, making her a vital asset for the Aces, who finished as the second seed in the playoffs. This recognition of dual winners reflects the increasing competitiveness and skill within the WNBA. The voting process for this award involved 72 media members, and both Smith and Wilson received the same number of votes—29 each—demonstrating the strong consensus on their deserving recognition for their outstanding defensive contributions this season. Remarkably, the Minnesota Lynx became the first team in WNBA history to have different players win this award in consecutive seasons, following Napheesa Collier's victory in 2024. As the Lynx move forward into the playoffs, the defensive strengths of both Smith and Wilson will undoubtedly be critically examined, especially as they contend for the league MVP award together, alongside Collier. This new shared accolade is set against a backdrop of a league that has grown increasingly competitive, reflecting the ongoing evolution of women's basketball and its players' skills.