The Sixth Player of the Year Award, formerly called the Sixth Woman of the Year Award, is given each year to the WNBA’s top bench player. It was first handed out in 2007.
To win it, a player must come off the bench in more games than she starts during the regular season. A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes for the winner based on performance.
It’s one of the hardest awards in the WNBA to earn. Injuries, changes in the lineup, and playing time can all get in the way. Let’s take a look at the players who’ve managed to shine in this tricky role.
WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Winners
Below is a full list of winners from 2007 to 2024:
- 2024 – Tiffany Hayes (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2023 – Alysha Clark (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2022 – Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun)
- 2021 – Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2020 – Dearica Hamby (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2019 – Dearica Hamby (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2018 – Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Sun)
- 2017 – Sugar Rodgers (New York Liberty)
- 2016 – Jantel Lavender (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2015 – Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky)
- 2014 – Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky)
- 2013 – Riquna Williams (Tulsa Shock)
- 2012 – Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun)
- 2011 – DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury)
- 2010 – DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury)
- 2009 – DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury)
- 2008 – Candice Wiggins (Minnesota Lynx)
- 2007 – Plenette Pierson (Detroit Shock)
Our @WNBA Sixth Player of the Year 🙌
Congrats, @tiphayes3! pic.twitter.com/2N05pHn9Jw
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces)
Repeat Winners of the WNBA Sixth Player Award
Winning once is tough. Winning twice or more? That’s rare air. Here are the players who’ve done it:
- 3-time winners
- DeWanna Bonner – 2009, 2010, 2011
- 2-time winners
- Allie Quigley – 2014, 2015
- Dearica Hamby – 2019, 2020
WNBA Sixth Player Award – FAQs
Got questions? Let’s break it down.
What Is the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award?
It honors the league’s best reserve—someone who makes a big impact off the bench.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
The player must come off the bench in more games than she starts during the regular season.
How Is the Winner Selected?
A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes for the winner. First-place votes get 5 points, second gets 3, and third gets 1. The most points wins.
Has There Ever Been a Tie?
Nope—not as of the 2024 season.
Which Teams Have Had the Most Winners?
The Las Vegas Aces have dominated lately, winning five times from 2019–2024.
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That includes Dearica Hamby (2019, 2020), Kelsey Plum (2021), Alysha Clark (2023), and Tiffany Hayes (2024).
What Makes This Award Different From Others?
It’s the only award made just for bench players. It shows how important depth and versatility are to a team’s success.
