The 2026 NWSL season is reaching its climax as the league announced the finalists for its annual awards and opened the final round of fan voting. Among the top contenders for the Most Valuable Player award is Temwa Chawinga, who has secured her third consecutive MVP nomination following a standout season that propelled Kansas City to the semifinals.
The MVP shortlist features five players: Chawinga, Trinity Rodman of the Spirit, Ashley Sanchez representing the Courage, Sophia Wilson from the Thorns, and Janine Sonis of the Summit. While Chawinga aims to clinch her third straight MVP award, Sanchez, who secured the Golden Boot, and Rodman, a key performer in the quarterfinals, are strong challengers vying for the honor.
The NWSL’s selection process for these accolades incorporates votes from various stakeholders: players contribute 40%, owners and executives 25%, media 25%, and fans 10%. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced evaluation of each nominee’s impact throughout the regular season.
Additional Awards and Coaching Honors
Beyond the MVP race, the league is also finalizing its candidates for Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. On the coaching front, Juan Carlos Amorós of Gotham, Jimmy Coenraets of the Royals, and Jonas Eidevall from the Wave are competing for Coach of the Year honors.
The winners will be revealed during a live ceremony scheduled for November 18th at 6:30 PM ET. This event will precede the highly anticipated 2026 NWSL Final, which will be held in Washington, DC.
Fans eager to participate in the voting can cast their ballots online until 8 PM ET on Wednesday, November 11th, contributing their voices to the final decision of the league’s top performers.