What to Chase in 2026 Panini Donruss WNBA

The 2026 WNBA trading card season is officially in full swing, and collectors are already hunting down the most coveted pulls in the new Panini Donruss WNBA set. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on this year’s release, hobby boxes are available to order now, or were, depending on when you click this. Blasters are dropping very soon, so be sure to set your alerts directly on Panini’s website right here.

The 2026 WNBA season exceeded the already high expectations of nearly everyone paying attention to the sport. Records were broken weekly, and the rookie class did not disappoint, with Olivia Miles in a league of her own. WNBA Donruss is usually the first official solo WNBA release of the year, followed by Prizm and Select. Until those are released, this is the best place to chase the top rookies and future Hall of Famers dominating the league ahead of the playoffs. Here is your ultimate guide on who and what to chase in 2026 Donruss WNBA.

The Top Rookie Chases: Rated Rookie Signatures

Every Donruss release is defined by its iconic Rated Rookies, and the 2026 autograph checklist gives collectors plenty of reasons to rip packs.

When you are opening boxes this year, Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx) is unequivocally the number one rookie chase. But the depth of this class means she is far from the only rookie carrying premium value. You will definitely want to keep an eye out for these other top-tier first-year players:

• Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)

• Flau’jae Johnson (Seattle Storm)

• Sydney Taylor (Chicago Sky)

• Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics)

Other notable names on the Rated Rookie Signatures checklist include Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Raven Johnson, and Cotie McMahon.

Young Talent & Proven Veterans

You aren’t just hunting rookies in 2026 Donruss. The base set and autograph checklists are loaded with “Young Talent”—sophomores and emerging stars who have quickly become the faces of the league. Pulling cards of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, or Sonia Citron is a massive win for any collector.

On the veteran side, the checklist honors the absolute best in the game. Chasing established superstars provides a rock-solid floor for your box breaks. Key vets to target include:

• A’ja Wilson

• Napheesa Collier

• Breanna Stewart

• Kelsey Mitchell

• Kelsey Plum

• Marina Mabrey

• Sophie Cunningham

• Gabby William

The Holy Grail: Downtown Inserts

When it comes to the big insert chases, the answer is unequivocally the Downtown set. It remains the most sought-after Short Print (SP) insert in the hobby, and the 2026 WNBA checklist delivers a perfect 15-card lineup blending rookies, current superstars, and absolute legends:

1. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

2. Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

3. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

4. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

5. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

6. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

7. Sue Bird, Seattle Storm

8. Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm

9. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces

10. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever

11. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

12. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

13. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

14. Lauren Betts, Washington Mystics

15. Gabriela Jaquez, Chicago Sky

Nostalgia Done Right: 1998 Pinnacle WNBA Arena Collection Retro

My second favorite insert this year behind the Downtowns has to be the SSP 1998 Pinnacle WNBA Arena Collection Retro.

This 15-card set is an incredible nod to the early days of WNBA trading cards. The checklist beautifully bridges the past and present, featuring legends of the game alongside today’s elite playmakers:

1. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

2. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty

3. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx

4. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

5. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

6. Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

7. Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever

8. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury

9. Rickea Jackson, Chicago Sky

10. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

11. Satou Sabally, New York Liberty

12. Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm

13. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

14. Hailey Van Lith, Connecticut Sun

15. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces

Whether you’re hunting for Olivia Miles’ Rated Rookie auto, chasing that elusive Caitlin Clark Downtown, or digging for retro 1998 Pinnacle nostalgia, 2026 Donruss WNBA is shaping up to be a massively fun rip!

Who are you chasing? Let us know on Mantel.