MUNICH (Germany) - With two weeks of exciting EuroLeague Women action already in the rear view mirror, the starting gun has been fired on this season's race to be crowned MVP.
That means it's time to check out the stars who have started the campaign on fire, as well as other names waiting in the wings to make their move.
From those that have clicked into top gear in the First Round games, to those who have shone ever since the Qualifiers, here are the early frontrunners.
1. Merritt Hempe - Casademont Zaragoza
Center
Average Stats: 27.5 EFF; 27.5 PPG; 62.5 FG%; 7.5 RPG
It's been a super start for Casademont Zaragoza with wins against Basket Landes and Athinaikos Qualco and both paced by Hempe. The center has been unstoppable, shooting the ball brilliantly, going to work on the glass and showing that she's open to fulfilling an extended role this season as her team looks to book a Final Six return.
2. Lauren Betts - Fenerbahce Tarfin
Center
Average Stats: 19.0 EFF; 11.0 PPG; 71.4 FG%; 8.5 RPG; 2.0 APG
It's been a smart start for the EuroLeague Women first-timer. Helping the holders tip off their title defense with two big wins, a double-double rookie season is maybe not beyond Betts. She's finished nicely around the basket and shown that she is a matchup headaches for opponents. Is the center ready to be her team's standout star?
3. Kitija Laksa - Beretta Famila Schio
Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Average Stats: 22.0 EFF; 21.0 PPG; 73.7 FG%; 3.5 RPG
The anticipation and excitement over what this Schio group could achieve this season is growing after opening up with two wins. If the Italian side does challenge for silverware as some are anticipating, then the experienced Laksa will be at the heart of their challenge. Her shooting power makes her a momentum-shifter and game-winner.
4. Stephanie Mavunga - Emlak Konut
Forward
Average Stats: 26.8 EFF; 19.8 PPG; 10.5 RPG; 2.3 APG
Ever since she pulled on an Emlak Konut jersey, Mavunga has posted a succession of stellar do-it-all displays. Her sky-high performance efficiency valuation reflects her eye-catching contributions in almost every facet of the game. But will the forward be able to inspire the newcomers to a maiden Final Six place and stay in this MVP race?
5. Breanna Fraser - ZVVZ USK Praha
Forward
Average Stats: 23.0 EFF; 18.0 PPG; 84.2 FG%; 5.5 RPG; 2.0 APG
It's been a brilliant start for Fraser, with the forward barely missing across her first two games. That has handed her a spectacular shooting percentage of 84.2 and it has not just been her scoring that has impressed. She has also played well off the ball, crashed the glass and is building strong connections with the likes of Frieda Buhner.
6. Coline Franchelin - Flammes Carolo Basket
Guard
Average Stats: 24.0 EFF; 14.8 PPG; 9.0 APG; 2.3 SPG
The guard has been directing traffic for Flammes Carolo Basket in hugely impressive fashion. Her consistency in the Qualifiers and now the Regular Season has made her the driving force for the French club. Franchelin was particularly superb in the surprise win against Valencia, but can they truly sustain this excellent momentum?
7. Awak Kuier - Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring
Center
Average Stats: 12.5 EFF; 12.0 PPG; 4.5 RPG; 4.5 SPG
It's been a mixed bag for last year's Finalists with one win and one loss to date, but Kuier has been the constant factor across both games for Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring. The towering Finland star will likely grow even more in influence on both ends of the floor as the Istanbul giant look to start dominating more games in coming weeks.
8. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Tarfin
Forward
Average Stats: 16.5 EFF; 10.0 PPG; 64.3 FG%; 4.0 RPG; 3.5 APG; 2.5 SPG
No stranger to the MVP race having won it an unprecedented three times, Meesseman will be a leading contender again. It would be no surprise if she adds to her legacy and that of Fenerbahce Tarfin. Her own amazing standards might make it look like she has started modestly, but she's shooting 64 percent and contributing all over the floor.
9. Mariam Coulibaly - Beretta Famila Schio
Center
Average Stats: 20.5 EFF; 14.0 PPG; 7.5 RPG
The Mali center has picked up where she left off last season with Girona. A colossus throughout 2025-26, she is already making positive waves with Schio in the new campaign. Her strength and sky-high production at key times make her a true force. If the Italian club live up to their potential, Coulibaly could take them to historic success.
10. Zoe Wadoux - Kibirkstis-TOKS
Guard
Average Stats: 20.8 EFF; 16.3 PPG; 5.5 RPG; 4.5 APG
The team from Lithuanian are loving EuroLeague Women life right now. They have continued their top form from the Qualifiers into the Regular Season. Wadoux has emerged as the heart and soul of Kibirkstis-TOKS, with her vibrant and dynamic guard play. It's been headlined by deadly three-point shooting, but she offers a whole lot more.
DISCLAIMER: The MVP Race, compiled by a panel of experts, is entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. The ranking and all comments are purely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the view of FIBA.