The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be the most compelling. With blockbuster trades, high-profile free-agent moves, and a new expansion team entering the fold, every franchise has something to prove.
The league’s landscape has significantly shifted from title favorites to full-on rebuilds. As rosters lock in and preseason buzz builds, here’s a way-too-early power ranking of all 13 WNBA teams heading into the new season.
13. Golden State Valkyries
The league’s newest franchise faces the typical expansion challenges: a young, unproven roster, limited chemistry, and long odds to contend immediately. With time, Golden State could build something special, but 2025 will be about growth, development, and establishing a winning culture.
12. Connecticut Sun
After years as a playoff mainstay, Connecticut has pivoted to a rebuild, trading away stars and focusing on young talent like Jacy Sheldon, Leïla Lacan, and Aneesah Morrow. This season is about development and finding future cornerstones for a return to contention.
11. Washington Mystics
Washington is in the midst of a youth movement, with top picks Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen headlining the rebuild. If Shakira Austin stays healthy, the Mystics could outperform expectations, but growing pains are expected as the team finds its identity.
10. Chicago Sky
After strong rookie seasons from Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago added veteran Courtney Vandersloot and first-round pick Hailey Van Lith. The Sky has more depth than last year, but offensive spacing and consistent scoring remain question marks.
9. Dallas Wings
No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers joins Arike Ogunbowale to form an explosive backcourt. With NaLyssa Smith and Teaira McCowan up front, Dallas has a high ceiling, but youth and chemistry could lead to early growing pains before a potential late-season surge.
8. Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks have moved past their rebuild, acquiring Kelsey Plum and adding more veteran experience. If their young talent develops and Plum returns to form, Los Angeles could emerge as a dark horse playoff team.
7. Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury underwent a dramatic overhaul, bringing Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to Kahleah Copper. While the starting five is stacked with All-WNBA talent, depth is a concern, and it may take time for this group to gel into a playoff force.
6. Seattle Storm
Despite trading Jewell Loyd, the Storm still have vets Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike, as well as promising rookie Dominique Malonga. Ezi Magbegor anchors the defense, and if the new core meshes, Seattle could surprise many.
5. Atlanta Dream
Atlanta made arguably the biggest splash in free agency, landing Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to pair with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The Dream’s frontcourt is imposing, and if the backcourt stabilizes, Atlanta could push into the league’s top tier.
4. Las Vegas Aces
Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson leads a retooled Aces squad, now featuring Jewell Loyd after a blockbuster trade. While the core remains strong, losing some depth and the need to integrate new faces could make for a slightly slower start, but Las Vegas is still a threat to win it all.
3. Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark’s rookie campaign electrified the league. Now, with DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard joining Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana has the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run. The Fever’s ceiling depends on how quickly their new pieces gel, but the upside is immense.
Read More: Ranking The 20 Greatest Rivalries in Pro Sports History
2. Minnesota Lynx
Motivated by a heartbreaking Finals loss, the Lynx bring back Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier and key contributors Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. Continuity, coaching, and a chip on their shoulder make Minnesota a top contender.
Read More: 10 Cities the WNBA Should Expand To
1. New York Liberty
The defending champions start the season as the clear favorites. New York returns its core trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, and bolsters its backcourt by adding Natasha Cloud, one of the league’s best defenders and distributors. With elite shooting and depth, the Liberty are built to repeat.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best WNBA Players of All Time
