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The WNBA season will begin in mere weeks, a spectacular reality for fans who have patiently waited since the playoffs last year. This season is especially compelling: nearly every team made significant changes during free agency (truly a harbinger of things to come next year), signed exciting rookies, and the Golden State Valkyries will finally make their league debut.
There’s a lot to consider heading into the 2025 season… so let’s get into it.
Here’s one prediction for each team before the season begins:
Atlanta Dream will stand out
With all the free agency changes and swaps, the Dream just might prove to be one of the most compelling teams to watch this season. Brittney Griner is going to stand out for the team no matter what, and Karl Smesko knows how to run high-paced games that can wear an opponent out.
Chicago Sky will make space for Cardoso
The jury’s still out on what kind of season the Chicago Sky will have this year (expect the team to land somewhere in the middle of the pack when it’s all said and done), but there’s a strong possibility Kamilla Cardoso will have a banner season. While a lot of eyes will be on Angel Reese this year as opposing teams attempt to stop her offensive rebound roll, Cardoso can take advantage of the attention diversion and create her own shots.
Connecticut Sun will finish very near the bottom
The Sun lost the team’s entire starting roster during free agency and wasn’t able to make any big moves. In fact, the most we’ve heard about the team was during the Marina Mabrey trade debacle — and there still hasn’t even been an update on that. Expect the Sun to fall very near the bottom of the league, and if the team can’t improve things during free agency in 2026, that trend might continue.
Dallas Wings may not meet expectations
While the Wings are bound to have a better season than last year, the addition of Paige Bueckers might not be the dramatic shift that fans are hoping for. Having said that, there’s already been a dramatic increase in ticket sales and there’s no doubt the team will enjoy a lot of fan support this year.
Golden State Valkyries will better than you think
Everyone expects the Valkyries to tank, but the fall might not be as dramatic as some assume. The team has a clear interest in bringing over European players who have years of professional experience under their belts, and it’s possible those tanking expectations are being predicted by people who just aren’t familiar with most of the names on the roster. Sure, there will be an adjustment period, but the Valkyries will prove to be stronger than a lot of people are giving them credit for.
Indiana Fever will go far
This season is going to be a major one for the Fever. The team has made so many smart, dynamic decisions this offseason, beginning with bringing Stephanie White back into the fold and ending with drafting Makayla Timpson. The Fever has every piece needed to have a legendary, perhaps championship-worthy, 2025 season — it’s just up to them to pull it off.
Las Vegas Aces will be major contenders
People have started to count the Aces out for reasons that mystify, but don’t be surprised if Las Vegas is neck-and-neck with the Liberty all season long (and in the playoffs). The team made some big decisions during the draft (Aaliyah Nye and Harmoni Turner are perfect for their style of play) and have several truly elite players. In short, the Aces aren’t going anywhere.
Los Angeles Sparks are on the up and up
Anything is better than last year, and this year the Sparks have two major wins in their corner: Kelsey Plum signed with the team during free agency and Cameron Brink is expected to return from injury in June. The Sparks might not dominate this season but they will significantly improve.
Minnesota Lynx are coming for it all
The Lynx are probably entering the 2025 season as the hungriest team and they have the talent to back that ferociousness up. Expect Minnesota to come out of the gate swinging hard — and to be unrelenting for the rest of the season. The Lynx are about to give a masterclass in basketball.
New York Liberty are the champions until proven otherwise
It is very unwise to assume that the defending champions won’t return even mightier than the season before no matter what sport we’re talking about, but that’s especially true when it comes to the Liberty. Yes, the team has suffered a few injuries, but this is still one of the strongest groups in franchise history.
Phoenix Mercury will underperform
The Mercury has a promising roster but their chances of making playoffs this season aren’t as strong as that roster implies, especially if someone on the team gets hurt or they’re unable to find a flow that works.
Seattle Storm could surprise everyone
The Storm are one of the more interesting teams heading into the season simply because there’s really no telling what’s about to happen or how they will maximize Dominique Malonga. Expect the team to be carried by vets Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, but also expect some surprises.
Washington Mystics will struggle
It’s a tough reality, but this year isn’t likely to be a good one for the Mystics. The team is still finding a groove and it’s not necessarily likely that some players will stick around. The Mystics will win some, lose some, and likely spend a lot of this season focused on what can be improved next year.
