The 2024 season has come to a close, a champion has been crowned, and it’s time to shift our focus to the offseason.
There are still plenty of questions to be answered. The draft lottery is set for Nov. 17, and following the WNBA draft in April, an expansion draft will be held on Dec. 6 to welcome the Golden State Valkyries to the league for the 2025 season. Each existing WNBA team can protect up to six players who will not be eligible for drafting by Golden State.
The Los Angeles Sparks, one of the four teams that did not make the playoffs this season, have the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, sitting at 44.2%.
As we wait for these events to unfold, we will analyze potential moves for each WNBA franchise, examining the current state of each roster, team needs, and priorities for each front office.
Won WNBA championship
2024 record: 32-8 (1st)
Free agents: Breanna Stewart (unrestricted), Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Kennedy Burke (unrestricted), Ivan Dojkic (reserved), Jaylyn Sherrod (reserved)
2025 draft capital: No. 7 (via pick swap with Phoenix) and No. 38 (third round).
2024 recap: The New York Liberty’s goal all season was to erase the disappointment of the 2023 WNBA Finals and secure their first championship in franchise history, which they accomplished. The team credited improved chemistry and contributions from key players for their success. Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and others stepped up when needed, and the addition of a rookie like Leonie Fiebich played a vital role in their championship run.
State of the roster: With core players like Ionescu, Jones, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Fiebich locked in, the Liberty are focused on retaining Stewart, who has confirmed her intention to sign a new deal with New York for the upcoming season. While role players like Burke and Sabally also provide valuable depth, the team may explore options in free agency to enhance specific aspects of the roster.
Biggest priority: Adding another ball handler/shooter.
Biggest offseason question: How will the Liberty handle being the defending champions and maintain their success in the upcoming season?
Eliminated in WNBA Finals
2024 record: 30-10 (2nd)
Free agents: Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Natisha Hiedeman (unrestricted), Cecilia Zandalasini (reserved), Olivia Epoupa (reserved), Jessica Shepard (suspended-contract expired)
2025 draft capital: Standard picks
