Liberty reign in offseason full of coaching changes

With the 2024 WNBA season in the books, teams across the league are wasting no time reshaping their rosters and coaching staffs ahead of 2025. The New York Liberty enter the offseason as WNBA champions, but several huge changes elsewhere — including coaching moves and a new expansion team — could shake up the league’s hierarchy. Here’s how the 12 established teams stack up in our WNBA Power Rankings as the offseason begins, with the Golden State Valkyries preparing for their inaugural campaign.

1. New York Liberty

The Liberty, fresh off their first WNBA championship and a 32-8 season, stand atop the rankings. Behind 2023 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, who averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in the regular season (via ESPN Stats & Info), the Liberty dominated both ends of the floor. With a strong core returning, including 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty are poised to repeat their success.

2. Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx had a stellar 30-10 record and fought valiantly in the Finals. Napheesa Collier led the way with 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season, supported by Kayla McBride’s sharpshooting. With a solid roster and strong playoff experience, the Lynx are ready to contend again.

3. Indiana Fever

The Fever finished 2024 with a 20-20 record but made one of the boldest offseason moves by hiring Stephanie White, a former Fever player and coach, as head coach. White, who coached the Fever to the Finals in 2015, inherits a promising roster headlined by 2024 rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who led the league in assists (8.4 per game). The Fever are the team to watch.

4. Las Vegas Aces

The Aces, with a 27-13 record, had another strong year but fell short in the playoffs. A’ja Wilson, who averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds in the regular season, continues to anchor the team. She was also named the WNBA MVP for the third time. However, offseason adjustments and stability will be critical to their championship hopes.

5. Connecticut Sun

The Sun wrapped up 2024 with a 28-12 record and a semifinal appearance. Despite their on-court success, the search for a new head coach introduces uncertainty. Still, the team’s disciplined play and strong roster keep them competitive.

6. Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury posted a 19-21 record and reached the playoffs, but uncertainty looms over Diana Taurasi’s potential retirement. If Taurasi returns, she could help bolster a team that showed flashes of brilliance despite inconsistent play.