Too-Early 2025 WNBA Award Predictions » Winsidr

With the 2025 WNBA regular season just hours away, it’s time to do what every hoops fan secretly loves—make bold predictions way too early! Yes, much can change between now and the awards ceremony and this is more guesswork than science. But that’s part of the fun, right? From MVP contenders to rising stars, we’re looking lightheartedly at who might walk away with some shiny trophies when the season wraps up. I select a conventional choice, someone most likely to win, a runner-up, someone who should be in the conversation all season, and a dark horse, someone who may come out of nowhere and surprise. I might even include an honorable mention or two. Let the guessing games begin!

Rookie of the Year 

Conventional Choice — Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

It’s hard not to go with the top overall pick, right? While the WNBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) doesn’t always go to the No. 1 overall pick, Paige Bueckers isn’t your typical top selection—she’s a generational talent who makes the award feel like her natural next step. With high-end court vision, silky scoring ability, and a charisma that’s already built her a national following, Bueckers enters the league as polished as rookies come. The transition from college to the pros can be bumpy, but Bueckers has the kind of game and poise that should translate quickly. If she stays healthy and steady, she’s just as likely to claim ROY as she was to be the first name off the draft board.

Runner-Up — Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm

I promise I’m not going 1-2-3 here, although Sonia Citron has a strong case too. Dominique Malonga might not have been the first name called on draft night, but don’t be surprised if she ends the season with the Rookie of the Year trophy. Landing on a roster with veterans like Skylar Diggins feeding her the ball and Nneka Ogwumike drawing heavy defensive focus, she’s in a dream situation for a young big. With Nika Mühl and Jordan Horston sidelined for the year, there’s suddenly a lot more room—and responsibility—for Malonga to shine. The opportunity is there, and if she grabs it, this rookie race could get exciting.

Dark Horse — Hailey Van Lith, Chicago Sky

Hailey Van Lith might be a long shot for Rookie of the Year, but let’s entertain the possibility—because the situation she’s stepping into is intriguing. She joins a team with a wide-open backcourt, a strong pick-and-roll system, and a pair of quality bigs to work with, giving her every chance to carve out real minutes. Add in a coach who comes from a system where unconventional guards were often handed the keys to facilitate, and it’s clear Van Lith should get plenty of runway to prove herself. If her game translates better than expected, the volume and opportunity could push her into the Rookie of the Year conversation—even if that still feels like a big “if.”

Coach of the Year

Conventional Choice — Stephanie White, Indiana Fever

Stephanie White enters the 2025 season in a new role, but in a city she knows well, and the stars may be aligning for a Coach of the Year campaign. With one of the league’s most talented and potentially deepest rosters at her disposal, including the arrival of Caitlin Clark, expectations are sky high in Indiana, a franchise and fanbase hungry for a return to relevance. White is widely respected as one of the sharpest Xs and Os minds in the league, and her focus on improving defensive discipline and crisp offensive movement could be exactly what this group needs to leap. If the Fever rise to the occasion and deliver on their promise, White could find herself holding more than just a clipboard by season’s end.

Runner-Up — Sandy Brondello, New York Liberty

Sandy Brondello may not be the flashiest pick for Coach of the Year, but she’s absolutely in the mix—especially if she keeps the Liberty near the top of the standings despite some real adversity. Losing Kayla Thornton to the expansion draft and then Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a tough knee injury is a major blow to New York’s depth and defensive versatility. Add in the challenge of integrating a key new piece like Natasha Cloud, and Brondello’s coaching chops will be tested early and often. But if she can keep this group steady, cohesive, and climbing toward a top-2 or 3 finish in a loaded top end of the league, voters may well reward the work behind the wins.

Dark Horse — Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky

Yeah, yeah, I know what this Chicago Sky team is and how far they are from true contention. And, I still think they have a couple of dark horse candidates, including Marsh for COY. As a first-year head coach coming off a stint under Becky Hammon’s guidance, Marsh brings both a strong pedigree and plenty of motivation to prove he’s ready to lead. With an exciting blend of new talent, a pivotal second season from Angel Reese, and a roster eager for structure and direction, he’s stepping into a situation with both challenges and upside. Even if Chicago falls short of a playoff berth, a significant leap from their 2024 finish could turn heads—and if they start trending upward under Marsh’s watch, he might just be this season’s biggest coaching surprise.

Most Improved Player

Conventional Choice — Kayla Thornton, Golden State Valkyries

Kayla Thornton has long been one of the league’s most dependable glue players—tough, versatile, and quietly essential—but 2025 could be the year she finally steps out of the shadows and into a starring role. Now with an expansion team, she has a real opportunity to not just match, but exceed her career averages of 7.0 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and 41.1 percent shooting in what should be increased minutes and responsibilities. Thornton has averaged 23.5 minutes per game across her career, largely in supporting roles, but this season she may see the floor more than ever, all while serving as a veteran leader for a young and inexperienced squad still finding its identity. If the minutes and usage come, as they should, don’t be surprised if she emerges as a serious Most Improved Player (MIP) candidate, finally getting the chance to spread her wings and show the full range of her game.

Runner-Up — Dana Evans, Las Vegas Aces

Dana Evans fits the mold of a classic change-of-scenery breakout candidate—and Las Vegas might be exactly the right place for her to finally flourish. After several seasons in Chicago where she never quite got the consistent role or support to truly break out, compounded by frequent coaching turnover, Evans now joins one of the most stable and well-coached organizations in the league. Even with the Aces losing two top assistants, including one to Evan’s former team in Chicago, the team’s core system and leadership under Becky Hammon remains rock solid. With no clear backup point guard behind Chelsea Gray, who missed time to injury last season and may miss stretches this season, Evans is poised to step in as a key contributor off the bench. With her quickness, shooting, and ability to provide instant offense, she could thrive in this new role and put herself squarely in the Most Improved Player conversation.

Dark Horse — Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics

Look, I’m not a fan of the fact that this award typically goes to the “player returning from injury” motif. It’s why Cameron Brink isn’t on this list, not to mention she may miss the first third or so of the season. But it is hard to overlook what Austin could do this season if she could just stay healthy. 

She did miss the first preseason game of the season due to a leg injury that may have been precautionary, but let’s not overlook the point. Austin has all the tools to be a force in the WNBA, especially on a Washington team that, let’s be honest, has struggled to find consistent success in recent seasons. Austin has the versatility to dominate on both ends of the floor, with the ability to crash the boards and protect the rim. As one of the few bright spots on a rebuilding team, she’ll likely be asked to carry a heavier load, which could be exactly what she needs to unlock her full potential. With the right development and some much-needed health, she has the chance to shine as a leader for the Mystics and potentially turn in a breakout season that has her in the mix for Most Improved.

Sixth Playerof the Year

Conventional Choice — Dana Evans, Aces

For all the reasons she could be MIP, Evans could easily be 6WOY. Evans has all the makings of a Sixth Playerof the Year candidate because Las Vegas might be the perfect place for her to thrive in that role. Evans now joins the Aces, one of the most stable and successful teams in the league. With Chelsea Gray potentially missing games, Evans could easily slide into a key reserve role, offering scoring, playmaking, and spacing off the bench. Her ability to provide instant offense and bring a spark to the team in her minutes could be exactly what they need. And given that an Aces player has won Sixth Playerof the Year in five of the past six seasons, according to Across the Timeline, Evans is in great company—if she seizes the opportunity, she could be the next in line to claim the award.

Runner-Up — Marine Johannès, New York Liberty 

With Leonie Fiebich likely stepping into the starting lineup due to Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s injury, Johannès is poised to take on her integral role off the bench for the New York Liberty, a team expected to lead the league in three-point attempts per game. Johannès’ shooting and experience make her an ideal fit in New York’s pace-and-space system, where she can stretch defenses, rebound, and defend multiple positions without disrupting offensive rhythm. Her ability to provide efficient, low-turnover minutes in a high-tempo, five-out offense makes her a high-impact reserve on a championship-contending team—a profile that aligns perfectly with past Sixth Player of the Year winners and strengthens her case as one of the top contenders for the award in 2025.

Dark Horse — Lexie Hull, Fever

Lexie Hull may not be a traditional Sixth Playerof the Year candidate. While there’s a chance she could start, Hull’s history of thriving off the bench, combined with a wealth of talent ahead of her, could see her become one of White’s first reserves into games. Hull has had a bit of a bumpy road early in her career, but through sheer toughness, defensive tenacity, and her ability to space the floor, she’s earned a consistent spot on a competitive team. Her defensive grit and versatility make her an invaluable asset off the bench, and if she continues to contribute in those areas, while also providing scoring and energy, she could be in line for Sixth Playerrecognition by the end of the season.

Defensive Player of the Year

Conventional Choice — Napheesa Collier, Lynx

Napheesa Collier is a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), and the numbers—and eye test—back it up. According to WNBA.com, she posted the best defensive win shares per game last season, a stat that reflects just how impactful she is on that end of the floor. Collier is the engine of Minnesota’s defense, anchoring everything Reeve designs with her length, awareness, and ability to guard multiple positions. Whether she’s switching on the perimeter, protecting the rim, or cleaning the glass, her presence is felt everywhere. If the Lynx continue to build around their defensive identity, it’s only fitting that their most indispensable defender could finally take home the league’s top individual defensive honor.

Runner-Up — A’ja Wilson, Aces

A’ja Wilson enters every season as a perennial Defensive Player of the Year favorite—and for good reason. She’s not just the best player in the league; she’s the most complete, anchoring Las Vegas on both ends of the floor with unmatched consistency and intensity. Her timing as a shot-blocker, ability to switch onto guards, and elite defensive positioning make her a nightmare for opponents and a dream for any coach. Even on a team loaded with stars, it’s Wilson who sets the tone defensively, and her presence alone elevates the Aces’ identity. With multiple DPOY trophies already on her shelf, don’t be surprised if she adds another—because there’s no sign of her slowing down.

Dark Horse — Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury

Alyssa Thomas may have a new home in Phoenix, but her defensive identity remains as immovable as ever. Known for her relentless motor and unshakable physicality, Thomas finished ninth in defensive win shares per game last season, per WNBA.com—a testament to her consistent impact on that end of the floor. On a team stacked with offensive talent but still searching for a defensive backbone, AT could be the one to set the tone. With less pressure to carry the offensive load, she might finally have the freedom to focus even more on orchestrating chaos defensively. Someone has to play defense in Phoenix, and no one does it quite like Thomas.

Most Valuable Player

Conventional Choice(s) — A’ja Wilson/Breanna Stewart, Aces/Liberty

At this point, penciling in either A’ja Wilson or Breanna Stewart as the MVP is as safe a preseason bet as you can make. They’re the two constants in the league’s highest tier of talent—dominant, dependable, and always central to team success. Whether it’s Wilson anchoring both ends of the floor for a championship-caliber Aces squad or Stewart continuing to put up eye-popping stat lines while leading New York, it often just comes down to which team finishes higher or which star manages to edge out the other by the slimmest of margins. Until proven otherwise, it feels like the MVP race runs through them.

Runner-Up — Napheesa Collier, Lynx

But if Minnesota can replicate or even build on its 2024 success, Napheesa Collier has to be part of the MVP conversation. She does everything for the Lynx—defends, scores, facilitates, leads—and she does it all at an elite level. Collier is one of the most well-rounded players in the league, and if the Lynx finish near the top of the standings again, it’ll be because she continues to elevate every part of their game. If voters are looking for a player who checks every box while carrying her team, Collier could finally get her MVP moment.

Dark Horse — Caitlin Clark, Fever

Then there’s Caitlin Clark, the league’s most high-profile rookie in years and a true dark horse MVP candidate. No, it’s not common—Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is the only player to win MVP in her second season—but if anyone in the modern WNBA could pull it off, it’s Clark. She’ll have the green light, the spotlight, and the opportunity to put up massive numbers. If she manages to lead Indiana to a major turnaround and lives up to the “generational talent” billing, it might just be enough to rewrite the MVP record books again.

All stats through the 2024 season. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Her Hoop Stats.