WNBA 2026 season preview: Team rankings, predictions, more

Throughout probably the most troublesome durations of collective bargaining negotiations from October to March, it appeared we’d not get right here. However on Friday, the WNBA will tip off its thirtieth season with three video games.

On Saturday, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will have a good time their 2025 title in a doubleheader on ABC as they host the Phoenix Mercury in a WNBA Finals rematch (3:30 p.m. ET). Earlier within the day, the Indiana Fever host the Dallas Wings (1 p.m. ET), a sport that options the previous 4 WNBA No. 1 draft picks: Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd of the Wings.

Which groups are anticipated to dominate this season? Can the Aces win a fourth WNBA title in 5 years? What sort of seasons ought to we count on from growth franchises Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire?

We have every part that you must learn about all 15 groups, together with ESPN’s preseason WNBA Energy Rankings. Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel break down every crew’s greatest power and concern, what we count on from rebuilt rosters and key additions, and what success seems to be like for each squad in 2026.

Soar to: ATL | CHI | CON | DAL |
GS | IND | LV | LA |
MIN | NY | PHO | POR |
SEA | TOR | WAS

How final season ended: A’ja Wilson was strolling across the Mortgage Matchup Heart in Phoenix rattling a pink tambourine after hoisting her third championship trophy and second WNBA Finals MVP award. The Aces have been the final crew standing after a 4-0 sweep of the Mercury to solidify this period of Vegas basketball as one of many all-time nice stretches the WNBA has ever seen.

Largest power: Elite expertise. Wilson is the one participant in league historical past with 4 MVPs and she or he’s simply 29 years outdated and firmly in her prime. Jackie Young is a four-time All-Star with two All-WNBA picks at 28 years outdated. Chelsea Gray is a six-time All-Star, four-time champion, 2022 Finals MVP and three-time All-WNBA. Jewell Loyd is a six-time All-Star, 2023 scoring champion and three-time All-WNBA. That foursome has seven Olympic gold medals amongst them.

Largest concern: Historical past? Solely the Houston Comets have received 4 championships in 5 years, they usually received the primary 4 titles in league historical past. The Lynx received 4 in seven years. That is pretty much as good because it will get in such a condensed time frame. The rest could be nitpicking. So, depth possibly? However Loyd got here off the bench down the stretch, and the presence of Dana Evans and Chennedy Carter ought to bolster the second unit. Depth within the publish, maybe? No matter you select, it could be nitpicking a loaded roster.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Historical past, once more. One other title places the Aces squarely within the dialogue for the most effective dynasty in WNBA historical past. Wilson is carving out an argument for the most effective particular person participant ever. Grey is already a probable Corridor of Famer, however may she be the most effective level guard the league has ever seen?

Quantity to look at: 35. The franchise file for single-season wins is 34 set in 2023, when the Aces received their second title, and second in a row. That is the mark for probably the most wins in a single season in league historical past, tied by the 2025 Minnesota Lynx. Coach Becky Hammon, Wilson and Grey, particularly, are college students of the league and know they’ve a novel alternative to carve out their place within the file books, together with probably the most wins in league historical past.

One (life like) daring prediction: Carter wins Sixth Girl of the Yr. Final time we noticed the 2020 No. 4 choose she was averaging 17.5 factors per sport for the Sky in 2024, and completed No. 4 in Most Improved voting. She was the Rookie of the Yr runner-up in 2020. If Loyd strikes again into the beginning lineup, Carter might be the No. 1 offensive possibility with the second unit. She has averaged fewer than 14.2 factors in simply certainly one of 4 WNBA seasons, however has additionally been out of the league twice.

What does a profitable season seem like? Something lower than a fourth championship is a disappointment. That is the place this franchise is: titles or bust. — Kareem Copeland

Largest fantasy query: Does Loyd have any actual fantasy ceiling on this offense?

The Aces completed fourth in offensive score final season, however Loyd’s fantasy ceiling seems to be capped in Las Vegas. After years as a main possibility in Seattle, she averaged simply 21.3 fantasy factors in 28.3 MPG in 2025, down from 35.7 fantasy factors in 33.7 MPG in 2024. With Wilson, Younger and Grey commanding utilization, Loyd’s upside is proscribed except accidents open alternatives. Regardless of her identify recognition, managers could be higher off drafting her within the later rounds. — Eric Moody

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How final season ended: Following a 9-0 begin, accidents plagued the Liberty, with their massive three of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones solely taking part in 234 minutes collectively within the common season. After beating the Mercury in Recreation 1 within the first spherical, New York dropped the subsequent two video games, together with Recreation 3 when Stewart scored all the crew’s 14 fourth-quarter factors on a sprained MCL. Stewart went to bat for coach Sandy Brondello within the postgame information convention, however the coach was let go 4 days later.

Largest power: Take your choose: expertise, depth, versatility, size and measurement. The Liberty have been already returning standout Leonie Fiebich earlier than re-signing their massive three to three-year offers, an enormous free company win. However additionally they upgraded their roster from there, headlined by the acquisition of Satou Sabally in one of many greatest strikes of the offseason. To not be forgotten, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is wholesome once more after being sidelined for the whole 2025 season with damage, whereas Marine Johannes, Rebecca Allen and Han Xu are additionally again within the fold. The Aces high our preseason Energy Rankings, however the Liberty may need the very best ceiling of any group within the league.

Largest concern: New coach Chris DeMarco involves Brooklyn with loads of championship pedigree after serving to the Golden State Warriors win 4 NBA titles. However as with every management change, the primary yr could be certainly one of transition and acclimation. How does DeMarco fare in Yr 1 and the way efficient is the brand new offense he is introducing? The system is meant to be predicated on simplicity and readability. Does it assist New York rediscover its offensive groove after struggling on that finish of the ground final yr?

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: The Sabally addition. She suits into the Liberty’s MO of accumulating versatile plsyers that give them tons of choices and create mismatch issues. For a crew that already has a longtime massive three and is not completely missing in depth, what position does Sabally carve out?

Quantity to look at: The typical peak of the Liberty starters, or, actually, their lineups at any given time. They’ve already debuted a lineup that includes the 6-foot Laney-Hamilton, 6-4 Stewart, 6-6 Jones and the 6-11 Xu. And so they can nonetheless throw in Fiebich and Sabally, each of whom are 6-4.

One (life like) daring prediction: Stewart picks up the place she left off at Unmatched and, lastly wholesome after her 2025 marketing campaign, has an MVP-level season for the Liberty.

What does a profitable season seem like? The Liberty have seemed to mood expectations for the start of the summer season as gamers get integrated into the fold and because the crew acclimates to DeMarco’s system. However the long-term expectation in New York stays what it has been since 2023: profitable WNBA championships. — Alexa Philippou

Largest fantasy query: Can one crew assist 4 fantasy superstars?

The Liberty have been led by three megastars for the previous three seasons, after former MVPs Stewart and Jones joined Ionescu to kind a championship core. However this offseason they have been joined by Sabally, who ranked No. 17 in fantasy factors per sport final season. Stewart (seventh), Ionescu (eighth) and Jones (nineteenth) have been additionally within the high 20. Can one Liberty crew assist 4 top-20 fantasy producers? — Andre Snellings

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How final season ended: After a franchise-record 30 wins within the common season and a tie for second place, the No. 3 seed Dream fell 2-1 to No. 6 seed Indiana within the first spherical of the playoffs. Guard Allisha Gray had the most effective of her 9 WNBA seasons with career-high averages of 18.4 factors, 5.3 rebounds and three.5 assists.

Largest power: The Dream excel at not losing possessions. They averaged the fewest turnovers within the league final season (11.2) and ranked third in offensive rebounds per sport (8.9). They’ve saved and added personnel who will assist keep these stats.

Largest concern: How lengthy will ahead Brionna Jones be out? She was the one Dream participant to begin each regular-season and playoff sport final yr. Jones, Grey, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada are the returning starters, however the Dream introduced on April 20 that Jones could be out indefinitely after having knee surgical procedure. Jones averaged 12.8 PPG and seven.3 RPG final season.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: How a lot Angel Reese impacts the Dream. Atlanta led the WNBA in rebounding final season (36.6 RPG). The Dream misplaced middle Brittney Griner in free company however traded so as to add Reese, the league’s high particular person rebounder from the previous two seasons: 12.6 RPG in 2025 and 13.1 RPG in 2024. She additionally has averaged 14.1 PPG over the 2 seasons, and something near that might be enormous for the Dream.

Quantity to look at: The Dream’s 3-point share. Final season, they tied for second in 3-pointers per sport (9.6) and have been second in 3s tried per sport (28.4). However they have been tied for seventh in capturing share from behind the arc (33.7). That was nonetheless adequate to assist Atlanta common 84.4 PPG, tied for fourth. However slightly increased capturing share may assist the Dream be much more troublesome to beat.

One (life like) daring prediction: Howard, who has shot 33.6% from behind the arc over her 4 seasons within the WNBA, may have her greatest 3-point share this season. She led the Dream with 102 treys final yr however shot simply 32.2% from lengthy vary.

What does a profitable season seem like? The Dream have the expertise to make a run on the WNBA Finals. However it could be successful to make it to the semifinals, which Atlanta has not completed since 2018, when the Dream misplaced 3-2 to Washington. — Michael Voepel

Largest fantasy query: Do Grey, Howard and Reese improve or restrict one another’s fantasy values?

Final season, Reese posted the fifth-highest fantasy scoring common whereas Howard (sixth) and Grey (twelfth) have been additionally among the many greatest within the league. With Reese becoming a member of the Dream this season, will all three stay among the many high fantasy producers within the league? It’s doable they might even improve one another’s worth, with Reese because the dominant rebounder who can rating inside and make area for Grey and Howard to create. However there is just one ball, so match can be key in figuring out their upside. — Snellings

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How final season ended: Devastated by damage, the Fever nonetheless pushed the eventual champion Aces to additional time of Recreation 5 within the WNBA semifinals. They may have superior to the Finals if first-team All-WNBA guard Kelsey Mitchell hadn’t left the sport late with numbness in her legs. Indiana was the league’s feel-good story because it saved profitable whereas Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham and others have been lost to injuries.

Largest power: The backcourt. The mixture of Mitchell and Clark is as proficient a guard tandem as there’s within the league. Each have been All-Stars final season, and that is regardless of Clark taking part in simply 13 video games. Mitchell completed No. 5 in MVP voting in 2025 and posted a career-high 20.2 factors per sport. Clark was No. 4 within the 2024 MVP voting as a rookie as she set the single-season league file for assists and completed with the second-most 3-point area objectives in a single season. The Aces’ Grey and Younger are actually the one duo who might be ranked increased coming into 2026.

Largest concern: Protection. The Fever ranked No. 8 in factors allowed per sport (81.5) final season and No. 9 in opponent’s area purpose share (44.9). As dynamic as that backcourt is offensively, Clark and Mitchell should not thought of top-notch defenders. Aliyah Boston was an all-league defender in 2025 and Cunningham is an annoying presence on the defensive finish. The additions of Raven Johnson, Monique Billings and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough ought to assistance on that finish of the court docket.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Is not it all the time Clark? How will extra time taking part in off the ball work out? Had been all the 2025 accidents a fluke? Her capturing percentages dropped final season, although in only a 13-game pattern. Will these climb again to her rookie averages or did the league work out a approach to make her much less efficient? Prefer it or not, Clark dominates headlines and she or he’ll stay one of the talked about gamers within the league in 2026.

Quantity to look at: Three, as in jersey No. 3. That is rookie level guard Raven Johnson. The South Carolina product has a championship pedigree and has been coaching like a professional beneath Daybreak Staley her whole collegiate profession. If she will be able to proceed to be a plus-defender with power off the bench whereas being a reliable ball handler, the No. 10 draft choose might be the complement backup level guard to Clark that the Fever want.

One (life like) daring prediction: Boston emerges because the MVP contender forward of Clark and Mitchell. Final season, she was tied for sixth in MVP voting, made her first All-Defensive crew, first All-WNBA crew and earned a 3rd consecutive All-Star look. There’s going to be a ton of consideration on these two guards and Boston needs to be the beneficiary. The 2023 No. 1 choose has by no means averaged fewer than 8.2 rebounds per sport. Averaging a double-double is feasible.

What does a profitable season seem like? A championship. That is the bottom-line purpose for the Fever. A deep playoff run could be good and all, however this crew is constructed to win now. — Copeland

Largest fantasy query: How do Boston’s and Mitchell’s fantasy values change with the return of Clark?

Clark was fourth within the WNBA in fantasy scoring common final season however performed in solely 13 video games. In her absence, Boston and Mitchell each averaged profession highs in scoring. Boston additionally set a profession excessive in assists per sport, whereas Mitchell had the second-best help common of her profession. Clark is a high-usage creator, for herself and her teammates. Will her presence suppress the manufacturing of her teammates? — Snellings

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How final season ended: The Sparks missed the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, ending with the fourth-worst file within the WNBA. Los Angeles confirmed some enchancment from the earlier season, when the Sparks had the worst file within the league, however they headed into the offseason needing to deal with lots of areas. Kelsey Plum was one constructive in 2025. In her first season in L.A., she averaged 19.5 factors, 5.7 assists and three.1 rebounds whereas taking part in a career-high 35.1 minutes per sport.

Largest power: The roster is stuffed with versatile gamers. Nneka Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby, Ariel Atkins and Rae Burrell can play a number of roles at their positions. Ta’Niya Latson, the No. 20 choose in final month’s draft, additionally gives a flexible offensive repertoire, making her maybe one of many steals of the draft.

Largest concern: Protection. Final season, the Sparks completed with the third-worst defensive score within the league, giving 108.6 factors per 100 possessions, and allowed the second-most second-chance factors (11.7). Buying Ogwumike and Atkins ought to assist, notably due to Atkins’ perimeter protection, however the Sparks want to enhance their crew protection in the event that they wish to have extra success.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: What does Ogwumike convey to the crew? She spent the primary 12 years of her profession with the Sparks, and after two seasons in Seattle, she is not returning to Los Angeles to kick-start a farewell tour. She is supposed to be a key contributor and a sport changer for the Sparks. Final yr, she averaged 18.3 factors and seven.5 rebounds, made the All-Star crew and was second-team All-WNBA. The Sparks hope to see that model of Owgumike as she returns to the place she received her MVP.

Quantity to look at: What number of video games will Cameron Brink play? The No. 2 choose within the 2024 draft, Brink performed simply 15 video games after struggling a season-ending ACL tear in June 2024. She returned in July 2025 and performed in 15 video games final season. Now in her third yr within the league, the Sparks hope she will be able to keep wholesome and contribute on the degree the Sparks envisioned once they drafted her. Final season, she averaged 5.1 factors and 4.3 rebounds. Coach Lynne Roberts has mentioned Brink will come off the bench behind Hamby and Ogwumike, giving the Sparks lots of frontcourt depth.

One (life like) daring prediction: Plum can be a top-three finalist for MVP. Final season, her first season with the Sparks, she confirmed she could be an efficient lead scorer. This yr, her position would possibly look slightly completely different subsequent to Atkins, however Roberts has mentioned she needs Plum to be a standard level guard whereas sustaining her aggressive scoring. If Plum can strike that steadiness, she could be within the operating for MVP.

What does a profitable season seem like? The Sparks should make it again into the playoffs, which might mark their first postseason look since 2020. Los Angeles appeared to finish its rebuild, delivery a few of its youthful gamers, equivalent to Rickea Jackson, in alternate for extremely skilled and veteran expertise. All of these strikes counsel that the Sparks are in win-now mode. — Kendra Andrews

Largest fantasy query: Can Hamby repeat final yr’s statistical manufacturing with extra expertise round her within the frontcourt?

Hamby averaged a formidable 34.0 fantasy factors final season and has completed as a top-10 possibility in back-to-back seasons. However including Ogwumike, who has posted a 21.0% utilization fee or increased in every of the previous two seasons with the Storm, and Brink, projected to common 8.6 factors, 7.2 rebounds and a pair of.6 blocks, may have an effect on Hamby’s manufacturing. Hamby’s effectivity (57.2% capturing from the sphere) and all-around play ought to preserve her extremely productive, however managers drafting her in Spherical 2 ought to pay attention to the scenario. — Moody

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How final season ended: Drafting Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 choose highlighted the season. She dazzled in her first yr within the WNBA, however except for the play of their rookies, not a ton else went proper for the Wings. They completed 10-34, tied for final within the standings, and fired coach Chris Koclanes after only one season, changing him with longtime USF coach Jose Fernandez. With the most effective odds at touchdown the No. 1 choice this yr, they received the draft lottery and chosen Azzi Fudd with the highest choose in April.

Largest power: The Wings’ frontcourt rebuild. Basic supervisor Curt Miller mentioned he had an inventory of names he checked out each evening earlier than going to mattress and that he advised himself if they might get certainly one of these publish gamers, they’d be trending in the best course. As a substitute, they obtained two: Alanna Smith (three-year deal) and Jessica Shepard (two-year deal), versatile gamers who robotically remodel the roster. Awak Kuier and Li Yueru are additionally again within the fold, giving Dallas much more measurement down low.

Largest concern: The frontcourt protection needs to be stout, however the perimeter protection would possibly want some work. Fernandez admitted that is the “massive concern” for the Bueckers/Ogunbowale/Fudd lineup, which may notably come into play towards elite backcourts.

And maybe not a concern however one thing to watch: Arike Ogunbowale had a career-worst yr in 2025, a lot in order that it led to hypothesis about whether or not she may match within the backcourt alongside Bueckers and whether or not she would return to Dallas. The Wings in the end cored her and signed her to a two-year deal. How Ogunbowale continues to evolve her sport, particularly now taking part in alongside much more expertise, can be of nice curiosity.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: All eyes may even be on the Fudd-Bueckers dynamic: They flourished on the court docket collectively at UConn, profitable a nationwide championship in 2025. They’ve additionally been requested about their relationship off the court docket — although final week Bueckers said it is no one’s business however their very own and that they will not be answering additional questions on it. One factor is obvious: Expectations are excessive that this pair of No. 1 picks can propel Dallas into a brand new period of success and relevance.

Quantity to look at: Final yr the Wings ranked eleventh in 3-point area purpose share (30%) and eleventh in 3-pointers per sport (6.6). How a lot can an improved system/roster, highlighted by the addition of Fudd, assist enhance these numbers? With Smith and Shepard within the paint, the Wings should not end second to final in defensive score like they did final yr, however how a lot will they enhance?

One (life like) daring prediction: Bueckers builds off her stellar Rookie of the Yr marketing campaign and, benefitting from a greater coach and crew round her, will get some noise within the MVP dialog.

What does a profitable season seem like? On the minimal, returning to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. However success additionally entails establishing a transparent construction and powerful tradition beneath Fernandez that units up the franchise for years to come back and signifies the Wings could be legit contenders down the road. — Philippou

Largest fantasy query: How will utilization be cut up amongst Bueckers, Ogunbowale and Fudd?

The Wings’ backcourt is likely one of the hardest conditions to mission. Bueckers ought to stay the point of interest after she averaged 33.8 fantasy factors per sport and led the Wings with a 24.1% utilization fee, however Ogunbowale (22.1%) and Fudd will demand touches. Ogunbowale’s effectivity dipped final season, whereas Fudd brings vital scoring upside. There’s sufficient expertise for all three to be fantasy-relevant, however inconsistent utilization may restrict their ceilings. Managers ought to count on volatility and prioritize Bueckers because the most secure possibility. — Moody

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How final season ended: In February 2025, the Mercury misplaced longtime stars Diana Taurasi (retired) and Brittney Griner (left in free company). They introduced in forwards Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, who joined wing Kahleah Copper to be Phoenix’s high three scorers. The Mercury completed tied for fourth at 27-17, then beat New York and Minnesota within the playoffs earlier than being swept by Las Vegas within the WNBA Finals.

Largest power: Thomas’ versatility. After 11 seasons with Connecticut, she turned the spine in Phoenix, averaging 15.4 factors, a career-high 9.2 assists and eight.8 rebounds final yr. Alongside along with her repute as a high scorer, rebounder and defender, Thomas has turn out to be one of many league’s greatest playmakers over the previous 4 seasons, averaging 7.8 assists in that stretch.

Largest concern: Can the Mercury adequately change Sabally? She averaged 16.3 factors and 5.9 rebounds within the common season final yr, after which 19.0 factors and seven.0 rebounds in 10 playoff video games. However she suffered a concussion in Recreation 3 of the WNBA Finals and did not play in Recreation 4. Then, she went to New York in free company, leaving an enormous gap for the Mercury to fill. In addition they misplaced ahead Kathryn Westbeld, who suffered a season-ending ACL damage final month. She did not put up enormous numbers final season — 5.1 factors and a pair of.5 rebounds — however began 24 video games.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Did the Mercury do sufficient within the offseason to maintain tempo with the league’s high groups? They misplaced Sabally and did not purchase anybody of her caliber. Within the draft, Phoenix took two 19-year-olds who may have promising futures however will not play within the WNBA this season.

Quantity to look at: Phoenix shot 43.3% from the sphere final season, the second lowest of the eight playoff groups. Regardless of her strengths, Sabally shot simply 40.4% whereas main the crew in makes an attempt per sport at 13.2. Will the Mercury shoot the next share this yr?

One (life like) daring prediction: Ahead DeWanna Bonner will common double figures in scoring in her seventeenth WNBA season.

What does a profitable season seem like? A return journey to the WNBA Finals looks like an excessive amount of to ask. However getting so far as the semifinals could be a powerful season for the Mercury. — Voepel

Largest fantasy query: Can Thomas repeat her all-around manufacturing in Yr 2 with the Mercury?

The one gamers who completed with extra fantasy factors than Thomas in 2025 have been A’ja Wilson and Dearica Hamby. Thomas, an All-Star ahead, averaged 15.4 factors, a league-leading 9.2 assists, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 31.3 minutes, all whereas posting a modest 23.8% utilization fee. Thomas is well-positioned for an uptick in utilization now that Sabally (27.6% utilization fee) is not in Phoenix. When you miss out on Wilson or Caitlin Clark, touchdown Thomas at No. 3 is a wonderful end result. — Moody

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How final season ended: The Lynx have been a league-best 34-10 and received their first-round sequence 2-0 towards Golden State. After profitable Recreation 1 of the semifinal vs. Phoenix, Minnesota squandered a 20-point lead and misplaced Recreation 2 in additional time. Lynx star Napheesa Collier suffered a left ankle damage in a Recreation 3 defeat, after which coach Cheryl Reeve complained about officiating and was suspended for Recreation 4, which the Lynx misplaced to finish a disappointing finish to a promising season.

Largest power: The teaching employees. The Lynx misplaced starters Bridget Carleton (growth draft) and Alanna Smith (free company), plus key reserves Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard (free company). Collier is out a minimum of till June after ankle surgical procedure. No. 2 draft choose Olivia Miles is a rookie level guard. However Minnesota has the WNBA’s longest-tenured coach in Reeve (seventeenth season) and a powerful employees of assistants. That may assist because the Lynx transfer some new gamers, together with a couple of from abroad, into massive roles to hitch returning starters Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams.

Largest concern: When will Collier be again? She hasn’t performed since her damage Sept. 26, lacking Unmatched’s second season. The Lynx hope she’s going to return in June, however additionally they should be cautious about her therapeutic course of.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Miles’ development in her first yr. She has Lynx assistant Lindsay Whalen, a Naismith Corridor of Fame level guard, to assist her study the ropes.

Quantity to look at: Rebounding common. The Lynx have been in the course of the pack final season, rating sixth at 34.2 rebounds per sport. Collier, Shepard and Smith averaged a mixed 19.7 of these rebounds. Shepard and Smith are with Dallas, and Collier is out to begin the season. Different Lynx gamers should step ahead on the glass.

One (life like) daring prediction: Miles wins WNBA Rookie of the Yr, the sixth Lynx participant to earn the dignity and first since Crystal Dangerfield in 2020.

What does a profitable season seem like? Minnesota has missed the playoffs simply twice in Reeve’s earlier 16 years: her first season in 2010 and in 2022. The Lynx reject the time period “rebuilding” for 2026, however they face some obstacles. Making the playoffs is what they count on, however it could even be successful. — Voepel

Largest fantasy query: How do you draft Collier given her damage timeline?

Collier was glorious final season, ending second in WNBA MVP voting and averaging 41.1 fantasy factors. She’ll be sidelined into June due to ankle surgical procedure, however she continues to be a powerful draft goal on the finish of Spherical 2 or early in Spherical 3. There are a number of candidates to soak up her minutes whereas she’s out, together with Natasha Howard, Williams and Miles, all of whom ought to see a right away enhance. — Moody

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How final season ended: After the season began with some turmoil — coach Teresa Weatherspoon had been fired after one yr and changed by Tyler Marsh — issues did not get higher for the Sky. They misplaced level guard Courtney Vandersloot on June 7 to a proper knee damage. Close to the tip of the season, Angel Reese advised the Chicago Tribune that the franchise had to upgrade its talent for 2026. The Sky completed tied for final place at 10-34, lacking the playoffs for the second yr in a row. Reese was traded to Atlanta in April.

Largest power: Having a contemporary begin. Reese led the Sky in scoring and rebounding final season, however wasn’t completely satisfied about Weatherspoon being fired or the course of the franchise. By season’s finish, her relationship with the Sky appeared damaged. The additions of guards Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington and Jacy Sheldon and — in a big development Monday — Natasha Cloud, and publish gamers Azura Stevens and Rickea Jackson may enhance the Sky’s offense and protection, each of which struggled in 2025.

Cloud is an enormous identify who was unsigned in free company till Monday. About an hour after the Sky mentioned they’d waived guard Hailey Van Lith, they introduced they have been including Cloud. She spent her first eight seasons with Washington, then was with Phoenix in 2024 and New York final yr. Diggins and Cloud give the Sky two veteran level guards identified for his or her elite playmaking — every has averaged 5.3 assists in her profession — and protection.

Largest concern: How this group meshes. They’ve had many adjustments since 2025, and that is for the most effective. They should work out a brand new chemistry and win over the Sky followers who’re upset concerning the Reese commerce.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: How younger publish gamers Kamilla Cardoso and Jackson work collectively. They have been picks No. 3 (Sky) and No. 4 (Sparks) within the 2024 draft. Chicago dealt guard Ariel Atkins to Los Angeles for Jackson on April 12. The Sky have the 2 25-year-olds collectively, together with veterans equivalent to Stevens and Elizabeth Williams inside.

Quantity to look at: The Sky’s scoring common. They tied for final within the league in 2025 at 75.8 factors per sport. Mix that with their league-worst defensive score (111.9), and it is shocking they received 10 video games.

One (life like) daring prediction: The Sky play properly sufficient to seize a playoff spot.

What does a profitable season seem like? Having one thing to be enthusiastic about in August and September. The previous two years, the Sky have been a mixed 6-28 in these two months. It is exhausting to keep up enthusiasm among the many gamers or fan base when the crew goes nowhere throughout the stretch run of the season. — Voepel

Largest fantasy query: Who steps up because the fantasy star(s) on the new-look franchise?

Reese was the Sky’s main producer final season, netting the fifth-highest fantasy scoring common. Her offseason commerce to Atlanta left a void for a Sky crew already bereft of expertise. This season, Diggins, Jackson, Vandersloot, Carrington, Sheldon and rookie Gabriela Jaquez be part of incumbent middle Cardoso as the brand new rotation of the Sky. Who steps up probably the most to fill the void? — Snellings

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How final season ended: The Valkyries made historical past of their inaugural yr, changing into the primary growth franchise to make the playoffs in its first season. That alone was an overachievement — a minimum of from the surface wanting in — so there wasn’t a lot adverse to remove from Golden State getting swept within the first spherical by the Lynx. All the pieces the Valkyries achieved throughout the common season (the place they went 23-21) earned Natalie Nakase Coach of the Yr honors and Veronica Burton the Most Improved Participant award.

Largest power: Protection. The Valkyries wished to kind their id round it final yr, which they did efficiently, and may need the items to be even higher this season. In touchdown Gabby Williams in free company, the Valkyries now have top-of-the-line defensive guards within the WNBA. Final season she led the league with 2.3 steals per sport and over 100 deflections, and completed third in Defensive Participant of the Yr voting. The Valkyries completed with the league’s top-rated scoring protection, permitting 76.3 factors per sport.

Largest concern: Have they got sufficient measurement? Shedding Monique Billings and Temi Fagbenle in free company price Golden State two of its most essential bigs. The Valkyries did a very good job retooling, signing middle Kiah Stokes and Williams, a duo who can be relied on to copy (if not exceed) the contributions from their predecessors.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Can the Valkyries high final season? Can Ballhalla match the identical magical power in changing into one of the troublesome environments for opponents to play in (Golden State led the WNBA in common attendance in 2025)? And may Golden State end with one other profitable file, make it to the playoffs once more, and likewise make it previous the primary spherical for the primary time?

Quantity to look at: $850 million. Sportico’s annual WNBA franchise valuations, which have been launched Friday, have the Valkyries at No. 1, making them price $250 million greater than the subsequent most profitable franchise (New York). In keeping with Sportico, Golden State posted a WNBA-record $78 million in income in its inaugural season — a lot partly because of a season-ticket base that topped 10,000 — and sponsorships. This yr, they minimize off their season-ticket gross sales at 12,000.

One (life like) daring prediction: Golden State may have a number of All-Stars this yr. Kayla Thornton earned her first All-Star look final season, and if she could be as productive as she was the primary few months of 2025, she needs to be honored once more. Williams additionally made her first All-Star Recreation, and if Burton can replicate what she did en path to the Most Improved Participant award, the Valkyries may have three gamers in Chicago in July.

What does a profitable season seem like? The Valkyries have to a minimum of make it again to the WNBA playoffs. That might be thought of a profitable season, however the Valkyries must also intention to a minimum of choose up a victory within the sequence. If they do not make it out of the primary spherical, that shouldn’t be thought of a failure, however Golden State must play a aggressive sequence for indicators of enchancment and upward mobility. — Andrews

Largest fantasy query: Can Burton keep her elite playmaking whereas enhancing effectivity?

Burton emerged as a key participant for the Valkyries of their inaugural season, averaging 6.0 assists, tied with Skylar Diggins for fourth within the league. Her 38.7% area purpose capturing highlights an space for enchancment, nonetheless she nonetheless produced 27.2 fantasy factors per sport due to her playmaking. If Burton can turn out to be even barely extra environment friendly, her ceiling will rise considerably. She’s a pleasant worth within the late rounds and has an actual probability to complete as Golden State’s high fantasy possibility. — Moody

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How final season ended: The Mystics, who fell in need of the playoffs, wrapped up the preliminary yr of the rebuild with the youngest roster within the league led by All-Star rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Crew president Michael Winger minimize (nearly) all ties to the Thibault period (Mike and Eric) that started in 2013 and carried out a draft-and-develop technique. High-four draft picks Citron and Iriafen have been the primary gamers of the brand new basis. Brittney Sykes and Aaliyah Edwards have been each traded for draft picks, and the crew completed 16-28 and went into the 2026 draft with three first-round picks for the second yr in a row.

Largest power: The frontcourt. Iriafen was an All-Star energy ahead in Yr 1 and the crew re-signed 6-foot-5 athletic ahead/middle Shakira Austin to a three-year deal price $3.57 million. Austin is the one participant remaining from the earlier regime. The 6-1 Citron is listed as a guard however performed the three on the wing as a rookie. The 2026 draft added extra to the frontcourt in 6-7 middle Lauren Betts, the 2025 NCAA match Most Excellent Participant, with the No. 4 total choose, 6-4 ahead Angela Dugalic at No. 9 and 6-0 ahead Cotie McMahon at No. 11. How Iriafen, Austin and Betts will share the publish is unknown in the intervening time, however that is lots of younger expertise between the three to five positions.

Largest concern: All that youth. The coaching camp roster was the youngest within the league with a median age of 24.56 years. Solely Michaela Onyenwere and Austin have a couple of yr of WNBA expertise. The typical years of expertise on the roster is 0.72 years. There are six first-round picks from the final two seasons, and lots of have the expertise of deep match runs at prestigious universities, however WNBA expertise is a complete different factor. There can be enjoyable moments the place every part is clicking and this younger group is getting up and down the ground with tempo and athleticism, however there can be loads to study — and tough days will include that.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: “Kitron.” Iriafen and Citron have been an ideal match collectively. The place one goes, the opposite is not far behind. Each have been All-Stars. Each have been invited to Crew USA coaching camp. Each have been named to the All-Rookie crew. If it wasn’t for Bueckers, one of many two would have been named WNBA Rookie of the Yr. (Citron was the one different participant apart from Bueckers to earn votes.) The Mystics see them as a long-term dynamic duo, and their development can be high of thoughts all season.

Quantity to look at: Eight, as in jersey No. 8. Some questioned the choice to take Georgia Amoore with the No. 6 choose final season, then she tore her ACL early in coaching camp. She was relegated to an assistant coach-type position, and relished it. A favourite amongst teammates, everybody appears to like her persona, however they’ve additionally raved about Amoore’s sport within the brief period of time she was on the court docket. Fast with handles at 5-7, Amoore is slotted as the purpose guard of the current and future. Diminutive level guards can wrestle within the league, however she was a two-time All-American who averaged 19.6 factors as a senior, 6.9 assists and shot 35.6% from past the arc for her faculty profession.

One (life like) daring prediction: Austin wins Most Improved Participant. The 2022 No. 3 total choose was the runner-up for Rookie of the Yr earlier than having her subsequent two seasons derailed by damage. She lastly performed a lot of the season in 2025 (38 video games) and confirmed flashes of her increasing sport (career-high 12.7 factors, 6.4 rebounds, career-high 1.1 blocks). We nonetheless have not gotten the complete Austin expertise but. As a flexible massive who can put the ball on the ground with a deep bag of strikes and counters, she may flourish with a completely wholesome season.

What does a profitable season seem like? Improvement from the kids. When a entrance workplace commits to this technique, it must see incremental development every year. That may be Iriafen extending her vary. Citron being extra aggressive. Amoore operating the present and proving she generally is a WNBA level guard. Angela Dugalic defining her position. Cotie McMahon discovering her lane as an undersized ahead. Lucy Olsen being greater than only a 3-point menace. When the whole roster is within the infancy of their careers, coach Sydney Johnson’s instant focus has extra to do with improvement than profitable video games. — Copeland

Largest fantasy query: Will final season’s impression rookies flip into sophomore superstars?

Final season, Citron and Iriafen each ranked within the high 40 within the league in fantasy scoring common, with Citron thirtieth and Iriafen thirty ninth. Can both or each transfer into the highest 25 or higher this season? — Snellings

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How final season ended: The Tempo, getting ready to launch their franchise in 2026, watched the inevitable teaching carousel as groups ended their seasons final yr. New York parted with Sandy Brondello on Sept. 23, despite the fact that she had led the franchise to its first championship 11 months earlier. On Oct. 22, ESPN reported that Toronto would rent Brondello, and the Tempo formally introduced it Nov. 4. In 13 seasons as a head coach — with San Antonio, Phoenix and New York — Brondello is 271-181 and has received two WNBA titles.

Largest power: The Tempo look to have a strong guard group, led by veterans Brittney Sykes, Marina Mabrey and Kia Nurse. In addition they chosen guard Kiki Rice of UCLA with the No. 6 choose.

Largest concern: Among the many Tempo’s publish gamers, just one has averaged double figures in scoring for a WNBA season: Isabelle Harrison (11.4 factors in 2017, 10.9 in 2021). There are massive alternatives for Toronto’s forwards and facilities to step ahead.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: How Canada responds to having a WNBA crew. It is thrilling for the league to see a brand new market opening.

Quantity to look at: Enjoying time for middle Temi Fagbenle. Final yr with Golden State, Fagbenle appeared in probably the most video games (39) and averaged probably the most minutes (23.7) of her five-season WNBA profession. If Fagbenle, who has had lots of expertise abroad, stays wholesome, she might be one of many key frontcourt gamers for Toronto.

One (life like) daring prediction: Mabrey, who shot a career-low 27% from 3-point vary final season (66 of 244), bounces again to shoot higher than her profession share of 34.7.

What does a profitable season seem like? Golden State stunned most observers by making the playoffs in its first season final yr. An growth crew getting that far two years in a row appears unlikely. If the Tempo can keep within the playoff combine a minimum of into mid-August, that might be a profitable debut. — Voepel

Largest fantasy query: Who steps up because the impression fantasy producers for the brand new franchise?

Final season, the growth Valkyries had three gamers within the high 26 in fantasy scoring common. None of these gamers had a historical past of manufacturing at that degree. Mabrey and Sykes are the Tempo’s two greatest gamers. Final season for his or her respective groups, Mabrey completed twenty ninth in fantasy scoring common and Sykes thirty seventh. Will both step up because the crew’s greatest fantasy producer? — Snellings

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How final season ended: The Solar entered a brand new period after shedding their beginning lineup from the earlier season. Although their file was 11-33, they’d gained some steam by the season’s finish, creating into a tricky crew with lots of brilliant spots on a younger roster. Within the fall, the Solar’s future in Connecticut was nonetheless unsure, however now we all know that the franchise can be taking part in its closing season in Uncasville in 2026 earlier than shifting to Houston in 2027.

Largest power: A transparent course of a rebuild and the flexibility to experiment. There is a little bit of awkwardness with the relocation looming, however from a basketball standpoint, the Solar (and the brand new Houston group) have a ton of promising, enjoyable gamers — returnees and their 2026 draftees. Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke and Shey Peddy will convey a veteran presence this yr that has already made for some entertaining moments off the court docket.

Largest concern: By not defending star Marina Mabrey within the growth draft, the Solar indicated that they’re committing to their youth motion. That’s sure to have its ups and downs from a person and a collective standpoint. Not regarding however a prevailing query: Can Diamond Miller, whom Connecticut acquired through commerce earlier this yr, lastly discover her footing? She is on her third crew because the starting of final season, however with higher alternative in Connecticut, she would possibly remind people why she is a former No. 2 choose.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: Which of the Solar’s younger stars — Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, Saniya Rivers, Aaliyah Edwards, Miller — will take the subsequent step into changing into extra constant contributors, maybe even bona fide stars?

Quantity to look at: The crew has eight rookies and 4 second-year gamers on its 18-player roster, and simply three veterans with greater than 4 seasons of expertise. Even after cuts this week, this can be comfortably one of many youngest rosters within the league.

One (life like) daring prediction: Lacan missed out on the all-rookie crew final yr as a result of she arrived so late into the season, however her two-way impression was simple: The Solar received two video games with out her and 9 along with her. Anticipate 2026 to be much more of a breakout yr for the 21-year-old French star.

What does a profitable season seem like? Organising a powerful basis for the Houston crew, whereas additionally honoring the Solar’s fan base and wealthy historical past within the franchise’s closing yr in Connecticut. — Philippou

Largest fantasy query: Can Griner have a throwback season?

Because the crew rebuilds, the Solar have crammed the roster with younger and unproven gamers, aside from Griner. Runner-up for the 2021 WNBA MVP award, Griner had a down marketing campaign final season, her just one with Atlanta, however she had been an impression producer as not too long ago as 2024 with Phoenix. May she bounce again to that degree of manufacturing for the Solar this season? — Snellings

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How final season ended: The Storm pressured the Aces, the eventual champions, right into a three-game first-round playoff sequence, which Las Vegas received 2-1. The Storm forcing the sequence to a decisive sport was a aggressive signal from a crew that had lots of ups and downs throughout the common season. After buying and selling former franchise cornerstone Jewell Loyd and welcoming No. 2 choose Dominique Malonga, Seattle began a brand new period.

Largest power: Malonga and 2026 No. 3 choose Awa Fam are two of the league’s younger gamers who may have a few of the highest upside. That does not imply their expertise will imply instant success this season, however when it comes to constructing for the longer term, the Storm have unimaginable foundational gamers.

Largest concern: Seattle misplaced its high 5 scorers — Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Skylar Diggins, Erica Wheeler and Brittney Sykes — in free company. That is 67.5 factors per sport and 82.2% of its scoring from final season, when the Storm additionally averaged the fifth-fewest factors within the league (82.1). Getting Flau’jae Johnson on a draft-day commerce ought to assist fill the void. She was a high-scoring guard at LSU and scored 20 factors in her second preseason sport for Seattle, however carrying the brunt of the load is loads to placed on a rookie on a rebuilding crew.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: How properly Johnson’s sport interprets to the WNBA. After falling to the eighth choose of the draft after which arriving through a commerce with Golden State, Johnson has drawn lots of consideration (and is already a fan favourite). By means of two preseason video games, she averaged 16.0 factors and three.5 rebounds. She can also be 4-of-9 from the 3-point line. Johnson did not shoot many 3s in Kim Mulkey’s offense in faculty, but when she will be able to add that to her sport on the professional degree, it could make Johnson a three-level scorer.

Quantity to look at: In 2023, the Storm had a win share of simply .275 — their worst because the crew’s inaugural season in 2000. Three years in the past, Seattle was going by way of a rebuild as properly, following the departures of Breanna Stewart and Sue Hen. Because the Storm enter one other rebuilding period, Seattle can be challenged to a minimum of eclipse final season.

One (life like) daring prediction: Malonga will win Most Improved Participant. After getting extra constant taking part in time within the second half of final season, the 20-year-old middle averaged 7.7 factors and 4.6 rebounds, and earned a spot on the all-rookie crew. Then at Unmatched, she completed second in scoring on Breeze BC (16.4 PPG). She may have a fair bigger position for the new-look Storm this season.

What does a profitable season seem like? A great dose of improvement could be successful for the Storm. They’ll search for first-year coach Sonia Raman to impart her imaginative and prescient onto the crew, draft picks Fam and Johnson to seek out their footing on the subsequent degree, and their new roster to begin jelling. — Andrews

Largest fantasy query: Is Malonga able to make the leap to fantasy star?

It seems to be that method. From late July by way of the tip of the playoffs final season, Malonga’s position expanded, and she or he confirmed why she was the No. 2 choose within the 2025 WNBA draft. She averaged 17.5 factors and 9.8 rebounds when taking part in a minimum of 24 minutes. With Ezi Magbegor anticipated to overlook time, Malonga ought to have a serious position early. She’s a professional breakout candidate and a very good middle-round choose. — Moody

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How final season ended: Portland was residence to a WNBA franchise for 3 seasons from 2000 to 2002, and returns to the league with new possession however the identical identify. The crew employed Vanja Cernivec as common supervisor in August after she helped assemble the Valkyries’ inaugural roster, after which named Alex Sarama coach in October. After the growth draft was stalled as a result of ongoing CBA negotiations, Portland lastly obtained to begin its roster building the primary weekend of April, deciding on Bridget Carleton with the primary choose of the growth draft. The Hearth’s first non-expansion draft free company signing was veteran guard Karlie Samuelson, who was Carleton’s teammate in Minnesota final season.

Largest power: Anticipate Portland to play extremely quick, a results of Sarama’s offensive fashion, CLA, or the constraint-led method, that’s predicated on rules and triggers somewhat than set performs and construction. Sarama cautioned that mastering this fashion of offense takes time, so there absolutely can be rising pains.

Largest concern: Portland’s greatest power is also its greatest weak spot. If Sarama’s fashion doesn’t work, or takes too lengthy for the gamers to determine, it may maintain them again this season.

One other concern might be the shortage of a transparent No. 1 scoring possibility. The Valkyries additionally had this subject final season — however Golden State turned the primary crew to achieve the playoffs in its inaugural season. It is exhausting to imagine Portland can replicate that degree of success. The Hearth wished Carleton within the growth draft, however she averaged 6.5 factors final yr. Haley Jones put up 8.1 factors per sport for the Wings final season. Portland might want to discover its breakout participant.

The factor we’ll be speaking about most this season: CLA. Although it is changing into distinguished in European soccer and basketball — it is what helped produce NBA celebrity Victor Wembanyama — it is new within the American basketball world, and unprecedented within the WNBA. Whether or not it really works can be most intriguing.

Quantity to look at: Complete wins. Maybe the Hearth, in addition to the Tempo, are coming into the league with a little bit of a drawback, following within the footsteps of the Valkyries. However Portland can be judged by its variety of wins and the place the Hearth end within the standings.

One (life like) daring prediction: The Hearth may have the No. 1 choose within the 2027 draft. WNBA draft lottery odds are decided by the cumulative information of the non-playoff groups over the 2 most up-to-date common seasons, and the crew with the worst two-year file has the very best likelihood of receiving the No. 1 choose. In fact, Portland and Toronto haven’t got a file for final season.

What does a profitable season seem like? Sarama advised reporters that implementing his system will take time and be “messy” at first. However the gamers’ degree of buy-in for CLA and Sarama’s fashion can be a mark of success for the Hearth. Laying a gradual basis is essential for any growth crew, and if Portland can lean into the method, that needs to be thought of successful. — Andrews

Largest fantasy query: Who emerges as the highest fantasy possibility on an growth roster with no clear star?

Carleton is the most effective candidate to turn out to be Portland’s high fantasy possibility merely because of alternative. She averaged 15.7 fantasy factors, however now steps right into a a lot bigger position after being chosen within the growth draft. There is no established star on the roster, so Carleton’s projected minutes and all-around contributions give her a transparent path to steer the crew in fantasy manufacturing, even when her total ceiling stays modest. She’s a superb late-round draft choose. — Moody