The new WNBA season starts this coming week, and there hasn’t been this much excitement for the league potentially ever. With a major new influx of talent entering the WNBA, we should be in for an incredible season. The Las Vegas Aces enter the year looking to defend their back-to-back championships and they will have a prime target on their backs. Only one team in league history, the now-defunct Houston Comets, has ever completed a three-peat (they actually won four straight), so Las Vegas will be looking to make some history.
With all the buzz around the WNBA, there are plenty of good teams competing in the league. And as always, some surprises will come about along the way. Here is our initial power ranking for the WNBA entering into the regular season.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever plays against the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Clark begins…
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
12. Chicago Sky
Chicago would have been ranked higher on this list but losing No. 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso to long-term injury is brutal. Both she and No. 7 pick Angel Reese gives this Chicago team some hope for the future. Reese alone has the talent to help this team succeed, but it will be tough for them to stay afloat. The future is bright in Chicago, but it may be a minute before they win.
11. Washington Mystics
Losing both Natasha Cloud and Elena Delle Donne is tough for the Mystics. But Washington has a few players that may be able to help them be competitive. New draft pick Aaliyah Edwards gives them some life, while Brittney Skyes and Ariel Atkins should also help to give them some relevancy. Washington may be in for a rough year unless the team can get off to a hot start.
10. Los Angeles Sparks
Nobody really knows what the Sparks will be this coming season, but after missing the postseason for a few years, the organization isn’t trying to do that again. They had the No. 2 and No. 4 overall picks in the WNBA Draft, grabbing former Stanford star Cameron Brink at No. 2 and former Tennessee star guard Rickea Jackson at No. 4 overall. Los Angeles is in rebuilding mode but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive. Look for the Sparks to make a push for the postseason, potentially surprising some people along the way.
9. Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix is one of the strangest teams in the entire league as they have the star power but lack much else around the roster. Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner lead the way for this team and the addition of Natasha Cloud should help. Phoenix will have to rely on their younger players stepping up big time but if they do, the Mercury could be a surprise team this season.
8. Indiana Fever
All the hype entering the season is around the Fever and for good reason. The Caitlin Clark frenzy is real and she is one of the biggest stars in all of sports right now. But there was a reason why the Fever were picking No. 1 overall for the second straight season. Pairing Clark with 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston should do wonders for Indiana but it may take some time for them to completely gel. Indiana will be extremely fun to watch but the club may not win a ton of games right away.
7. Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota is looking to build off its surprising year last season and get back to being one of the premier teams in the league. Rookie Alissa Pili should provide them with good three-point shooting but the Lynx will need everyone to play their roles. They don’t have the star power like some other teams in the league, making this a very team-centric squad this year.
6. Atlanta Dream
The Dream will look to keep their offensive attack going strong this season behind their strong trio of Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. Atlanta made the playoffs for the first time since 2018 last year, so building on that success is paramount. The Dream traded for guard Jordin Canada from the Sparks this offseason, bringing more experience with her to this roster. Atlanta has sleeper team written all over it.
5. Dallas Wings
Dallas has the feel of a team that may be able to shock some people and make a run this season. Bringing in rookie Jacy Sheldon gives this team some extra excitement following a postseason appearance. The Wings will be looking to continue building this year, even though they have to start the year with forward Satou Sabally injured.
4. Connecticut Sun
After reaching the WNBA Finals twice in the last five years, but having coming up short both times, Connecticut is looking to get over the hump. The Sun are one of the most complete teams in the league but their lack of ability to close when it matters most has doomed them. It’s hard to trust them come playoff time but they will likely be right in the thick of things once again.
3. Seattle Storm
Some of the biggest moves of the offseason included the Storm landing former Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike and former Mercury star Skylar Diggins-Smith. Seattle is looking to retain their claim as one of the better teams in the league and they have the talent to make it happen.
2. New York Liberty
Coming off a heartbreaking loss in the WNBA Finals, the Liberty will be looking for some redemption this season. Stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu lead the way for New York, with 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones also providing support. This team feels ready to take the next step but the question will be consistency for them. If they can maintain their identity throughout, they could come away with the title.
1. Las Vegas Aces
The Aces are the team to beat until someone finally knocks them off. Behind strong leadership from head coach Becky Hammon, Las Vegas feels like a dynasty in the making. The team did lose future Hall of Famer Candace Parker to retirement, but the Aces still have their core group together. Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young give the Aces a legitimate chance to come away as champions once again.
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