One thing to know about every WNBA team before 2025 season tips off

USA Today

14-05-2025

One thing to know about every WNBA team before 2025 season tips off
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Natalie Nakase is still learning about her new WNBA expansion team
New WNBA team the Golden State Valkyries' coach Natalie Nakase told For The Win's Meghan Hall that the whole coaching staff is learning as they go.
Sports Seriously
It's a whole new WNBA in 2025.
The league continues to grow as the new season is set to tip off, and there's plenty of anticipation and storylines as the chase to the WNBA Finals begins Friday. The New York Liberty are the defending champions, but there are plenty of worthy candidates of ensuring a repeat title doesn't happen. Last season's star rookie class now have a year under their belt and they'll try to take the next step toward success, with all eyes remaining on Caitlin Clark. Plus, there's a new first-year sensation making her professional debut in Dallas.
The offseason was eventful and there have plenty of changes around the league since the Liberty hoisted the championship trophy in October. Before the 2025 season kicks off, here are the top things to know for each team for 2025:
Atlanta Dream: A new coach and frontcourt
It's been seven years since Atlanta had a winning season, and nine since it has won a playoff series. Needing something in the building, the Dream hired Karl Smesko as head coach and got two veterans in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. The two experienced centers not only bring size to Atlanta, but much-needed leadership in a new regime. Rhyne Howard is the franchise center stone and she'll greatly benefit from the additions. The Dream should make the postseason, and the playoff experience from Griner and Jones could be critical.
Chicago Sky: Young stars get experienced guards
Angel Reese was the lone bright spot for Chicago in 2024, so the top priority for Chicago was to get some premier talent at the guard position. The Sky did that by bringing back Courtney Vandersloot after she won the title with New York last season, plus the additions Ariel Atkins, Rebecca Allen and Kia Nurse. All of the veterans will serve as great teachers for Hailey Van Lith as she reunites with Reese.
Connecticut Sun: The rebuild begins
It's a brand new start in Connecticut. The Sun don't retain any starters from the core that made the team a title threat for the past three seasons. New coach Rachid Meziane now has his work cut out for him as he tries to find something to build with on what will likely be a very difficult season. The rookies in Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers are potentially pieces to build around in the coming years.
Dallas Wings: Can they turn the Paige?
All the attention will be on Paige Bueckers as the top pick in the 2025 draft makes her debut season. Dallas has made moves to ensure it makes a leap from the nine-win season in 2024. The additions of DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith − plus with Arike Ogunbowale still on the roster − should make Dallas a possible playoff team, and Bueckers will be expected to make an immediate impact.
Golden State Valkyries: New team tries to find footing
There's WNBA in the Bay Area with the Valkyries as the league's 13th team. Golden State didn't make any big splashes in the expansion or rookie draft, and while they are an enigma, it's safe to say there will be plenty of learning on Natalie Nakase's team. This season is all about establishing a presence in the area and finding which pieces will be worth retaining over the coming the season.
Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark gets new weapons
Following Clark's thrilling rookie season, Indiana made major moves to put the phenom in position to make some noise in the postseason. Stephanie White is now in charge, and with players like DeWanna Bonner and Sydney Colson the expectations have been significantly raised for the Fever. Clark should make another leap in her second season and the Fever are expected to make a significant playoff run for the first time since 2015.
Las Vegas Aces: A Jewell for A'ja Wilson
The Aces were denied a three-peat and it left a bad taste in the organization's mouth. Despite the "down" year, Wilson proved why she's among the best players in the world with a career-season. Trying to capitalize on its star's window, Las Vegas got Jewell Loyd from Seattle. Also a two-time champion, Loyd should become an explosive guard that can help take the pressure off Wilson and get Las Vegas back into the championship conversation.
Los Angeles Sparks: Almost showtime
It was a lost season in the City of Angels last season after Cameron Brink tore her ACL. But the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft will return at some point this season to a much improved team, one that's looking like it's ready to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020; Kelsey Plum brings winning experience and she'll be paired up with Dearica Hamby to lead the offense. This year could be a launching pad for 2026.
Minnesota Lynx: Title window remains open
The Lynx were five seconds away from the 2024 title before it slipped out their hands in a thrilling Game 5 against New York. While deflating, Minnesota will be back an angry squad, eager to avoid a repeat of falling short. Last year's 30-win team returns and keeping the roster mostly intact is not something many teams can say. Napheesa Collier could be in line to be the league's MVP as it remains championship or bust in Minnesota.
New York Liberty: Defending champs positioned for repeat
It's certainly possible we get another back-to-back championship season. The Liberty finally reached the mountain top of the league and they have everything to do it again. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones all remain in their prime, and the front office made sure to stay loaded with the addition of Natasha Cloud. Every team will be vying to beat New York, which will be a tough task for the rest of the league.
Phoenix Mercury: New look squad with talent
The Diana Taurasi-era is over and Brittney Griner is gone, but don't think the Mercury will be fading into irrelevance. Phoenix was very active by adding an MVP-caliber player in Alyssa Thomas. To make it even sweeter, the team added Satou Sabally to give it one of the best frontcourts in the league. Kahleah Copper remains after a very successful 2024 campaign, and the Mercury should remain a playoff contender.
Seattle Storm: Darkhorse title contender
The championship favorites are obvious, but one team that could sneak its way into a playoff run is Seattle. Despite the loss of Jewell Loyd, the Storm still have Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike leading the squad, and Gabby Williams is back to build off the stellar time she had at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Seattle also has the No. 2 pick in this year's draft in Dominique Malonga, who could make a real impact.
Washington Mystics: Building a foundation
The 2025 draft made it clear Washington is in the process of the rebuild. Elena Della Donne called it a career and it'll be a fresh start for the Mystics. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are now expected to be the faces of the franchise, and there will be growing pains in the nation's capital. Aside from Stefanie Dolson and Brittney Sikes, no player on the roster has more than three years of experience.