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2026 WNBA Power Rankings: Ranking All 15 Teams

4y8ck
By 4y8ck
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2026 WNBA Power Rankings: Ranking All 15 Teams


The WNBA’s 30th season is one day away from tip-off, and the league is set to embark on a new era following a historic collective bargaining agreement. With 44 regular-season games scheduled, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo join the Association as the two newest expansion franchises. Celebrating 30 years includes seven-figure salaries, a drastic salary cap increase, more player benefits, and a fair revenue share.

Las Vegas Aces WNBA A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

All eyes will hone in on the trio of top teams expected to make the most noise: The Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Indiana Fever. The Aces, of course, represent the modern-day dynasty, having won three championships since 2022 and looking to go back-to-back for the second time in franchise history.

The Liberty procured a significant portion of their 2024 championship core and look to rebound from last season. In the Hoosier State, Caitlin Clark is fully healthy and will return to the Fever after playing just 13 games in 2025.

This season will feature a lauded group of rookies that will eventually be pitted against one another in what could go down as one of the league’s deepest classes. UCLA dominated the draft, setting a record with six players selected.

Spearheading the draft was Azzi Fudd, selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, followed by Olivia Miles to the Minnesota Lynx, Awa Fam to the Seattle Storm, and Lauren Betts to the Washington Mystics.

As the W’s 30th birthday approaches, there could be plenty of uncertainties and plot twists. Here are my pre-season power rankings for the 2026 season. Could a surprising team contend this year? I understand I can’t make everyone happy with my rankings, but the good news is that they can change for the better… or worse… week to week.

2026 WNBA Power Rankings (Preseason)

*Editor’s Note: Preseason predictions made before all rosters were finalized*

15. Portland Fire

2026 expansion team
2026 WNBA championship odds: +50000
Trends: Franchise’s first game is May 9 at home vs. the Chicago Sky.
Key Additions: Carla Leite, Bridget Carleton, Luisa Geiselsöder, Megan Gustafson, Haley Jones, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sug Sutton, Karlie Samuelson, Emily Engstler.

The Portland Fire, along with the Tempo, are the newest WNBA expansion franchises. Making up the 14th and 15th teams, Portland returns to Rose City for the first time in 24 years. Once a WNBA franchise, the Fire was a defunct franchise that folded in 2002.

Owned by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage of RAJ Sports, the Fire will make its debut at the Moda Center with British head coach Alex Sarama at the helm.

To be frank, the Fire’s expansion draft was lackluster. Portland won the coin toss and selected Bridget Carleton with the first pick in the draft. The Fire also selected Carla Leite, Luisa Geiselsöder, Emily Engstler, Maya Caldwell, and Chloe Bibby. Second-round picks included Haley Jones, Nyadiew Puoch, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sug Sutton, and Nika Mûhl.

In April, Portland selected Iyana Martín Carrión No. 7 overall, who will most likely remain in Spain and head to the WNBA in 2027.

Since then, the Fire traded Caldwell to the Lynx in exchange for a third-round pick, and Bibby to the Mercury for the rights to Julia Ayrault. I was certain Caldwell would’ve been inserted as a starter, and Bibby as a 3-point sniper for Portland.

Instead, Carleton inked a three-year $3.75 million contract and will leap forward as the team’s leader. My biggest concern is how well Carleton can transform from a crucial role player to a franchise star. A perennial 3-point shooter, Carleton was a crucial piece to the Lynx’s recent championship runs.

Outside of Carleton, this squad is fairly young, and it’s clear that long-term growth and playing it safe is the name of the game for Portland. That said, there’s no clear identity on this roster. Plus, Mühl is a long-term project that will remain out for the 2026 season with an ACL injury.

The 2027 and 2028 WNBA Draft should be loaded with future W talent, including JuJu Watkins, Madison Booker, Hannah Hidalgo, and Sarah Strong. Perhaps, Portland will add its future franchise star through the draft.  While that’s a ways away, I expect the Fire to build its foundation before competing at a high level first.

14. Seattle Storm

2025 outcome: 23-21, lost to Aces 3-1 in first-round playoffs.
2026 Championship Odds: +25000 (FanDuel)
Trends: Made playoffs in 2024 and 2025. Eliminated by Las Vegas in both seasons.
Key Additions: Awa Fam (Draft), Flau’jae Johnson (Draft), Stefanie Dolson (Mystics), Natisha Hiedeman (Lynx), Jade Melbourne (Mystics)
Re-signings: Ezi Magbegor, Katie Lou Samuelson, Zia Cooke, Mackenzie Holmes, Taina Mair (developmental contract)
Key Departures: Skylar Diggins (Sky), Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks), Brittney Sykes (Tempo), Gabby Williams (Valkyries), Erica Wheeler (Sparks).

It’s safe to say the Seattle Storm has entered an official rebuild era in the Emerald City. Former head coach of four years, Noelle Quinn, parted ways with the organization, and Seattle introduced Sonia Raman as its newest leader.

The Storm finished with a 23-21 record in 2025 and a cumulative 48-36 record under Quinn since 2024. Unfortunately, Seattle fell short of championship aspirations under the Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Ezi Magbegor era.

In reality, the franchise hasn’t been the same since the retirement of Sue Bird and the departure of Breanna Stewart to the Liberty. Former franchise pillar Jewell Loyd was eventually shipped to the Aces, and Seattle failed to advance against the Aces for the second straight year. That was after it traded for Brittney Sykes, who became a half-season rental.

Seattle lost its entire starting five in the offseason and enters 2026 with a blank slate. I was a bit surprised that Seattle decided to place a core tag on defensive standout Ezi Magbegor, who signed a three-year, $3.75 million contract with the team.

With the second pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Seattle selected Awa Fam No. 2 overall, and retained Taina Mair on a developmental contract. Perhaps the most shocking trade of Draft night involved Seattle acquiring Flau’jae Johnson, who was drafted No. 8 overall by the Golden State Valkyries.

The Storm has constructed a formidable frontcourt duo with Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam. I do have questions about the health of this roster, as Magbegor is set to miss 6-8 weeks with a foot injury, although Jordan Horston is cleared from her ACL injury.

I’m not expecting Seattle to come out firing–it is in rebuild mode with a new coach. The franchise certainly has potential cornerstones with Johnson, Malonga, Fam, and Magbegor, but it’s hard to envision how this new group will pan out. The Storm remains committed to guards Lexie Brown and Zia Cooke and leans heavily on a guard-heavy roster with Hiedeman, Johnson, Brown, Jade Melbourne, and Cooke.

Fam has yet to play in the preseason, and her debut timetable is unclear. Once Fam arrives from Spain, Seattle will, without question, boast one of the fiercest frontcourts in the league.

The biggest question is at the point guard position. Seattle doesn’t have a true PG, and it has several talented guards, whom I view as role players rather than bona fide starters.

Just three years ago, the Storm finished with an 11-29 record (.275). It’s unclear where the franchise’s direction is headed and how long the rebuild will take. Several teams have reloaded their lineups, and I don’t view Seattle as a contender in 2026. It will be fun to see how Johnson, Malonga, and Fam develop.

13. Connecticut Sun

2025 outcome: 11-33, missed playoffs
2026 WNBA championship odds: +50000 (FanDuel)
Trends: Connecticut made the playoffs from 2017 to 2024 with two finals appearances.
Key Additions: Brittney Griner (FA), Shey Peddy (FA), Kennedy Burke (FA), Gianna Kneepkens (draft), Nell Angloma (draft), Charlisse Leger-Walker (draft)
Re-signings:  Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Key Departures:  Marina Mabrey (expansion draft, Toronto), Tina Charles (retirement), Diamond DeShield (FA), Bria Hartley (FA), Lindsay Allen (FA).

It’s one last dance, as the fun in the Sun will set at the end of 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. It’s official: The Sun will be sold to the Houston-based Fertitta family and will relocate to play at the Toyota Center in Houston.

I’m a firm believer that the Houston Comets should be resurrected, as they won four WNBA Championships from 1997 to 2000. However, relocation is vastly different from expansion. The Sun will say goodbye to the New England fan base that’s housed them since 2003. With that, it’s difficult to say what direction the franchise is headed in.

Connecticut will play out its final season at Mohegan Sun Arena under coach Rachid Meziane. It will mainly keep its core of Saniya Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, Leïla Lacan, and Aaliyah Edwards. The Sun further boosted its young players by swapping Rayah Miller for Diamond Miller, and added veteran Brittney Griner in free agency.

This is an up-and-coming “young and turnt” squad that’s out of reach from contending. The Sun has a rich history, boasting two finals and 17 playoff appearances, and a .554 win percentage. It was just two years ago that the Sun finished 28-12, and lost its foundation of head coach Stephanie White, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington, and Brionna Jones.

I do think the Sun will win more than 11 games, and I’m a huge fan of the Burke addition in free agency. The Sun has a young, talented group, and Nell Angloma just might be the steal of the draft, although she’s not in the States just yet. In addition to its squad, drafting Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker from UCLA could round out the perfect role players.

Not protecting Mabrey in the expansion draft signaled the team’s commitment to stashing talent before the trek to Houston, especially Lacan, a rising two-way star. Tina Charles announced her retirement, but this could be a strong yet fun frontcourt with Morrow, Edwards, Ododa, and Griner.

My biggest question heading into the season is who will rise to the occasion? The Sun doesn’t have a primary scorer, and defining roles so early in the season is difficult.

12. Toronto Tempo

2026 expansion team
2026 WNBA championship odds: +15000 (FanDuel)
Trends: Franchise’s first game is May 8 when it hosts the Washington Mystics.
Key Additions: Marina Mabrey (expansion), Nyara Sabally (expansion), Julie Allemand (expansion), Lexi Held (expansion), Brittney Sykes (FA), Isabelle Harrison (FA), Kia Nurse (FA), Temi Fágbénlé (FA), Teonni Key (Draft), Kiki Rice (Draft).

The Toronto Tempo marks the 15th WNBA franchise and the first global expansion. Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanebaum, Canada’s first team will make Coca-Cola Coliseum its first home.

Heading up the franchise is Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion as head coach with the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty. Brondello is considered one of the most decorated coaches in WNBA history and has coached the likes of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and more.

The energy was felt in Tempo’s first-ever preseason home game. This team has grit and will be extremely entertaining to watch. I felt Toronto’s expansion draft fell opposite of Portland’s. And may I say the draft was quite meticulous yet poetic? The Tempo selected Julie Allemand as the first pick and later landed Marina Mabrey as the third pick. Each team was allowed to select one unrestricted free agent (Mabrey in this case), who fell in Toronto’s lap.

The Tempo later solidified its million-dollar backcourt by signing veteran Brittney Sykes in free agency, in addition to Isabelle Harrison.

In preseason, we saw Lexi Held light it up from beyond the arc, and Kia Nurse, a Canadian native, is in the perfect leadership role at home. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Marina Mabrey’s 3-point prowess? Although this team lacks size, they remind me of the 2025 expansion Golden State Valkyries.

The Tempo is a guard-heavy team that selected Kiki Rice and Teonni Key in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This squad constitutes the perfect mix of youth, veteran leadership, and international presence.

Brondello has posted a .600 win percentage since 2014 and has had only three losing seasons. In her four years in New York, she had a .665 win percentage and led the Liberty to back-to-back 32-8 seasons in 2023 and 2024. I do think the Tempo will surprise many and will be competitive under Brondello.

It may seem like I ranked the Tempo low, but they are an expansion franchise. Size and rebounding might be an issue, and Mabrey is coming off a down year.  Now she has the chance to bounce back as the franchise face, and this team could find themselves in the playoff mix and moving up in my power rankings.

11. Washington Mystics

2025 outcome: 16-28, missed playoffs
2026 WNBA championship odds: +10000 (FanDuel)
Trends: Missed the playoffs in 2024 and 2025. The Mystics last won a WNBA championship in 2019.
Key Additions: Lauren Betts (draft), Angela Dugalić (draft), Cotie McMahon (draft), Rori Harmon (draft), Cassandre Prosper (draft)
Re-signings: Shakira Austin, Michaela Onyenwere
Key departures: Sug Sutton (Fire)

The Washington Mystics have often been compared to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Although they’ve missed out on the playoffs for two straight years, this team continues to stockpile young talent and draft assets. They proved this by trading Jacy Sheldon to the Chicago Sky in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick.

Washington has 14 draft picks over the next three years, which include six first-round picks.

The Mystics notably drafted Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen in 2025, who were named All-Stars and honored as members of the WNBA All-Rookie team. This is a team that finished with a thud, losing 10 straight games to close out the season with a 16-28 record. By trading Sykes to the Storm in 2025, the Mystics were fully committed to a rebuild/younger talent. In the post-Thibault era, Washington’s trade of Aaliyah Edwards last season marked a new era in DC.

Former GM Jamila Wideman’s time in the Nation’s Capital has come to an end, but there’s no denying the sterling talent that she acquired.

Georgia Amoore missed her entire rookie campaign, but now has a chance to prove why the Mystics drafted her No. 6 overall in 2025. This team didn’t change a ton—the team re-signed Shakira Austin, and Lauren Betts fell in their lap at No. 4. Now the Mystics have a three-headed monster in the frontcourt, but does that mean Betts will come off the bench? Given that Austin and Betts don’t space the floor often, the fit will be a question.

We know Iriafen and Citron are a dynamic duo, and talent isn’t a question. It’s a matter of fit, especially in the middle of the lineup. I do think there will be ups and downs with such a young squad, but don’t be surprised if the Mystics surprise, as they did early in 2025.

10. Golden State Valkyries

2025 outcome: 23-21, lost 2-0 against the Lynx in the first round
2026 WNBA championship odds: +3500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Golden State made the playoffs in its inaugural season and finished down the stretch with a 5-5 record.
Key Additions: Gabby Williams (Storm), Kiah Stokes (Aces)
Key Departures: Monique Billings, Temi Fábénlé (Tempo).
Re-signings: Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, Laeticia Amihere, Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert (maternity), Kaitlyn Chen.

The Golden State Valkyries set the standard in several ways in their inaugural season. Having led the league in attendance, head coach of the year Natalie Nakase led this team to a 23-21 record and a playoff appearance. Although swept 2-0 by the Lynx, Golden State nearly took Game 2, 75-74. While it fell short of championship aspirations, Burton was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player, and Kayla Thornton was named a first-time All-Star.

Just one year later, the Valkyries are the first women’s sports franchise worth $1 billion. Their success has been far more defined than a first-round playoff exit.

The Valkyries look to build on that success as the team retained its nucleus of Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Janelle Salaün, Kaitlyn Chen, Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes, and Laeticia Amihere. They also signed two-way star Gabby Williams, along with Kiah Stokes, in free agency.

Perhaps the biggest potential X-Factor could be Justė Jocytė, who was drafted No. 5 overall by Golden State in 2025. Opting to skip the 2025 season, her contract has been suspended due to overseas commitment. Until Girona (EuroLeague) loses, Jocytė will remain abroad.

The Valkyries prided themselves on defense last season and should bring the same intensity this season. Thornton played just 22 games last season and will return from a knee injury. I’m a huge fan of the Williams’ signing, as the guard will bring defensive mastery and versatility to Nakase’s lineup. It’s a bonus that Williams is a Swiss-army knife and led the WNBA with 2.3 steals per game last season.

Similar to the Tempo, the Valkyries should be fun to watch. The question remains whether they can repeat their success or top last year. Nakase is a winning coach and emphasized moving on from last season in the preseason. Golden State did lose some frontcourt depth, as Monique Billings departed for the Fever, and Fábénlé shipped up to Canada.

The Valkyries didn’t retain any rookies from last year, though they did bring back Chen. This year seems to be similar, as the team waived Marta Suárez, whom they traded for in exchange for Flau’jae Johnson. Whether a salary cap issue or not, the trade of Johnson, who was selected No. 8 overall by Golden State, was head-scratching for many.

Overall, Golden State developed Burton and Thornton into stars. Was this team truly a Cinderella squad, or can they make it back into the playoffs? I wouldn’t be surprised if they lead the W in defense this season, as they retained their core. However, several teams did the same.  I have them placed at No. 10, but that’s just a starting point.

9. Phoenix Mercury

2025 outcome: 27-17, Lost WNBA Finals to Aces, 4-0
2026 WNBA championship odds: +1500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Made the playoffs 12 of the last 13 seasons. Last won a championship in 2014.
Key Additions: Kiana Williams, Valériane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, Sha Carter, Noémie Brochant, Peyton Williams.
Re-signings: Alyssa Thomas, Sami Whitcomb, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Kathryn Westbeld, Monique Akoa Makani, DeWanna Bonner.
Key Departures:Satou Sabally (Liberty)

It’s hard to rank a team that made a Finals appearance this low, for now. Phoenix had a slow start in free agency, although it brought back Alyssa Thomas, Sami Whitcomb, Kahleah Copper, Kathryn Westbeld, DeWanna Bonner, and extended Monique Akoa Makani.

Off the bat, the Mercury will be without sharpshooter Sami Whitcomb, who will remain out after undergoing an arthroscopy. Adding to an already battered rotation is Westbeld, who will miss the entire 2026 campaign after tearing her ACL. Plus, the contracts of Monique Akoa Makani (overseas) and Valériane Ayayi have been temporarily suspended. 

This is a team that defied the odds last year and even had some thrilling comebacks. To me, that’s not the case, as of right now. Were the Mercury aggressive enough during free agency? Alyssa Thomas was in the running last season for MVP, and Makani earned WNBA All-Rookie honors. They won 27 games, and several of those were with injured players.

The key departure for Phoenix was Satou Sabally, who averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, shooting 40.4% from the field, and 32.1% from three. While Sabally technically had a “down” year, she’s been dealt some injuries over the years. Still, the Mercury didn’t replace her caliber of player.  Bonner can stretch the floor and will likely be a starter, but Sabally’s versatility and size did not get replaced.

You can never count out Thomas, who’s nicknamed the “engine” for a reason. She had a career year in 2025, averaging 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists in 39 games. The catalyst on both ends of the floor, the Mercury’s success starts and ends with Thomas. Copper, who was limited to 28 games last year, averaged 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, shooting 42.4% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc, and 85.2% from the charity stripe.

We know what Thomas, Copper, Bonner, and Makani bring, but the question is health, availability, and quality of bench and role players.

Overall, the Mercury drafted Eszter Ratkai (Hungary) and Ines-Pitarch-Granel (France), who may be stash players who may not play this season. While international ascension in the WNBA is prominent, both players are likely future developmental players.

It’s hard to predict how this team will round out, but I have them regressing.

8. Chicago Sky

2025 outcome: 10-34, missed playoffs
2026 WNBA championship odds: +5500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Missed the playoffs in 2024 and 2025 after five straight appearances. Chicago last won a championship in 2021
Key Additions: Rickea Jackson (acquired via trade from Sparks), Jacy Sheldon (acquired via trade from Mystics), Azurá Stevens (FA), Skylar Diggins (FA), DiJonai Carrington (FA), Gabriela Jaquez (draft), Natasha Cloud (FA), Sydney Taylor (FA)
Re-signings: Rachel Banham, Courtney Vandersloot, Elizabeth Williams
Key Departures:  Angel Reese (Dream), Rebecca Allen (Liberty), Ariel Atkins (traded to the Sparks), Kia Nurse (Tempo), Michaela Onyenwere (Mystics), Hailey Van Lith (waived, signed by Sun).

The Chicago Sky, no question, had the busiest offseason of any team. The Angel Reese era is over, as the team shipped the star to the Atlanta Dream. They also waived Hailey Van Lith, signaling a full rebuild. One by one, players started to depart, including Allen, Nurse, and Onyenwere.

Instead of an entire rebuild, GM Jeff Pagliocca reshaped the group with a mix of young talent and veterans. At first, the blueprint didn’t entirely make sense. The Sky traded away draft stock to protect players in the expansion draft—only for them to later be cut.

And what initially didn’t make sense is starting to come together. Ariel Atkins, who was traded to the Sky for the No. 3 pick (Sonia Citron) in the 2025 draft, was technically a one-year rental. Chicago traded her to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson. It also traded for guard Jacy Sheldon from the Washington Mystics.

The Sky have major talent after signing Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, Azurá Stevens, and Natasha Cloud in free agency. Plus, they selected UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez No. 5 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft. All of a sudden, Kamilla Cardoso isn’t standing on her own island.

Somehow, Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh transformed a 2025 starting lineup of Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Ariel Atkins, Courtney Vandersloot, and Kia Nurse into a potential Skylar Diggins, Natasha Cloud, Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens, and Kamilla Cardoso starting five.

The Sky has plenty of frontcourt depth, but now faces a crowded backcourt. Vandersloot, the Sky’s all-time franchise scoring leader, is coming back from an ACL tear. How will she fit into a heavy guard rotation that includes Diggins, Cloud, Sheldon, and Sydney Taylor?

The Sky will be without Carrington, who recently had hardware removed from a previous foot injury. Additionally, Stevens won’t play for a couple of weeks due to a knee injury.

It’s all going to come down to fit, team chemistry, and rotations. Plus, we can’t count out Sydney Taylor, who showed promise with 23 points against the Dream in preseason. Chicago may be a top team this season. For now, I have them at 8 due to health and rotations/fit concerns. While there’s plenty of talent in Chi-Town, it seems Chicago’s plan was to sign any big-name player to rebuild the organization.

The first step was making several free agent acquisitions. Now it’s proving that Marsh is the right fit as head coach and finding a balance of players and rotations that can work. While not all his fault, Marsh compiled a .277 win percentage in his lone season as Sky head coach.

7. Minnesota Lynx

2025 outcome: 34-10, lost to the Mercury in Semifinals
2026 WNBA championship odds: +850 (FanDuel)
Trends: Missed the playoffs once since 2011. Made the Finals in 2024, and last won a title in 2017.
Key Additions: Olivia Miles (draft), Natasha Howard (FA), Nia Coffey (FA)
Re-signings: Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams
Key Departures: Alanna Smith (Wings), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Natisha Hiedeman (Storm), Bridget Carleton (expansion draft, Fire), DiJonai Carrington (Sky).

I will never forget attending the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup at UBS Arena when Cheryl Reeve challenged ESPN for ranking them so low. I have the utmost respect for Reeve, and don’t want to start any such thing. However, the biggest elephant in the room this offseason is the Minnesota Lynx.

The Lynx were a play away from winning the 2024 WNBA Finals against the Liberty, and set a franchise record with 34 wins last season—subsequently, a significant portion of the roster left in expansion and free agency.

With a new CBA, I knew players would depart, but I wasn’t expecting the Lynx to implode like that. Luckily, they were able to salvage their core by signing Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams to multi-year contracts. Interestingly enough, Minnesota brought back its franchise star, Napheesa Collier, on a one-year, $1.4 million (supermax) deal.

Luckily, the Lynx held the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and selected point guard Olivia Miles of TCU. Miles was arguably the best player in the draft and is considered one of the only “true” point guards. In free agency, the Lynx signed former Defensive Player of the Year, Natasha Howard, along with Nia Coffey, to one-year deals. Most recently, the Lynx acquired Maya Caldwell from the Fire.

The Lynx were able to stop the bleed, and losing frontcourt mates Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith to the Wings is a substantial loss.

I’m expecting the Lynx to have a solid season, but I don’t have them repeating a 34-win season. Collier will remain out until June due to ankle surgeries, while Dorka Juhasz has no timetable for her return. Having missed the entire 2025 campaign, Juhasz should provide much-needed frontcourt depth now that the Lynx lost 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith.

It’s hard to rank the Lynx this low; they set the standard for what an elite team should look like the last few years, and ranked No. 1 in offensive and defensive rating in 2025. I’m ranking them at seven, hoping Collier’s return will give them a boost. Plus, this team has real potential once Miles feels comfortable running the offense and Williams plays more off-ball. Until then, it’s hard to judge who will step up as role players.

Coffey and Howard are serviceable players, but losing Collier until June is a tough pill to swallow. It will be up to international players and others to step up this season.

6. Dallas Wings

2025 outcome: 10-34, missed the playoffs
2026 WNBA championship odds: +2500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Missed the playoffs in 2024 and 2025
Key Additions: Azzi Fudd (draft), Alanna Smith (FA), Jessica Shepard (FA), Alysha Clark (FA),
Re-signings: Arike Ogunbowale, Li Yueru, Awak Kuier,
Key Departures: Ty Harris (Fever), Myisha Hines-Allen (Fever), Luisa Geiselsöder (expansion, Fire)

I can’t be the only one who projects the Dallas Wings this high. They are coming off two dreadful seasons, ones that landed them back-to-back No. 1 picks that resulted in former UConn pals Paige Bueckers (2025) and Azzi Fudd (2026).

Chris Koclanes is out as head coach after a 10-34 record, and the Wings were last contenders under the Latricia Trammell era. After GM Curt Miller hired Jose Fernandez, former USF women’s basketball head coach, I am fully convinced this team is on an upward trajectory.

Miller praised the front office as they poured millions of dollars into free agency signings. Not only did it re-sign franchise cornerstone Arike Ogunbowale, but the team also bolstered its frontcourt by signing Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith from the Lynx.

Injuries, inconsistent lineups, and rotating hardship contracts hindered the Wings last season. The true bright spot was Bueckers, who earned Rookie of the Year, WNBA All-Rookie, and WNBA All-Second Team honors. Now they get Fudd, who’s a lethal sharpshooter.

The Wings should improve and are perhaps being overlooked. They have a strong frontcourt, with several rotation players. Plus, Fernandez mentioned the idea of various rotations. Bueckers, JJ Quinerly, and Aziaha James all remain on rookie contracts, which made spending easier this time around. They have Maddy Siegrist, along with Awak Kuier, who can rotate at multiple positions.

Plus, the veteran leadership from Odyssey Sims and Alysha Clark further boosts this team.

This isn’t Bueckers and Fudd’s first rodeo—they have previous chemistry over the years. Smith brings much-needed defensive help, and this team should drastically improve on both sides of the ball. The biggest concern is the rotation and lineup that fits, given their improved size and versatility. Especially when it comes to Ogunbowale, Bueckers, and Fudd. It’s a backcourt with a ton of talent, but it’s hard to predict, especially since Ogunbowale missed preseason.

I’m not necessarily saying the Wings are immediate top contenders, but I do have them making the playoffs.

5. Los Angeles Sparks

2025 outcome: 21-23, missed playoffs
2026 WNBA championship odds: +1500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Missed the playoffs for 6 straight seasons
Key Additions: Ariel Atkins (acquired via trade from Sky), Nneka Ogwumike (FA), Erica Wheeler (FA), Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rae Burrell, Emma Cannon
Key Departures: Azurá Stevens (Sky), Rickea Jackson (traded to Sky), Alissa Pili (FA), Sarah Ashlee Barker (expansion, Fire), Julie Allemand (expansion, Tempo).

It’s fair to say the Sparks improved in Lynne Roberts first year as head coach. Having finished with an 8-32 record in 2024, LA put itself back on the map with a 21-23 season. While improvement is fantastic, the team fell short of playoff hopes.

Last year, the Sparks were handed hardship contracts after both Burrell and Jackson suffered injuries. Plus, Cameron Brink was still recovering from an ACL injury. At the helm was Kelsey Plum, who departed the Aces for the Sparks.

Some may say I have the Sparks ranked too high, but I’m expecting Los Angeles to take an even further leap in 2026. Not only did they core Plum, but she signed a one-year $999,999 deal to avoid a certain tax bracket. Moreover, the team re-signed Dearica Hamby and made the biggest free agency splash by bringing Nneka Ogwumike back to LA.

Ogwumike spent the majority of her career with the Sparks before bolting for Seattle for a few seasons. Not only is she back in the city where she won a championship, but she also very much strengthens the frontcourt. Following the decision, Stevens, a floor-spacing big, signed with the Sky. The question remains: what will the frontcourt look like? Will Brink continue to recover and develop off the bench?

Offense wasn’t an issue last year, but the defense was. The acquisition of Ariel Atkins should provide a two-way threat, along with Ogwumike. The Sparks allowed a league-high 88.2 points per game last year.

The Sparks’ window to compete is closing as Ogwumike, Plum, and Hamby are over 30.

This group is surely more balanced than last season’s, and the Sparks should hypothetically enter the playoff conversation after a five-year absence. I also believe Ta’Niya Latson was a steal in the second round, and Roberts did confirm she will be included in the rotation.

Time will tell whether the Jackson-for-Atkins swap was the right move. It doesn’t seem even now, but time will tell. My biggest concern is the bench, as Erica Wheeler is coming off a solid season with Seattle. Regardless, this team has enough talent and veterans to make some noise.

4. Atlanta Dream

2025 outcome: 30-14, lost to the Fever in the first round
2026 WNBA championship odds: +550 (FanDuel)
Trends: Lost in the first round over three straight years.
Key Additions: Angel Reese (acquired via trade from Sky), Madina Okot (draft), Isobel Borlase (2024 draft), Indya Nivar (draft).
Re-signings: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada, Holly Winterburn, Sika Koné
Key Departures:  Brittney Griner (Sun), Nia Coffey (Lynx), Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (Fever).

Atlanta is coming off a dreamy season, capturing a franchise-best 30 wins under first-year head coach Karl Smesko. In free agency, Atlanta locked up its core players, including Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, and Sixth Woman of the Year, Naz Hillmon.

To me, Atlanta only strengthened its roster. Te-Hina Paopao was already on a rookie contract, and the Dream made a point of signing Borlase to a rookie-scale deal. Once the Dream acquired Reese to pair with Jones in the frontcourt, Griner was all but gone from Atlanta.

This is a team that’s been desperate to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs. In 2023 and 2024, Atlanta was swept 2-0 by the Wings and the Liberty. Despite earning the No. 3 seed in 2025, a Caitlin Clark-less Fever defeated Atlanta, 2-1.

Although the Dream compiled a talented lineup, I felt they relied too heavily on both Howard and Gray. Plus, the bench depth was somewhat of an issue. Now they have added Angel Reese, who is considered one of the best rebounders in the WNBA, and drafted Madina Okot No. 13 overall. Griner faced injuries, and honestly, her minutes dwindled along with inconsistent play. I like the Okot selection and feel she can continue to develop and improve her game.

Plus, Atlanta folded under pressure and simply couldn’t close out games. Now they’ve added reinforcements to do so, hopefully.

The Dream has upgraded the interior with youth and now has some pretty solid bench players, especially with Borlase, who can strike behind the arc.

On paper, the Dream has all the tangible and intangible assets to compete at a very high level. Brionna Jones is without a timetable to return after undergoing knee surgery, and Jordin Canada’s health is the ultimate X-factor, having played just 48 games over the last two seasons.

Reese is an upgrade in the post, but what is her ceiling in Atlanta? Smesko deployed a heavy 3-point scheme last year. Is this the year Reese expands her game and stretches the floor? On paper, this team can compete with anyone.

3. Indiana Fever

2025 outcome: 24-20, lost in the semifinals to the Aces
2026 WNBA championship odds: +500 (FanDuel)
Trends: Made the playoffs in 2024 and 2025 after a 7-year drought.
Key Additions: Monique Billings (Valkyries), Raven Johnson (draft), Ty Harris (Wings), Justine Pissott (draft), Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (Dream), Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull, Damiris Dantas.
Key Departures: Natasha Howard (Lynx), Chloe Bibby, Brianna Turner (Aces), Aari McDonald (FA), Sydney Colson (FA).

The Fever were never meant to take the Aces to Game 5 of the semifinals, but they did. Caitlin Clark played just 13 games all season, and Sophie Cunningham, Syd Colson, and Aari McDonald were hindered by season-ending injuries.

It was the story of the underdog, a magical season for the Fever, who were crowned Commissioners’ Cup champions and posted a 24-20 record. Not only did they knock off the Atlanta Dream in the playoffs, but they took the Aces to five games.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell left everything on the line, eventually being diagnosed with a medical condition, rhabdomyolysis. In training camp, she has no regrets, and that’s the definition of a winning player.

Similar to the Wings, the Fever earned back-to-back No. 1 overall picks, selecting Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Caitlin Clark in 2024. Mitchell put up career numbers, averaging 20.2 points and earning All-WNBA honors. Boston earned All-WNBA Defensive Team and All-WNBA Second Team honors, elevating her game in her second season.

Clark is back and has never looked sharper. Earning MVP at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, Clark recorded 21 points in 16 minutes against Dallas in preseason. Her passing, shot selection, and accuracy look crisper than ever.

The Fever brought back the tres leches (Clark, Cunningham, Hull) and added frontcourt depth in Monique Billings. They further strengthened their core by signing guard Ty Harris and drafting two-way guard Raven Johnson, which is a steal by the way.

The Fever are healthy and upgraded at every position. If Cunningham and Hull can stay healthy, they bring defensive prowess, shooting, and hustle. Clark is an early MVP favorite, and Mitchell is one of the most elite shot creators who can get downhill.

The Fever has the third-highest odds (+500) to win the title this year. We saw what they did last year with several injuries. I can only imagine that Clark’s presence alone will elevate this team.

Instead of adding star power in free agency, they added upgrades that can get their team over the hump and enable them to compete with the top dogs. Plus, Stephanie White was an upgrade at head coach last season.

2. New York Liberty

2025 outcome: 27-17, lost to Mercury in the first round
2026 WNBA championship odds: +260 (FanDuel)
Trends: Won a championship in 2024, made the playoffs for 5 straight years.
Re-signings: Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah-Laney Hamilton, Marine Johannés, Han Xu, Rebeka Garner
Key Additions: Satou Sabally (Mercury), Rebecca Allen (Sky), Raquel Carrera
Key Departures: Isabelle Harrison (Tempo), Nyara Sabally (expansion, Tempo), Kennedy Burke (Sun), Natasha Cloud (Sky), Emma Meesseman (FA), Stephanie Talbot (Aces).

Two years ago, the New York Liberty brought its first-ever WNBA championship home to Brooklyn under head coach Sandy Brondello. Fast forward to 2026: New York parted ways with Brondello and hired longtime Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco.

The 2025 season did not go as planned. The Liberty posted a 27-17 record, good for the No. 5 seed. Hindered by turnovers, injuries, and inconsistencies, the Liberty were dealt an early exit by the Mercury in the first round of the playoffs.

Even with a $7 million salary cap, the Liberty managed to bring back a core of its 2024 championship roster: Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart.

The Liberty are the favorites to win the WNBA title (+260) on FanDuel, and it’s easy to see why: New York only upgraded its lineup by adding two-way star Satou Sabally, who exited from Phoenix after one year. Although she’s recovering from a concussion and is out for the opener, the addition of Sabally almost seems unfair.

Sure, New York parted ways with finals hero Nyara Sabally, but it boasts one of the tallest, most versatile lineups in the WNBA with length. Leonie Fiebich, Stewart, and Sabally are 6’4″, while Jonquel Jones is 6’6″, and Han Xu is 6’11”.

The shortest player in the starting lineup is Ionescu at 5’11.” With that, the Liberty loses some mobility without Cloud, but Laney-Hamilton is back in the equation after missing the entire 2025 campaign. Plus, the Wizard (Johannés) is back with her iconic one-legged threes.

The Liberty may be a bit rusty at first; they will have to adjust to a bigger lineup, a new coach, and a system. Unfortunately, Ionescu is set to miss the first two weeks of the season after rolling her ankle. The biggest uncertainty is how Sabally will fit into the lineup, and how New York can adjust against smaller lineups. On paper, this is the strongest team in the W.

Can health, chemistry, and DeMarco help capture another title?

 1. Las Vegas Aces

2025 outcome: 30-10, won third WNBA championship vs. Mercury
2026 WNBA championship odds: +410 (FanDuel)
Trends: Won 3 championships since 2022, 4 finals appearances since 2019
Re-signings: A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Kierstan Bell, NaLyssa Smith, Dana Evans, Jewell Loyd, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus
Key Additions: Brianna Turner (Fever), Stephanie Talbot (Liberty), Janiah Barker (draft)
Key Departures: Aaliyah Nye (expansion, Tempo), Megan Gustafson (Fire), Kiah Stokes (Valkyries)

The Aces are the reigning champs, and I’m putting them at No. 1. We are talking about a modern-day dynasty, a team that’s won three championships since 2022. Having made the move from San Antonio to Sin City, it all started with back-to-back No. 1 overall picks in 2018 and 2019, resulting in A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young.

Although the franchise has moved on from Kelsey Plum, Vegas has retained its core with Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Young, and Jewell Loyd. Plus, the Aces re-signed Kierstan Bell and NaLyssa Smith in free agency.

On paper, the Aces are favored as one of the top teams, but we all remember their disastrous 5-7 start last season, right? They then went on a 16-0 win streak, fueled by Wilson, who won her fourth MVP award.

The Aces main core is already lethal in itself—Wilson is generational, and Young is an elite two-way player. In my opinion, Gray is the best point guard. The momentum truly shifted when Becky Hammon moved Loyd to the bench and traded for Smith for frontcourt depth.

The Aces only improved. Dana Evans could be the true test of this team, along with Chennedy Carter, who has made her way back into the league. It’s clear the Aces value depth, and signed Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot to strengthen defense and shooting.

This is a loaded Aces squad, and Loyd and Carter could be sparks off the bench. Can anyone dethrone the Aces?

Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.





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