Minnesota Lynx on a revenge-season track, with a rare shot at both the championship and the No. 1 pick in the next draft
The Minnesota Lynx have embraced a mission-style run after their 2024 heartbreak, falling just short in an overtime Game 5 that decided the title against the Liberty. Through most of this season, Minnesota has stayed atop the WNBA standings and appears poised to enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Napheesa Collier is shaping up as a top MVP contender, and the Lynx are among the betting favorites to win the 2025 championship.
What sets this year apart is an eye-opening possibility: Minnesota could also wind up with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. That outcome rests on a trade the Lynx made last April, sending their 2025 first-round pick to Chicago in exchange for the Sky’s unprotected 2026 pick. Chicago has struggled for much of the season, currently sitting at 8-24 with Angel Reese sidelined for significant stretches. As a result, Chicago sits second in the lottery, which in turn puts Minnesota in a position where it could hold the No. 2 spot in the lottery while also leading the standings this season. The exact likelihood of Minnesota landing the No. 1 pick will hinge on the finalized draft lottery rules and any changes in the CBA.
The league’s structure for the 2026 draft lottery is still being finalized, and there are discussions about how new expansions and adjustments to the lottery format might affect who ends up with top picks. The broader picture is that Minnesota could both contend for a title this fall and enter next season with a powerful asset in a top draft class, potentially adding another star to pair with Collier.
Related notes and outlook:
– The 2026 draft could feature a stronger field, with several top prospects already on the radar, giving Minnesota a clear route to bolstering its roster if it secures the No. 1 pick.
– Top prospects commonly mentioned as possibilities for the Lynx include Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles, and Flau’Jae Johnson, among others, depending on how the lottery shakes out and subsequent team decisions.
– Beyond the draft, Minnesota’s current form and Collier’s continued impact position the team as a serious title contender in 2025, with long-term upside if they secure a premier pick for 2026.
Summary:
The Lynx are chasing a rare double-win scenario: a deep, possibly championship-winning season in 2025 paired with a top draft choice in 2026, all while the league sorts out lottery rules and expansion implications. If Minnesota sustains its performance and the draft mechanics align, the franchise could capitalize on both short-term success and long-term talent infusion.
Key things to watch:
– How the CBA negotiations finalize the 2026 draft lottery rules and any expansion-related adjustments.
– Napheesa Collier’s continued MVP-level performance and leadership.
– The eventual outcome of the 2026 lottery and which top prospects land in Minnesota.
– Minnesota’s ability to translate a potential No. 1 pick into immediate roster impact while navigating cap and development for a championship run.
Overall, the Lynx are in a uniquely favorable position: a potential title run this season coupled with a future asset that could reshape the roster for years to come, presenting a hopeful path for sustained success.