Three bold predictions as the 2025 WNBA season heads toward its finish
The 2025 WNBA season has delivered injuries, surprise teams, and a standout rookie class that’s made this year especially thrilling. With the calendar turning to the final quarter, teams are jockeying for awards, playoff spots, and a championship. Here are three predictions that are sure to spark discussion as the season winds down.
1) The MVP race will spark debate no matter who wins
MVP contenders Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), and Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury) have dominated discussions around this trend-filled season. It’s shaping up as a three-player race, with each candidate bringing a compelling case. If Collier wins, critics may argue she was favored for playing on the league’s top team even if she missed games. If Wilson takes the honor, some will claim Collier was penalized for injuries and absences, despite her immense impact on a high-performing squad. If Thomas prevails, the focus might shift to “hipster” stats and triple-doubles rather than broader contributions. Regardless of the outcome, expect a flood of post-announcement analysis from fans and pundits alike.
2) Dallas Wings destined for the bottom of the standings—yet with a bright future ahead
Dallas currently sits near the bottom, with nine wins on the season, and the Connecticut Sun just ahead at seven wins in the standings’ cellar. In this scenario, the Wings appear poised to push for the league’s worst record as the season closes, particularly with Arike Ogunbowale sidelined for several weeks due to knee tendinitis. A low final record would be painful in the short term, but Dallas holds its own first-round pick, a key asset for rebuilding. The presence of Paige Bueckers continues to be a positive storyline for the franchise, offering a foundation for a return to competitiveness. If a few losses materialize down the stretch, the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery could work in Dallas’s favor as part of a longer-term plan.
3) The Sparks leap back into the playoff picture
Los Angeles has faced a multi-year playoff drought, but momentum is building toward a possible return to postseason play. The Sparks are in a tight race for the eighth and final spot, currently just one game behind the Seattle Storm. A crucial tiebreaker could come into play if they defeat Seattle, potentially granting LA the edge in the standings. Led by Kelsey Plum and a restocked, hungry roster, the Sparks are positioning themselves to capitalize on late-season momentum. If they don’t reach the playoffs, the conversation will shift to what the team still needs to do to reestablish itself as a postseason staple in Southern California.
What to watch as the season wraps up
– MVP race developments: Collier, Wilson, and Thomas remain the most talked-about candidates; watch how their teams perform in the final stretch.
– Dallas’s finish: monitor Ogunbowale’s timeline and how the Wings navigate the remainder of the schedule, plus the impact of Bueckers on the rebuild.
– Sparks’ late push: track their head-to-head resume, especially any key clashes with Seattle, and how Lynne Roberts’ coaching direction translates into wins.
Summary
The closing stretch of the 2025 WNBA season promises drama across awards, standings, and playoff contention. The MVP debate will rage regardless of who takes the trophy, Dallas faces a rebuild with potential assets in play, and Los Angeles has a real shot at snapping a long playoff drought with a few timely performances and strategic moves.
A hopeful note
Fans have already witnessed extraordinary performances from veterans and breakout moments from rookies, underscoring the league’s growth and resilience. If these trends continue, the remainder of the season could deliver unexpected twists, inspiring comebacks, and a strong foundation for the WNBA’s ongoing evolution.