The 2025 WNBA season is set to commence on Friday, marking an exciting new chapter for the league just seven months after the New York Liberty secured their inaugural championship. The offseason has seen notable changes, with seven teams switching coaches and several All-Stars changing teams, while the expansion team Golden State Valkyries prepares for their debut.
As the new season approaches, here are five key storylines to watch out for:
Title Contention for the Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever, buoyed by a remarkable rookie season from Caitlin Clark, made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This offseason, the Fever made significant moves to bolster their roster around Clark, who faced tough defenses in her debut year. They hired 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White to guide the team and welcomed experienced players like two-time champions Sydney Colson and DeWanna Bonner, alongside guard Sophie Cunningham via trade. With Clark and All-Star Aliyah Boston leading the frontcourt, the Fever could prove to be formidable contenders.
Strengthening the Roster of Former Champs
The Las Vegas Aces, back-to-back champions in 2022 and 2023, made significant roster changes after being eliminated by the Liberty in the playoffs. They added two-time champion Jewell Loyd to complement MVP A’ja Wilson, although they had to let go of fan-favorite Kelsey Plum, who moved to the Los Angeles Sparks. The New York Liberty, not resting on their laurels, traded for Natasha Cloud, the league’s assist leader in 2022, to enhance their already talented roster, which includes Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
Napheesa Collier’s Drive for Redemption
Following a record-breaking playoff performance, Napheesa Collier enters the new season with extra motivation after her Minnesota Lynx lost a challenging five-game series against the Liberty. Collier, who topped the postseason charts in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, aims to lead her team back to championship contention, especially with the roster remaining stable through offseason transitions.
The Dawn of the Paige Bueckers Era
The Dallas Wings welcomed former UConn star Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick in the draft, entrusting her with revitalizing the team that has struggled in recent years. Alongside her, the Wings have reinforced their squad with players like Dijonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, while recording All-Star Arike Ogunbowale looks to build on a stellar previous season.
A Flourishing Future for the WNBA
The upcoming season promises to be an engaging one, surrounded by notable league growth and the introduction of new franchises. The Valkyries will join the fold, and two additional expansion teams—Toronto Tempo and another yet-to-be-named team—will arrive in 2026. As the current collective bargaining agreement approaches expiration next year, it sets the stage for players to negotiate for more equitable compensation, reflecting the league’s rising popularity and providing an optimistic outlook for its future.
The WNBA is entering a transformative period filled with excitement and anticipation, making this one of the most compelling seasons yet.