The WNBA tips off its landmark 30th season on Friday, and the league is buzzing with excitement. After a historic collective bargaining agreement was finalized, players are earning record salaries, and the competition is fiercer than ever. Our panel of writers weighs in on the biggest storylines, from rookies to watch to the teams that could shake up the standings.
What I'm Most Looking Forward To
E.B.: A summer of basketball without the specter of CBA uncertainty. Last season had highs, but the possibility of a shortened or cancelled 2026 season loomed large. After 17 months of negotiations, the players secured a historic deal. Plus, getting Jordan Robinson's WNBA 30 newsletter every Tuesday!
Y.E.: As a Canadian, I have to say the Toronto Tempo. They've aggressively built a competitive roster with Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, Brittney Sykes, Temi Fágbénlé, Kia Nurse, and rookie Kiki Rice. Coach Sandy Brondello brings immediate credibility.
S.K.: How the expansion teams do. The Tempo and Fire bring new energy, and they're such different teams.
A.L.: The pre-game catwalks. WNBA players are stepping up their fashion game, and it's only a matter of time before designers rush in.
T.R.: A major upset, especially if it lands on the Aces. I'm rooting for the underdog.
Biggest Offseason Development
E.B.: The league and players agreeing to a historic CBA. The salary cap is up 364%, minimum salaries quadrupled, and the impact is felt across the board, from stars like A'ja Wilson to role players like Courtney Williams.
Y.E.: Have Phoenix done enough to keep pace? Unlikely after losing Satou Sabally. They drafted two 19-year-olds and rely on veterans.
S.K.: Everything the Sky did in free agency is worth attention. The Angel Reese trade and signing veterans show they're not hiding anything.
A.L.: Something about a new deal? Not FDR's.
T.R.: Natasha Cloud not signing a max contract and briefly remaining unsigned. It sparked conversation about what the WNBA truly supports.
The Surprise Team Will Be
E.B.: The Washington Mystics. They have the youngest roster, but players like Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Georgia Amoore, Lauren Betts, and Angela Dugalić are exciting talents.
Y.E.: The Los Angeles Sparks finally have a versatile roster. Ta'Niya Latson could be a steal, and Nneka Ogwumike is back.
S.K.: The Dallas Wings. They're almost an entirely new team, and Coach Jose Fernandez is a natural fit.
A.L.: The Sparks could be better than power rankings suggest with Ogwumike and Cameron Brink healthy.
T.R.: The Wings. Last season they finished near the bottom, but with Azzi Fudd and a new coach, they look dangerous.
One Bold Prediction
E.B.: Veronica Burton will be an All-Star. She set career highs last season and earned Most Improved Player honors.
Y.E.: Chennedy Carter will win Sixth Woman of the Year. She's now with the Aces and could lead the second unit.
S.K.: The Tempo will make the playoffs. Sandy Brondello has never missed the postseason.
A.L.: Another WNBA team is put up on the market. Valuations are through the roof.
T.R.: The Lynx won't make the playoffs or advance far. Napheesa Collier is injured, and key players left.
Rookie of the Year Will Be
E.B.: Olivia Miles. She'll slot into the Lynx's starting lineup and rack up assists.
Y.E.: Olivia Miles. She's expected to get significant minutes and is the class's best passer.
S.K.: Flau'jae Johnson. She has that extra magnetism, and Seattle is a good fit.
A.L.: Awa Fam could have something to prove after sliding to third in the draft.
T.R.: Azzi Fudd is great at shooting and creating space, though she needs work on defense.
The MVP Will Be
E.B.: A'ja Wilson makes it five. She exerts control across the floor like no other.
Y.E.: A'ja Wilson. She averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and won Defensive Player of the Year.
S.K.: A'ja Wilson again. She's one of a kind and not near her ceiling.
A.L.: A'ja Wilson. Her response to her boyfriend's trash talk could be epic.
T.R.: Chelsea Gray. She's always been dominant but lived in the shadows. Now it's her time.
Playoff Semi-Finalists
- E.B.: Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks
- Y.E.: Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever
- S.K.: Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks
- A.L.: Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever
- T.R.: Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever
The Champion Will Be
E.B.: The Aces. They're the most complete team and got stronger with Dana Evans and Chennedy Carter. Becky Hammon makes it four.
Y.E.: The Aces. Their star-studded roster includes Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young.
S.K.: The Aces. I love an underdog, but I can appreciate a dynasty. What Hammon is doing will be studied.
A.L.: The Aces. They have the best player, best coach, and a stronger second unit. Only the Houston Comets have won four in five years.
T.R.: The Liberty. The loss of last year's playoff series must have hurt, and they added Sabally. With Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones, they'll be worth watching.
