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League Overview
The WNBA expanded to 13 teams in 2025 with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries under coach Natalie Nakase .
The season began May 16, 2025, on a 44‑game schedule, concluding with a postseason in a best‑of‑seven finals format .
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Key Team Rosters
Atlanta Dream
Brittney Griner joins from Phoenix, providing interior dominance.
Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Shatori Walker‑Kimbrough, with rookies Te‑Hina PaoPao (SC) and Taylor Thierry (Ohio State) rounding out depth .
Chicago Sky
Return of franchise legend Courtney Vandersloot at point guard plus veterans Kia Nurse and Rebecca Allen, complementing rising star Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso .
Minnesota Lynx
Retained Natisha Hiedeman, added Marième Badiane, and integrated three rookie forwards: Anastasiia Kosu, Dalayah Daniels, and Aubrey Griffin, alongside Perimeter talent like Nap Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams .
New York Liberty
Built around Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, newly signed Natasha Cloud, and mid‑season addition of Finals MVP Emma Meesseman, who replaced Jaylyn Sherrod to open a roster spot .
Phoenix Mercury
Transitioning without Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, they added Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to reinforce the frontcourt .
Las Vegas Aces
Despite losing Kelsey Plum, the Aces added Jewell Loyd to pair with MVP A’ja Wilson, aiming for a three‑peat .
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Expansion Team: Golden State Valkyries
First WNBA expansion team since 2008, coached by Natalie Nakase .
Signed players like Laeticia Amihere, Janelle Salaün, and Iliana Rupert (French center via expansion draft) .
Drafted guard Justė Jocytė (1st round) and guard Shyanne Sellers, alongside later additions like Kaitlyn Chen (UConn) who was waived but re‑signed during season .
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Other Notable Teams (Roster Highlights)
Dallas Wings: Rookies Paige Bueckers (UConn), DiJonai Carrington, plus veterans contributing to a young, polished backcourt .
Connecticut Sun: Led by youth—draft picks Aneesah Morrow, Saniya Rivers, Leïla Lacan, Rayah Marshall—supporting veterans Tina Charles, Marina Mabrey, Olivia Nelson-Ododa .
Indiana Fever: Blended veterans like Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell with rising rookie Makayla Timpson and midseason addition Chloe Bibby taking over while Caitlin Clark is injured .
Seattle Storm: Took French superstar Dominique Malonga with the No. 2 pick; also added Nneka Ogwumike from LA. Both featured in 2025 All-Star roster .
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Summary by Category
Championship-Contending Cores: Liberty (Stewart, Ionescu, Jones, Meesseman, Cloud), Aces (Wilson, Loyd)
Rising Stars & Rookies: Paige Bueckers (Dallas), Caitlin Clark (Indiana), Angel Reese & Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago), Napheesa Collier (Minnesota)
Expansion Risk & Upside: Valkyries assembling from diverse international and draft talent under a new organizational model
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Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 season marks a turning point in WNBA history—with an expanded league, expanded schedule, and elevated talent infusion. Top-tier veterans like Stewart, Wilson, Ionescu, combine with breakthrough rookies like Bueckers, Clark, Reese, and dynamic additions like Meesseman, Malonga, forming compelling storylines. The Golden State Valkyries add freshness and unpredictability in their inaugural campaign
