WNBA's launch: Unveiling the major queries we're pondering as the season commences
The 2025 WNBA season looks set to build upon the remarkable success of the previous year, with the league continuing to ascend in popularity and excitement.
Last season's sensational performances, increased attendances, and high ratings have set the stage for another thrilling season, and it won't just be because of the rookie sensations - Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. The WNBA Finals, featuring the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, averaged over a million viewers, with Game 5 finale drawing 3.3 million viewers at its peak, outperforming many NBA games.
As the 2025 season kickstarts this weekend, the WNBA is eager to maintain that momentum, with a stacked schedule filled with enticing matchups, including the much-anticipated debut of Paige Bueckers, a possible playoff preview between the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces, and a Saturday afternoon showdown between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky on national television.
Has the Fever made the most of the Caitlin Clark ‘phenomenon’?
The rookie season for Caitlin Clark with the Fever was nothing short of extraordinary. Leading the league in points, assists, and nearly every other significant statistical category, it was no surprise that she was awarded Rookie of the Year. Clark, however, played an extensive amount of minutes, resulting in a high turnover rate and a struggling defense for the team. However, the Fever have taken the offseason seriously. They appointed Stephanie White, a veteran coach who took the Fever to the WNBA Finals in 2015, as their new head coach. The Fever also strengthened their offense with DeWanna Bonner, a six-time All-Star, and shored up their defense with Natasha Howard, a former Defensive Player of the Year. With these changes, the Fever are poised to be a stronger contender than they were last year and are currently pegged as the third-favorites for the championship.
Just what can Paige Bueckers achieve for the Dallas Wings?
In Bueckers' illustrious college career at UConn, she only lost 13 games across four seasons. On the other hand, the Dallas Wings have yet to win a single playoff series in the past 15 years. It's an impossible task for Bueckers to turn the Dallas Wings' fortunes around in her rookie year, but she is expected to make a significant impact. Bueckers has already been tipped as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, having scored 10 points in the Wings' preseason game against the Las Vegas Aces. With time to adjust to the increased physicality of the WNBA, Bueckers should have a promising start to her career with the Dallas Wings.
Can A'ja Wilson make history as the first four-time MVP?
The Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson is undoubtedly the best player in the league, having won MVP in three of the past five seasons. With her unanimous MVP vote last season and her dominance in the modern game, Wilson established herself as a remarkable player. With Wilson expected to be a preseason favorite again, the question remains whether she can become the first player to win the MVP four times. Napheesa Collier, who finished second in the vote last season and who plays for the Minnesota Lynx, is viewed as the most likely challenger to Wilson's reign.
A new chapter for the Golden State Valkyries
This season marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA, with the Golden State Valkyries joining the league as its first expansion team since 2008. Two more teams - one in Toronto and one in Portland - are set to join the league in 2026, with another expansion team expected to be announced in 2028, bringing the total number of teams to 16 for the first time since 2002. Although expansion teams usually struggle in their first season, the metrics suggest that the Valkyries could potentially have a successful debut if they can generate interest, offer a positive game experience, and engage fans, ensuring a prosperous future for the WNBA.
References:[1] Young, M. (2025). WNBA 2025 Season Preview: Power Rankings and Predictions. Bleacher Report.[3] Carter, T. (2025). WNBA 2025 Season Preview. ESPN.[5] Williams, T. (2025). WNBA 2025 Season Preview: Predictions, Sleepers, and Snubs. Sports Illustrated.
The excitement of the WNBA season is not just about the rookie sensations Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, as it also promises intriguing matchups like the match between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky. With the addition of rookie sensation Paige Bueckers to the Dallas Wings, sports enthusiasts can expect exciting and monumental news coming from the WNBA.
