The WNBA season tips off on Tuesday, May 14th, so let’s do our best to get prepared for all that will come! Whether it be the star-studded rookie class, the continued battle between super teams, or the fast-paced expansion of Women’s Basketball, you won’t want to miss this season! The rookie class brings an insane amount of hype and viewers with them. Headlined by college superstars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, and littered with contributing players like Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and Kamilla Cardoso, this class seems destined to become one of the greatest of all time. How will they adapt to being a professional, and will any of these rookies do enough to lead their young teams to compete this year, or will the established stars in Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, and Connecticut be too much to handle? In Las Vegas' case, they are looking to be just the second WNBA team to ever three-peat, but they're dealing with the retirement of basketball legend, Candace Parker. The New York Liberty brought the squad back together after being just one basket away from forcing a game 5 in last year's finals against the Aces (WNBA Finals and Semifinals are 5 game series). Will the Liberty, or one of the new super teams, like the Connecticut Sun or Seattle Storm, do enough to compete with A’Ja Wilson and the Aces? How will players deal with the break in the season due to the Summer Olympics? These are just some of the questions that are about to be answered during the WNBA's 28th season! To get us prepared for the season, I'll showcase the increased viewership that has already led to improved infrastructure and touch on the league's planned expansion, and finish off with power rankings, so we can know more about each team.
Historic Viewership Leads to WNBA Improvement
We have to start with Women’s Basketball experiencing a historic rise in viewership considering it is the driving force to the infrastructure improvements and growth of the sport. Superstar matchups, heated rivalries, and the highly anticipated debuts of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are all major reasons for the rising viewership. There have never been as many eyes on women’s basketball than there are right now. The WNBA Draft averaged a whopping 2.45 million viewers, a 307% increase over last year’s event. The Aces vs Liberty Finals series had the best viewership in the last 20 years. The greatest increase in viewership can be seen in the NCAA championship game between South Carolina and Iowa, which was the most watched Women’s College Basketball game ever, averaging almost 19 million viewers. That also makes it the most watched basketball game, men or women’s game, collegiate or professional, in the last five years. These massive numbers should only continue to grow the WNBA, especially as the biggest college stars are either now in the league, or coming next year!
Infrastructure Improvements
This massive increase in viewership has allowed for the expansion of the league and various improvements on the league’s infrastructure problems. The most important improvement the WNBA has made, was the announcement earlier this week that they would finally be offering full-time chartered flight programs for every team. It was a little surprising when I learned that team’s flew on commercial flights in between most games, but that is finally a thing of the past, as chartered flights are reportedly being phased in immediately.
WNBA Stars Receiving Brand Deals
The league’s biggest stars have continued to partner with some of the largest brands in the world, and existing partnerships seem to be improving this year. Nike quickly signed Caitlin Clark after she was drafted to the Fever to a deal worth $28 million over 8 years, and includes plans of a signature shoe. Clark is just the third current WNBA player to partner with Nike, joining Sabrina Ionescu and A’Ja Wilson. Ionescu has a signature shoe already, and it was announced yesterday that Wilson will join them with her own signature shoe. Outside of Nike, various players have partnered with brands like Gatorade, Glossier, Puma, State Farm and Under Armour, and this list is rapidly growing. With the highest paid player, Jackie Young, making just $252,420 annually, it is important that many players are able to earn good money outside of their WNBA contracts.
Expansion is on its Way
The WNBA has major plans for expansion, which include the announcements of two new WNBA teams coming to Golden State and Toronto, in 2025 and 2026, respectively. There is also great interest in putting a team in existing basketball markets like Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Southern Florida. The league currently has just 12 teams, but WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said "the plan is to get to 16 teams" by 2028. The main problem with 12 teams, coincides with the WNBA capping their rosters at 12 players. It leaves too many good players not making a WNBA roster. There can currently be a maximum of 144 players, but adding in two more teams will help add another 24 players. We see this problem currently as even though there are 3 rounds in the WNBA draft (36 picks), teams rarely keep 2nd or 3rd round picks on the roster, and we even see some 1st round picks get cut! Last year only 15 of the 36 picks made their teams, with the other 21 getting cut. Luckily expansion is on the way, and there could be 192 roster spots in the league by 2028!
Power Rankings
1. Las Vegas Aces
2023 record 34-6, WNBA Champs
The Aces have one of the best rosters in the league headlined by A'Ja Wilson, probably the best player in the league. Wilson is in the middle of her prime and her resume speaks for itself. She is a 2x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, and a 2x Defensive Player of the Year. The question with this team is replacing WNBA legend Candace Parker, who announced her retirement at the beginning of training camp. Even with her retirement, they're still the best team, with the best starting lineup. Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young were also All-Stars last season. No matter which offseason addition fills in as their fifth starter, presumably either Megan Gustafson or Kiah Stokes, the odds will be in the Aces favor to become the second team to ever three-peat.
2. New York Liberty
2023 record 32-8, lost in Finals to LV
The Liberty brought last year's team back together for good reason, as they were the closest team to beating the Aces. Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart headlines this super team, which includes lights-out shooter Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones as one of the best centers in the league, and 4x All-Star Courtney Vandersloot. If not for the Aces, this would easily be the best team, this season we'll see if the increased chemistry in Stewart's second year with the Liberty is enough to get them past Las Vegas.
3. Seattle Storm
2023 record 11-29, missed playoffs
The Storm are the latest team to build a super team, and I'm a major believer in this team. Jewell Lloyd made the All-WNBA second-team, and is now joined by off-season acquisitions Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Nneka Ogwumike. While both players are 33, set to turn 34 in season, this big three fits together perfectly. Ezi Magbegor was also a good starter for the Storm last year, and although this year might be their best chance of competing, I view them as legit contenders.
4. Connecticut Sun
2023 record 27-13, lost in Semis to NY
Superstar forward Alyssa Thomas is probably the third best player in the league, almost winning the MVP last season. Thomas is joined by 37 year-old legend DeWanna Bonner, who is still playing at a high level, and a returning Brionna Jones. The roster is top heavy, as there are questions at guard, but the Sun's big three is definitely one of the most impressive trios.
5. Phoenix Mercury
2023 record 9-31, missed playoffs
Led by aging superstars Diana Taurasi (41 years old), and Britney Griner (33 years old) this team should have a major bounce back season. They added 2021 Finals MVP Kahleah Copper and a gerat defender in Natasha Cloud to improve their backcourt. Britney Griner is still a great player, and with another year removed from her extended Russian incarceration, she should be even better. This team might not have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the league, but will be much improved from last year's disaster.
6. Atlanta Dream
2023 record 19-21, lost in 1st round to DAL
Rhyne Howard is continuing her assent towards being one of the better players in the league. She can do it all off the wing, and should be in for a breakout season. Shooting guard Alisha Gray and center Cheyenne Parker are above average starters, and form a solid trio. I am excited to see how their additions of guards Aerial Powers, and Jordin Canada mesh with their big three.
7. Indiana Fever
2023 record 13-27, missed playoffs
I might be higher than most on the Fever, but the pairing of Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark is going to be dynamic for years to come. The 2023 #1 overall pick, and reigning rookie of the year, Aliyah Boston showed the potential to be a top 10 player in the league, and could be as early as this year. She is one of the best defenders in the league, and an outstanding low-post player. Caitlin Clark is coming into a perfect situation and the pick and roll between her and Boston should be outstanding. Clark's advanced passing ability paired with her logo range opening up space should make this pairing lights out. NaLyssa Smith was also starting to break out last season, and is a great PF next to Boston. This team is going to be great, it's just a matter of when they're ready to truly compete.
8. Minnesota Lynx
2023 record 19-21, lost in 1st round to CON
Napheesa Collier is going to be forced to carry quite the load this season, and she's probably capable of leading them to the playoffs. 24 year old Diamond Miller has begun her breakout, so there is much hope that she can be a great running mate to Collier. Offseason acquisitions Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith need to prove they can bring more outside of that duo for them to really compete.
9. Los Angeles Sparks
2023 record 17-23, missed playoffs
I am so excited for the rookie pairing of Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, but there will definitely be some growing pains. They lost Nneka Ogwumike this summer, which hurts badly, but this season is all about the young players and their development. I am confident Brink will become a superstar in the league, and might be close to leading the league in blocked shots during her rookie season. Jackson gives the team a reliable scoring option that they desperately need. I also really like last year's rookie Zia Cooke, who has had an impressive pre-season. They could definitely sneak into the playoffs.
10. Dallas Wings
2023 record 22-18, lost in Semis to LV
The Wings would be much higher if not for injury. Their best player, Satou Sabally, is out until at least the Olympic Break due to offseason shoulder surgery. Awak Kuier is also out for the season, due to Personal Reasons. Outside of that, this team is a solid team without star power. Arike Ogunbowale is joined by good defenders in offseason additions Natasha Howard, Kalani Brown, rookie Jacy Sheldon.
11. Washington Mystics
2023 record 19-21, lost in 1st round to NY
Times are going to be tough without Elena Delle Donne, who said she is 'taking a break from basketball.' This team has been Elena Delle Donne and not much help for a while now, and I think they'll crater towards being one of the worst teams without the superstar. Britney Sykes and Ariel Atkins will be tasked with carrying the load, but I'm not sure they have enough size on this team to compete.
12. Chicago Sky
2023 record 18-22, lost in 1st round to LV
This team’s young core centered around rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso is one of the most exciting in the league, but there are bound to be serious struggles in Chicago this year. I love the defensive fit of Reese and Cardoso, as Cardoso is a rim running big who should eventually compete for DPOY awards, and Reese constantly is in passing lanes racking up steals. They should also be one of the best rebounding pairings in the league. The problem is offensively where unless one of them expands their range to the 3 point line, the spacing will be poor. Also, Cardoso will be out for 4-6 weeks with her shoulder injury, so the Sky will have to rely on veterans Diamond DeShields and Marina Mabrey in her absence. This season is all about the development of this young core, and Cardoso's injury is a tough start.
P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there especially my own mother and grandmother! Thank you for reading all my articles and always being so supportive of me. You are loved very deeply, I hope you have enjoyed your special day! <3
Photos by John Locher (AP Photos), Eric Risberg (AP Photos)
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