CHICAGO (May 28, 2025) – The Chicago Sky are set to honor franchise legend and WNBA Champion Candace Parker by retiring her jersey on Aug. 25 at the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces. Parker’s No. 3 jersey will be raised to the rafters of Wintrust Arena, alongside the team’s 2021 championship banner.
“Growing up in Naperville, playing on courts around here with my brothers, and watching Chicago teams like the Bulls who became synonymous with winning, I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team,” Candace Parker said. “Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here—it was personal. I’m beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who’s been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home.”
The Sky will celebrate Parker with a retirement ceremony, complete with an on-court tribute featuring select special guests. Parker will address attending fans after a video montage highlighting her best moments with Chicago.
Fans will be able to celebrate alongside the team with limited edition merch available in-arena and online. In addition, fans will receive a special, to-be-announced Candace Parker-themed giveaway.
The Sky will help promote the release of Parker’s book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions. There will be special book-themed activations leading up to and during the game.
Wintrust Arena will feature a display commemorating Parker’s highlights, memorabilia and key milestones. In addition, the organization will feature storytelling highlighting Parker’s time with the Sky across its platforms in the lead-up to the retirement ceremony.
“Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball. We’re thrilled she decided to come home to Chicago to help the Sky win a championship in 2021,” Sky CEO and President Adam Fox said. “Candace has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball at every level and has inspired countless players and fans through her outstanding leadership and basketball talent on and off the court. We are honored to retire her jersey and celebrate her incredible legacy as a Chicago Sky player.”
Parker is an Illinois legend, playing for Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois. She signed with the Sky in 2021, playing two seasons in Chicago.
In her two seasons, she averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in 55 starts. She helped the Sky secure their first-ever championship in 2021, averaging 13.8 points and 2.1 steals in 10 postseason games. She was an All-Star in both seasons with the Sky and made the All-WNBA First Team in 2022.
About the Chicago Sky
The 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky are a professional women’s basketball team founded in 2005 by principal owner, Michael Alter. The Chicago Sky were the first independently owned women’s professional basketball team to join the WNBA and play at Wintrust Arena. The season runs from May-September. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit <a title="http://sky.wnba.com/" href="http://sky.wnba.com">sky.wnba.com</a> for more information.
###

chicago-sky-candace-parker-jersey-retirement

Sky to Retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 Jersey on August 25

We’re 10 days into the new season and each team has played at least three games. Yes, that’s still a small sample size, but it’s enough to give us a first impression of each team.
Last year’s two finalists have gotten out of the gates strong – both have yet to drop a game – while three other teams are still searching for their first wins of the season.
One team that did get its first wins – not just of the season, but in franchise history – is the Golden State Valkyries. Let’s get into the rankings to see where they stand.
(Note: *Commissioner’s Cup Game, which opens on Sunday, June 1) 
<h2>↔️ 1. New York Liberty (3-0)</h2>
Last Week: 1 
This Week: vs. GSV, vs. GSV, at WAS, vs. CON*
The Liberty capped off a 2-0 week with a thrilling win over the Fever on Saturday. Jonquel Jones caught fire late – scoring 14 of her 26 points in the 4th quarter – while Natasha Cloud had the game-sealing steal on the game’s final possession.
Cloud has been a steal for the Liberty since coming over from Connecticut in an offseason trade, leading the squad in points (18.7), assists (7.7) and steals (2.7) in her first three games in the seafoam green and black.
<h2>↔️ 2. Minnesota Lynx (4-0)</h2>
Last Week: 2 
This Week: vs. SEA, at PHX, at GSV*
The Lynx are the first team to four wins this season thanks in large part to the play of Napheesa Collier – who is averaging a league-high 29.5 ppg.
Only three other players in WNBA history have averaged at least 29.5 ppg in a season’s first four games – Maya Moore (33.8 in 2014), Elena Delle Donne (30.5 in 2015) and Arike Ogunbowale (31.0 in 2024) – with Moore and EDD winning MVP in that season.
<h2>⬆️ 3. Seattle Storm (3-1)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198835" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_SEA.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_SEA.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_SEA-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_SEA-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 6 
This Week: at MIN, vs. ATL, vs. LVA*
The Storm completed a perfect 3-0 week on Sunday with a 102-82 win over the Aces with Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler combining for 44 points on 69.2% shooting to spoil Jewell Loyd’s first return to Seattle.
Seattle posted the most points (102) and highest field goal percentage (60%) by a team in any game so far this season. Only one game topped those marks all of last season. 
<h2>⬆️ 4. Phoenix Mercury (3-1)</h2>
Last Week: 5 
This Week: vs. CHI, vs. MIN, at LAS*
Phoenix finished off its 2-1 week with a clutch win over Washington on Sunday that saw rookie Monique Akoa Makani hit the go-ahead triple with 1:11 to play.
Satou Sabally (19.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Alyssa Thomas (16.5 ppg, 7.8 apg, 6.3 apg) continue to lead the new-look Mercury, who have hung their hat on defense early in the season, posting a league-best 89.3 defensive rating through four games.
<h2>⬇️ 5. Indiana Fever (2-2)</h2>
Last Week: 4 
This Week: at WAS, vs. CON
The Fever went 1-2 this week with both losses coming by a combined three points. In a one-point loss to the Dream on Tuesday, Indy’s 4th-quarter rally and Caitlin Clark’s season-high 27 points were not enough to complete the comeback win.
In a two-point loss to the Liberty, the Fever stormed back after trailing by as many as 15 to lead by 12, but were unable to withstand a late push by the defending champs. However, the Fever still rank top three in both offensive (105.1) and defensive efficiency (93.2) early in the season.
<h2>⬇️ 6. Las Vegas Aces (2-2)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198836" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_2.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_2.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_2-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_2-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 3 
This Week: vs. LAS, at SEA*
After two championships and six All-Star seasons in her decade with the Storm, Jewell Loyd returned to Seattle for the first time since being traded to Vegas in the offseason. Loyd scored the Aces’ first nine points and finished with 14 in a 102-82 loss.
The loss dropped Vegas to 2-1 on the week after wins over Connecticut and Washington. The Aces are off until Friday and return to Seattle on Sunday  to give Loyd another shot against her former team in the Commissioner’s Cup opener for both teams.
<h2>⬆️ 7. Atlanta Dream (3-2)</h2>
Last Week: 9 
This Week: at LAS, at SEA
The Dream finished up a 3-1 week with a win over Connecticut on Sunday despite being hit by the injury bug early in the season. Brittney Griner (left knee) and Te-Hina Paopao (face) missed their first games of the season, while Jordin Canada (knee) remains out after suffering a preseason knee injury that is expected to keep her out until mid-June.
That gives opportunities for others to step up. On Sunday, it was Nia Coffey who showed out in her first start of the season, dropping a double-double in the win.
<h2>⬇️ 8. Los Angeles Sparks (2-3)</h2>
Last Week: 7 
This Week: vs. ATL, at LVA, vs. PHX*
The Sparks avoided an 0-3 week with a win over the Sky on  Sunday behind a combined 54 points from Kelsey Plum (28 pts, 8 ast, 6 3pm) and Azurá Stevens (24 pts). 
Through her first five games in L.A., Plum is the WNBA&#8217;s 2nd-leading scorer (24.8 ppg) and leader in 3-pointers made (3.8 per game on 43.8% shooting). Her 28.7% usage rate is a career-high, edging out former teammate A’ja Wilson for 4th-highest in the league.
<h2>⬆️ 9. Golden State Valkyries (2-1)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198838" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_3.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_3.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_3-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PR_3-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 13 ⬆️
This Week: at NYL, at NYL, vs. MIN*
On Wednesday, the Valkyries defeated the Mystics to earn their first win in franchise history as Veronica Burton hit the go-ahead 3 with 1:38 to play. Two days later, the Valkyries avenged their season-opening loss to the Sparks to improve to 2-1. 
How impressive is Golden State getting its 2nd win in only the 3rd game of its inaugural season? The last two expansion teams – Atlanta in 2008 and Chicago in 2006 – didn’t get their 2nd wins until games 19 and 15, respectively.
As the Valkyries go for win No. 3, they’ll face last year’s two finalists – the undefeated Liberty and Lynx – this week.
<h2>⬇️ 10. Washington Mystics (2-3)</h2>
Last Week: 8 
This Week: vs. IND, vs. NYL
The Mystics played five games and all five have come down to clutch time. After opening the season 2-0, Washington has dropped three straight – by a combined 11 points. In what many (myself included) expected to be a rebuilding season, Washington has been in every game late and has two rookies gaining valuable experience.
Sonia Citron (15.4 ppg) and Kiki Iriafen (13.8 ppg) rank 1st and 3rd, respectively, among rookie scorers. Iriafen (11.2 rpg) not only leads all rookies in rebounding, she’s 3rd in the WNBA.
<h2>⬇️ 11. Dallas Wings (0-4)</h2>
Last Week: 10 
This Week: at CON, at CHI, vs. CHI
The new-look Wings are still searching for their first win of the season, after going 0-3 this week with all three losses coming by single digits. Paige Bueckers not only leads all rookies in assists (6.3 apg), she’s tied with Alyssa Thomas for 5th in the league.
One player Dallas must get going in order to break into the win column is Ogunbowale. The former scoring champ holds the 4th-highest career scoring average in WNBA history (20.4 ppg), but is off to a cold start – averaging 12.5 ppg on 28.6 shooting.
<h2>↔️ 12. Connecticut Sun (0-4)</h2>
Last Week: 12 ↔️
This Week: vs. DAL, at IND, at NYL*
The Sun host the Wings on Tuesday with both teams going for their first win of the season. For Connecticut, its 0-4 start is tied to its struggles on offense this season, as evidenced by its 55 points in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta.
The Sun average the fewest points (68.0 ppg) and 3-pointers made (5.0) and have the lowest effective field goal percentage (41.4%) in the league. Meanwhile, on defense, the Sun have allowed the 3rd-most points (83.0 ppg) so far this season.
<h2>⬇️ 13. Chicago Sky (0-3)</h2>
Last Week: 11 ⬇️
This Week: at PHX, vs. DAL, at DA
The Sky have struggled to find their way in the first three games with a new head coach and a new-look backcourt. Chicago ranks last in both offensive (84.3) and defensive (114.1 ) efficiency. The Sky hold the 2nd-lowest effective field goal percentage (41.7%) while allowing the highest eFG% to its opponents (59.0%).
This week, the Sky visit the Mercury before a home-and-home with the Wings as they try to turn things around.
<div class="wrapper">
<article class="_Article_n4g1q_6">
<div class="_Article__story_n4g1q_50">
Longtime WNBA reporter Brian Martin writes articles on WNBA.com throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.
</div>
</article>
</div>

2025-power-rankings-week-1

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 1

The WNBA is finally back on our screens. We were treated to some excellent matchups between potential contenders, rookies, and potential frontrunners for the Most Valuable Player award, separating themselves from the pack.  
Let’s dive into the five takeaways from the eight games that kicked off the league’s 29th season.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark kick off MVP campaigns </h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198635" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_1.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_1-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_1-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson unanimously won her third MVP in 2024 after an unbelievable season, averaging 26.9 points per game with 2.6 blocks, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 11.9 rebounds on over 50 percent shooting from the field. This was done with just a hair over one three-pointer per game taken by Wilson. 
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finished second in voting in 2024, and she seems motivated to begin 2025 with a vengeance and with the goal of winning that award in mind. She wrapped up opening weekend, averaging 28.3 points, five rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 56 percent shooting from the field and a 67 percent shooting from three.
Wilson had 31 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals, a block, and shot 50 percent from the field in the Aces’ opening against the New York Liberty this past weekend. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark picked up a triple-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) to help lead the Fever to a win in their season opener. Despite her excellence this past weekend, Collier is still in a heated race for the MVP trophy. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. The Washington Mystics rookies show they’re WNBA-ready. </h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198634" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_3.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_3.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_3-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeaway_3-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
After injuries to rookie guard Georgia Amoore and second-year forward Aaliyah Edwards, rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen stepped up in a big way for Washington. The duo shined for the Mystics in their respective debuts, helping lead the team to a 2-0 record after the opening weekend.
Citron wrapped up the weekend averaging 17 points and 2.5 assists on solid 65 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. Iriafen, a key post player for Washington with Edwards out, averaged 15.5 points and nine rebounds for Washington on over 50 percent shooting from the field. They’ve both completely flipped the Rookie of the Year race on its head in just two games, and it’s fun to see Citron and Iriafen take full advantage of the opportunities due to these unfortunate injuries. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. The new-look Phoenix Mercury embrace their new engine. </h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198633" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Article_Images-Recovered.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Article_Images-Recovered.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Article_Images-Recovered-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Article_Images-Recovered-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The Engine, also known as Alyssa Thomas, has brought her winning ways to Phoenix. Once she opened the Mercury’s game against the Storm with a spin move to the basket for an easy bucket, you knew she was about to have a big performance. Thomas’ efficient 20 points on 8-13 shooting, six assists, two steals, and seven rebounds that led to a win over the Storm should excite Phoenix fans about this team’s ceiling. 
Thomas is the catalyst for any offense she’s running. Her selflessness as a passer and efficiency as a scorer make her the perfect point-forward for Phoenix, who are looking to lean into positionless basketball this year. Whip passes to Satou Sabally and strength to battle in the post are what’ll make this Mercury offense hum. And, while it’s a small sample size, the proof is in the on-off numbers for Thomas. When on the court, Phoenix had an offensive rating of 110.2. Off the court, that rating sank to just 88.9. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Natasha Cloud finds perfect fit with the New York Liberty</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198632" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_2-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_2-1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_2-1-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_2-1-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When the New York Liberty traded for Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun, it seemed like a match made in heaven. The team would get the opportunity to see how much better their offense could be when removing the ball from Sabrina Ionescu’s hands and bringing in a new playmaker in Cloud.
During the Liberty’s season opener against the Las Vegas Aces, Cloud endeared herself to the New York crowd with a 22-point, nine-assist, three-steal, and two-block performance. She willed the Liberty through a tough stretch in the 3rd quarter where they couldn’t dream of stopping Wilson or Jackie Young on offense, piecing together back-to-back and-1 scoring opportunities early in the 4th quarter that helped to separate New York from Las Vegas. Ring night remained unspoiled thanks to Cloud’s efforts. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. The Kelsey Plum experience arrives in Los Angeles</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-198628" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_5.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_5.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_5-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/Takeways_5-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
In her first game, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum made a huge splash to open the Sparks’ regular season. Against the inaugural Golden State Valkyries squad, she had 37 points, six assists, five steals, and two boards on 67 percent shooting from three-point range and 58 percent shooting from the field overall. 
Plum struggled in her second game with the Sparks, being held to 18 points on 33 percent shooting from deep and 36 percent shooting overall by the incomparable defense of Lynx guard Courtney Williams. But, she was the clear leader on the floor in both games, constantly feeding Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens, and rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker. 
Once the chemistry is formed between Plum and the Sparks’ elite post scorers in Hamby, Stevens, and Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles’ offense will be in a great spot with her at the head of the snake. 
WNBA reporter Candace Pedraza writes columns on <a href="http://wnba.com/">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.

5-takeaways-opening-weekend-2025

5 Takeaways from the WNBA’s 2025 Tip-off Weekend

A dilemma comes with the opening week’s power rankings: How much do you hold onto your preseason expectations for teams vs. how much do you take into account the one (maybe two) games each team has played so far?
With only eight games played across the league, the sample size is too small to make drastic changes. However, a few teams made quite the first impression and climbed a few spots on the rankings ladder below.
<h2>↔️ 1. New York Liberty (1-0)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-198583 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/NYL0.png" alt="Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/NYL0.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/NYL0-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/NYL0-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 1
This Week: at CHI, at IND
The Liberty opened the week atop the power rankings, then raised their first banner, collected their rings, and defeated the Aces in a clash of the past two WNBA champs in the season opener. That’s a formula to stay atop the rankings this week.
Natasha Cloud stuffed the stat sheet (22 pts, six reb, nine ast, three stl, two blk) in her Liberty debut. She’s one of only four players to ever hit those marks in a game, and the only one to do so in a non-overtime contest.
<h2>↔️ 2. Minnesota Lynx (2-0)</h2>
Last Week: 2
This Week: vs. DAL, vs. CON
In this year’s WNBA GM Survey, the Lynx were tabbed as the title favorites, with Napheesa Collier as the favorite to win her first MVP. The season’s opening weekend only bolstered those thoughts as the Lynx posted double-digit wins over the Wings (+15) and the Sparks (+14), with Collier scoring 34 and 23 points, respectively, to lead the way.
<h2>↔️ 3. Las Vegas Aces (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 3
This Week: at CON, vs. WAS, at SEA
Here’s my first example of not overreacting to a single game. Yes, the Aces dropped their season opener to the Liberty, the same team that ended their 2024 season in the semifinals, but one loss does not shake my faith in A’ja Wilson (31 pts, 16 reb) and the Aces. Jewell Loyd (5 pts, 2-10 FG) had a tough debut as she, Chelsa Gray, and Jackie Young combined to shoot just 26.2% in the opener. I anticipate that trio bouncing back quickly.
<h2>⬆️ 4. Indiana Fever (1-0)</h2>
Last Week: 5
This Week: vs. ATL at ATL, vs. NYL
Caitlin Clark opened her second WNBA season by dropping her third career triple-double (20 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast, career-high four blk) as she and Aliyah Boston (19 pts, 13 reb, five blk) led the Fever past the Sky. Simultaneously, DeWanna Bonner climbed to 3rd on the WNBA all-time scoring list (7,489) in her Fever debut.
<h2>⬆️ 5. Phoenix Mercury (1-0)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-198586" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PHX5-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PHX5-1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PHX5-1-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/PHX5-1-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 6
This Week: vs. LAS, at SEA, vs. WAS
The new-look Mercury, with eight players making their Phoenix debut on Saturday, never trailed as they defeated the Storm behind a combined 47 points from marquee offseason additions Satou Sabally (27 pts, six reb, three 3pm, two blk) and Alyssa Thomas (20 pts, seven reb, six ast, two stl).
The question is whether the Mercury can keep this going without last year’s leading scorer, Kahleah Copper (21.1 ppg, 3rd in WNBA), who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks following knee surgery.
<h2>⬇️ 6. Seattle Storm (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 4
This Week: at DAL, vs. PHX, vs. LVA
Like the Aces, a season-opening loss doesn’t completely shake my belief in Seattle. With a veteran core of Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Alysha Clark, and Erica Wheeler, this team is built to win now while keeping an eye on the future after adding 19-year-old French center Dominique Malonga with the No. 2 pick in the draft.
However, the Storm struggled to score in their season opener, putting up just 59 points. Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor each shot 1-of-9 overall, and the team shot just 3-of-17 from 3-point range. Those marks must improve moving forward.
<h2>⬆️ 7. Los Angeles Sparks (1-1)</h2>
Last Week: 10
This Week: at PHX, vs. GSV, vs. CHI
The Sparks opened the season by spoiling the franchise debut of the Golden State Valkyries in historic fashion, with Kelsey Plum setting the WNBA record for points in a season opener with 37 in her Sparks debut. Plum followed that performance with 18 points and five dimes in Sunday’s loss to the Lynx, which saw Dearica Hamby and Azurá Stevens combine for 41 points. 
<h2>⬆️ 8. Washington Mystics (2-0)</h2>
Last Week: 11
This Week: at GSV, at LVA, at PHX
In 2024, the Mystics opened the season with 12 straight losses. In 2025, they opened with two straight wins. Veteran guard Brittney Sykes (24.5 ppg, 6.0 apg) and 2025 first round draft picks Sonia Citron (17.0 ppg, 64.7% FG) and Kiki Iriafen (15.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg) led the way in close wins over Atlanta (+4) and Connecticut (+5) to open the season. For a team focused on building for the future, the start of the 2025 campaign is promising.
<h2>⬇️ 9. Atlanta Dream (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 7
This Week: at IND, vs. IND, vs. DAL, vs. CON
Despite the season-opening loss to the Mystics, the Dream have positives to build upon. The new frontline of Brittney Griner (18 pts, eight reb) and Brionna Jones (16 pts, 10 reb, five ast) should be formidable. Plus, Allisha Gray (25 pts, eight reb, seven ast, six 3pm) dropped a stat line only matched by two players ever. They’ll need to get Rhyne Howard going (11 pts on 4-of-14 FG in the opener) and hopefully get Jordin Canada (knee) back soon.
<h2>⬇️ 10. Dallas Wings (0-1)</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-198588" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/DAL10.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/DAL10.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/DAL10-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/DAL10-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 9
This Week: vs. SEA, at MIN, at ATL
No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers scored Dallas’ first points of the season – putting back her own miss on a drive into the paint – but her WNBA debut (10 pts, seven reb, two ast) was spoiled by the Lynx. Arike Ogunbowale opened her seventh season with a team-high 16 points, while DiJonai Carrington had 15 in her Wings debut. With a new GM, new coach, and new point guard, this squad may take time to jell.
<h2>⬇️ 11. Chicago Sky (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 8
This Week: vs. NYL, at LAS
The Sky scored 17 points in the first quarter of their season opener, and it was their highest-scoring frame of the game as they put up just 58 points in a loss to the Fever. Chicago was the second-lowest scoring team last season (77.4 ppg) and must generate more offense this year. Angel Reese (12 pts, 17 reb) led the Sky in both categories in the first game of her second season, but she’ll need more help moving forward.
<h2>↔️ 12. Connecticut Sun (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 12
This Week: vs. LVA, at MIN, at ATL
The new-look Sun led most of the game in their debut against the Mystics, but Washington took control late to earn the win. Tina Charles (23 pts, 10 reb) played her first game as a Sun since 2013 and dropped a familiar 20/10 game – her 38th as a member of the Sun and the 102nd of her WNBA career. Charles and the Sun will be tested this week, facing two of the top three teams in this week’s rankings.
<h2>↔️ 13. Golden State Valkyries (0-1)</h2>
Last Week: 13
This Week: vs. WAS, at LAS
The Valkyries may have lost their season opener to the Sparks, but Friday night, in a sold-out Chase Center decked out in Valkyries purple, will long be remembered as a victory in bringing WNBA hoops to the Bay Area.
Kayla Thornton scored the first bucket in Valkyries history, while Tiffany Hayes led the home team with 19 points as Golden State kept the game close until Kelsey Plum and L.A. pulled away in the second half. The Valkyries have two chances to earn their first win this week when they host the Mystics on Wednesday and visit the Sparks on Friday.
Longtime WNBA reporter Brian Martin writes articles on WNBA.com throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

WNBA_Tip-Off_2025_CM_White

2025-power-rankings-week-0

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 0

With the 2025 WNBA season set to begin on Friday, excitement and interest from a betting perspective have never been higher at the BetMGM <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">online sportsbook</a>.
After a record-setting season in 2024 as the most bet WNBA campaign at BetMGM, bettors have returned by wagering on the futures markets this preseason. Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have certainly had something to do with that.
In the <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/wnba/wnba-championship-odds-bm23/">WNBA championship odds</a> market, the Fever have gone from +2500 to +300 and currently hold roughly 80% of the handle. Only the New York Liberty (+225) and Las Vegas Aces (+275) have better odds to win the title.
Clark enters the year as the betting favorite (+195) to win the MVP award, giving her an implied probability of 33.9% in her second season. More than half (52.7%) of the tickets are on Clark to win the award over A’ja Wilson (+200) and Napheesa Collier (+250).
“Our futures have definitely been influenced by the popularity of the Fever/Clark,” BetMGM trader Hannah Luther said. “Contrary to last season, we think the Fever have a legitimate chance at the title. So, we are taking a bit more proactive action to mitigate our liabilities on them.”
“Clark&#8217;s odds to win MVP have also been influenced by public interest, but not nearly as much as the Fever outright,” Luther added. “We opened with her at pretty short odds, knowing she is one of the strongest players in the league.
Thanks to the increased betting interest from Clark and the Fever, BetMGM has offered more futures markets entering the 2025 season.
Indiana’s Stephanie White is a +100 favorite to win Coach of the Year in 2025, having received a majority of the money in the market. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is a heavy favorite (-375) to win Rookie of the Year, but she’s still received the most bets.
Wilson is a +125 favorite to win her third Defensive Player of the Year trophy over Collier (+250), who claimed last year’s DPOY. Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards is the front-runner in the Most Improved Player market at +600. Still, Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams (+700) has become the most significant liability due to sharp betting interest.
In the Sixth Player of the Year market, Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes begins as a favorite (+300) to repeat. But bettors are backing Dallas Wings forward Maddy Siegrist, who has +800 odds to win the award in her third season.
“Awards markets can be complex to price up,” Luther said. “Trades, draft picks, coaching changes, and sharp action all affect our odds. Betting on DPOY, 6POY, and MIP has been more varied, and those markets have attracted more sharp bets.”
In addition to all the award markets, BetMGM has stat leader markets, season-long player props, win totals, playoff odds, and game odds for the opening weekend of the 2025 season.
There is plenty for bettors to sink their teeth into before games get underway.
Visit the BetMGM sportsbook throughout the season for updated WNBA futures, including <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports/basketball-7/betting/usa-9/wnba-402">WNBA Finals odds</a>. You can also view updated <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/latest-sports-betting-promotions-offers-betmgm-2/">sportsbook promos</a>, including a First Bet Offer for eligible new customers.

2025-increased-wnba-betting-interest

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Pave Way for Increased WNBA Betting Interest

<div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-198465-1" width="640" height="360" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/2025_WNBA_Points_of_Education_VIdeo.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/2025_WNBA_Points_of_Education_VIdeo.mp4">https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/05/2025_WNBA_Points_of_Education_VIdeo.mp4</a></video></div>

Best Photos from the Indiana Fever 2018 Season

Related News

WNBA Draft 2018 Photo Gallery

Best Photos From the New York Liberty 2018 Season

Best Photos from the Dallas Wings 2018 Season

WNBA Players In Charlotte For The 2019 NBA All-Star