GM Survey

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The WNBA is stepping into a defining new era. From A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart to a wave of generational talent across every draft class, the league’s depth continues to grow entering its 30th year. With expansion underway and <a href="http://wnba.com/news/wnba-wnbpa-tentative-cba-deal-2026">a new Collective Bargaining Agreement</a> set to take effect, the annual General Manager Survey offers a snapshot of a league already in motion.
The rise of second-year guard Paige Bueckers has the Dallas Wings selected as the most fun team to watch and most improved entering 2026, with Bueckers also the top choice among general managers as the player to sign when building a franchise.
<a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wilson-2025-mvp">Reigning MVP Wilson</a> is predicted to dominate once again and is the top choice to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award. The <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/las-vegas-aces-finals-accolades-2025">defending champion</a> Las Vegas Aces are also favored to repeat as Finals winners.
Following a whirlwind offseason marked by significant player movement, Gabby Williams (Golden State) and Angel Reese (Atlanta) are named the two most impactful offseason acquisitions, while the Valkyries and the Dream were voted the top defensive teams, respectively.
Elsewhere on the survey, the effects of the new CBA are already shaping roster construction, and GMs identify the addition of two developmental roster spots as the biggest adjustment heading into this season.
WNBA GMs responded to 42 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 15 GMs.
&gt;&gt;The results of last year’s GM Survey are available <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-wnba-gm-survey">here</a>.
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<h3>PREDICTIONS</h3>
Which team will win the 2026 WNBA Finals? 
1. Las Vegas – 40% 
2. New York – 33% 
3. Atlanta – 27% 
**Last year: Minnesota – 60%
<hr />
<h3>PLAYERS</h3>
Who will win 2026 Kia WNBA MVP? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60% 
2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 27% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving: Caitlin Clark (IND); Allisha Gray (ATL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier – 67%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be? 
1. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 33% 
T-2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20% 
T-2. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 20% 
3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Breanna Stewart (NYL); Napheesa Collier (MIN) 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark – 50%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60% 
2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Caitlin Clark (IND); Napheesa Collier (MIN); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); 
Breanna Stewart (NYL) 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson – 33%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season? 
T-1. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15% 
T-1. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Julie Allemand (TOR); Cameron Brink (LAS); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Kennedy Burke (CON); Veronica Burton (GSV); Rhyne Howard (ATL); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Leila Lacan (CON); Jackie Young (LVA) 
**Last year: Satou Sabally – 20%
Who is the best point guard in the WNBA? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 73% 
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20% 
3. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 7% 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark and Chelsea Gray &#8212; 50%
Who is the best shooting guard in the WNBA? 
1. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 27% 
2. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 20% 
T-3. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana – 13% 
T-3. Sabrina Ionescu, New York – 13% 
T-3. Allisha Gray, Atlanta – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Kelsey Plum (LVA); Kayla McBride (MIN) 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark &#8211; 33%
Who is the best forward in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 47% 
T-2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 27% 
T-2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 27% 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier and A’ja Wilson – 33%
Who is the best center in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 57% 
2. Jonquel Jones, New York – 21% 
3. Aliyah Boston, Indiana – 14% 
4. Brionna Jones, Atlanta – 7% 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson – 50%
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<h3>OFFSEASON</h3>
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason? 
1. Dallas – 47% 
2. Atlanta – 33% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Chicago; Las Vegas; New York 
**Last year: Indiana – 64%
Which player acquisition will make the biggest impact? 
T-1. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 27% 
T-1. Gabby Williams, Golden State 27% 
3. Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles – 20% 
4. Satou Sabally, New York – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Marina Mabrey (TOR); Skylar Diggins (CHI) 
**Last year: Alyssa Thomas – 50%
What was the most underrated player acquisition? 
T-1. Ariel Atkins, Los Angeles – 21% 
T-1. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 21% 
3. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Pauline Astier (NYL); Monique Billings (IND); Kennedy Burke (CON); Nneka Ogwumike (LAS); Nyara Sabally (TOR); Erica Wheeler (LAS) 
**Last year: Sophie Cunningham, Ariel Atkins and DiJonai Carrington – 17%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason? 
1. Satou Sabally, New York &#8211; 23% 
T-2. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 15% 
T-2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Bridget Carleton (POR); Skylar Diggins (CHI); Rickea Jackson (CHI); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Jacy Sheldon (CHI); Brittney Sykes (TOR) 
**Last year: DeWanna Bonner – 33%
Which team will be most improved in 2026? 
1. Dallas – 67% 
2. Chicago – 20% 
3. Los Angeles – 13% 
**Last year: Indiana – 42%
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<h3>ROOKIES + INTERNATIONAL</h3>
Who will win 2026 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year? 
1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 73% 
2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas – 20% 
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 7% 
**Last year: Paige Bueckers – 73%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years? 
1. Awa Fam, Seattle – 67% 
2. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 33% 
**Last year: Dominique Malonga – 60%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where she was selected in the Draft? 
T-1. Nell Angloma, Connecticut – 21% 
T-1. Ta&#8217;Niya Latson, Los Angeles – 21% 
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Gianna Kneepkens (CON); Gabriela Jaquez (CHI); Cotie McMahon (WAS); Olivia Miles (MIN); Justine Pissott (IND); Awa Fam (SEA) 
**Last year: Dominique Malonga, Aaliyah Nye and Makayla Timpson &#8211; 20%
Who is the best international player in the WNBA? 
1. Jonquel Jones, New York – 33% 
2. Janelle Salaun, Golden State – 20% 
T-3. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13% 
T-3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Leonie Fiebich (NYL); Leïla Lacan (CON); Awa Fam (SEA) 
**Last year: Jonquel Jones – 50%
Which country (outside of the U.S.) is producing the best WNBA talent right now? 
1. France – 100% 
**Last year: France – 80%
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<h3>DEFENSE</h3>
Who is the best defensive player in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 53% 
2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 20% 
3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: DiJonai Carrington (CHI); Alanna Smith (DAL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 33%
Who is the best interior defender in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 73% 
2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13% 
T-3. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle – 7% 
T-3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 7% 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson– 67%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the WNBA? 
1. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 60% 
2. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 20% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: DiJonai Carrington (CHI); Jordin Canada (ATL); Kahleah Copper (PHX) 
**Last year: DiJonai Carrington – 27%
Which team will be the best defensive team in the WNBA? 
1. Golden State – 50% 
2. Atlanta – 36% 
T-3. Indiana – 7% 
T-3. Minnesota – 7% 
**Last year: Minnesota – 73%
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<h3>COACHES</h3>
Who is the best head coach in the WNBA? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 53% 
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 40% 
3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 7% 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 83%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people? 
1. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 43% 
T-2. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 14% 
T-2. Stephanie White, Indiana – 14% 
T-2. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Cheryl Reeve (MIN); Karl Smesko (ATL) 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 36%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 50% 
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 33% 
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State &#8211; 7% 
T-3. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 7% 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 50%
Which head coach runs the best offense? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 33% 
2. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 20% 
T-3. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 13% 
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 13% 
T-3. Karl Smesko, Atlanta – 13% 
6. Stephanie White, Indiana – 7% 
**Last year: Becky Hammon and Cheryl Reeve – 45%
Which new or relocated head coach will make the biggest impact on his/her new team? 
1. Sandy Brondello, Toronto – 71% 
2. Jose Fernandez, Dallas – 14% 
T-3. Sonia Raman, Seattle – 7% 
T-3. Chris DeMarco, New York – 7% 
**Last year: Stephanie White – 50%
Who is the best assistant coach in the WNBA? 
1. Eric Thibault, Minnesota – 36% 
T-2. Kristi Toliver, Phoenix – 18% 
T-2. Briann January, Indiana – 18% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Olaf Lange (TOR); Brandi Poole (ATL); Roneeka Hodges (CON)
Which active player will make the best head coach someday? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 50% 
2. Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago – 17% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Lindsay Allen (DAL); Veronica Burton (GSV); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Alyssa Thomas (PHX) 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 36%
Which retired player who isn’t already coaching in the W should be? 
1. Sue Bird – 36% 
T-2. Katie Smith – 14% 
T-2. Candace Parker – 14% 
T-2. Seimone Augustus – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Lindsay Harding; Lisa Leslie; Diana Taurasi 
**Last year: Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Candice Dupree and Sue Bird – 18%
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<h3>MISCELLANEOUS</h3>
Which team will be the most fun to watch? 
1. Dallas – 36% 
T-2. Atlanta – 29% 
T-2. Indiana – 29% 
4. Golden State – 7% 
**Last year: Indiana – 75%
Which team has the best home-court advantage? 
1. Golden State – 64% 
2. Indiana – 21% 
3. New York – 14% 
**Last year: New York – 50%
Which team has the most promising young core? 
T-1. Dallas – 31% 
T-1. Seattle – 31% 
3. Washington – 23% 
4. Indiana – 15% 
**Last year: Indiana – 50%
Which player is the most athletic? 
1. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 31% 
2. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Cameron Brink (LAS); Kahleah Copper (PHX); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); Saniya Rivers (CON); Gabby Williams (GSV); A&#8217;ja Wilson (LVA); Jackie Young (LVA) 
**Last year: Kahleah Copper – 36%
Which player is the best passer? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93% 
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 7% 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 75%
Which player is the best leader? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 79% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Chelsea Gray (LVA); Breanna Stewart (NYL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier and A’ja Wilson – 42%
Who is the most versatile player in the WNBA? 
1. Breanna Stewart, New York – 36% 
T-2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 21% 
T-2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 21% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Allisha Gray (ATL); Satou Sabally (NYL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier – 42%
Which player has the best basketball IQ? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93% 
2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 7% 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 36%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line? 
T-1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 36% 
T-1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 36% 
3. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Paige Bueckers (DAL); Arike Ogunbowale (DAL) 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 25%
Which 2 teams will lead their conference in the Commissioner’s Cup to reach the championship game? 
1. Las Vegas (West) vs. New York (East) – 43% 
2. Las Vegas (West) vs. Atlanta (East) – 29% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Las Vegas vs. Indiana; Phoenix vs. Atlanta; Dallas vs. New York; Los Angeles vs. New York 
**Last year: Minnesota (West) vs. New York (East) – 50%
Which change to the league this year will require the biggest adjustment? 
1. Development Player Spots – 42% 
2. New Expansion Teams – 25% 
3. New CBA – 17% 
4. World Cup Break – 8%

2026-wnba-gm-survey

2026 WNBA GM Survey: 42 Questions Ahead of the 30th Season

Free Agency 2026

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The following is a press release from the Toronto Tempo:
Multi-Time WNBA All-Defensive Team Selection and 2025 All-Star Signs with Toronto 
TORONTO (April 11, 2026) – Today, the Toronto Tempo announced the team has signed guard Brittney Sykes to a multi-year contract. 
A 2025 WNBA All-Star and one of the league’s most accomplished two-way guards, Sykes brings elite defensive pedigree, postseason experience, and veteran leadership to the Tempo. Originally selected seventh overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft out of Syracuse University, Sykes enters her ninth WNBA season as one of the most respected perimeter defenders in the league.  
“Brittney is an elite competitor who impacts winning on both ends of the floor,” said Monica Wright Rogers, General Manager of the Toronto Tempo. “Her defensive versatility, toughness, and leadership set a standard, and adding a player of her caliber and All-Star experience is a significant step as we continue to build our roster.” 
Sykes owns career averages of 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game and is widely recognized for taking on the league’s toughest defensive assignments. During the most recent season, she averaged 14.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, earning 2025 WNBA All-Star honours.  
Defensively, Sykes is a WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection (2021) and has earned All-Defensive Second Team honours in 2020 and 2022, making her a multi-time All-Defensive Team selection. She was also named to the WNBA All-Star Rookie Team in 2017, underscoring her consistent impact throughout her professional career. 
Known for her physical on-ball defense, competitive edge, and ability to guard multiple positions, Sykes adds immediately to the Tempo backcourt on both ends of the floor. 
“I’m excited to join the Toronto Tempo and to be part of what’s being built,” said Sykes. “The vision, the leadership, and the opportunity here really stood out, and I’m ready to get to work.” 
The signing of Sykes marks a major addition for the Tempo as the organization continues to assemble a roster centered on defensive intensity, versatility, and championship habits.  
About Toronto Tempo 
In May 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its expansion into Canada by awarding Toronto an expansion team, the league’s first outside the United States. The new team, owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, will begin play in the 2026 season as the WNBA’s 14th franchise. Sephora Canada and CIBC are the team’s first announced founding partners. Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and a 30-year veteran of building championship-caliber teams, is also Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and Chairman Emeritus of Maple Leaf Sports &amp; Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS’ Toronto FC and other professional sports franchises. Under his leadership, the Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019.
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Toronto Tempo Sign Brittney Sykes to Multi-Year Contract

free

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Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces - Game Highlights

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Seattle Storm Top Plays vs. Las Vegas Aces

2025 Playoffs

After the first 44-game season in WNBA history, the playoff field is set with eight teams vying for the 2025 WNBA championship.
The field features seven of the eight teams from the 2024 playoffs, including the defending champion Liberty, the top-seeded Lynx and the scorching-hot Aces, who bring a 16-game win streak into the playoffs.
The one new addition to the playoff field is historic as the Valkyries became the first expansion team to reach the postseason in their inaugural season.
Before we dive into each team and series, a few reminders on changes for the 2025 playoffs. After two decades of the WNBA Finals being decided in a best-of-five, the series will now feature a best-of-seven to determine the champion. The opening round remains a best-of-three, but will feature a 1-1-1 format, guaranteeing all teams will host at least one playoff game. <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-wnba-postseason-faq">Playoff Schedule &amp; FAQ</a>
<hr />
<h2>(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-203744" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2234255339.jpg" alt="Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx drives toward the hoop against Janelle Salaun #13 of the Golden State Valkyries" width="960" height="640" />
Minnesota (34-10): After losing in the 2024 Finals in heartbreaking fashion on the road, the Lynx played the 2025 season with a chip on their shoulder as they rolled to the best record in the league, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by MVP candidate Napheesa Coller – who just posted the second-ever 50-40-90 season in league history – the Lynx are seeking their record fifth championship and first since 2017.
Golden State (23-21): In a season full of historic moments, the Valkyries will make more on Sunday when they tip off their first-ever playoff game in their inaugural season. Golden State has defied the odds all season long thanks to breakout seasons from players like Veronica Burton, Ilana Rupert and rookie Janelle Salaün along with veteran Tiffany Hayes, who brings a team-high 33 games of playoff experience but has been ruled out for Game 1 (knee).
Season Series: Lynx 4-0
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 1: Lynx 86, Valkyries 75</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">July 5: Lynx 82, Valkyries 71</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Sept. 6: Lynx 78, Valkyries 72</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Sept. 11: Lynx 72, Valkyries 53</li>
</ul>
The Matchup: In an ironic twist of fate, this 1 vs. 8 matchup was solidified in the final week of the regular season as the Valkyries lost two games to the Lynx as part of a three-game losing streak that dropped Golden State from the sixth to the eighth seed. Now, the Valkyries will try to find a way to solve the Lynx with the stakes at their highest. This matchup features two of the top three defenses in the WNBA, but Minnesota also touts the league’s top offense, while Golden State ranks 10th.
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<h2>(2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-203745" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2229161472.jpg" alt="A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces shoots a layup against Dominique Malonga #14 of the Seattle Storm " width="960" height="751" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2229161472.jpg 4508w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2229161472-300x235.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2229161472-768x601.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Las Vegas (30-14): No team in WNBA history has come into a postseason run on a hotter streak than the Aces, who won their final 16 regular season games (by an average of 12.4 points) to earn the No. 2 seed. Sitting at .500 (11-11) at the season’s midpoint, Las Vegas went 19-3 behind the extraordinary play of A’ja Wilson, the two-way brilliance of Jackie Young, the addition of NaLyssa Smith and Jewell Loyd thriving in a reserve role. And don’t forget about the Point Gawd – former Finals MVP Chelsea Gray – running the show.
Seattle (23-21): With Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and trade deadline addition Brittney Sykes, the Storm feature a league-high four 2025 All-Stars, but needed a win in their final regular season game to secure a playoff berth after going just 9-12 following the All-Star break – the lowest win percentage of any playoff team. The Storm boast a top-four defense and led the WNBA in steals and points off turnovers. That defense will be tested as Vegas, which has averaged 88.6 points per game during their win streak.
Season Series: Tied 2-2
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">May 25: Storm 102, Aces 82</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 1: Aces 75, Storm 70</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 20: Storm 90, Aces 83</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Aug. 8: Aces 94, Storm 90</li>
</ul>
The Matchup: These teams meet in the first round for the second straight postseason after Las Vegas eliminated Seattle 2-0 a year ago. That Storm team featured Loyd, who requested and was granted a trade in the offseason after spending her first decade (and winning two titles) in Seattle. The teams split their season series 2-2 with three of the four games decided by seven points or less. While both teams finished with a league-high 14 wins in games featuring clutch time – score within five points in final five minutes – the Aces went 14-5 in such games compared to the Storm’s 14-15 mark.
<hr />
<h2>(3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-203746" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2224200674.jpg" alt="Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream passes the ball during the game against the Indiana Fever" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2224200674.jpg 3500w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2224200674-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2224200674-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2224200674-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Atlanta (30-14): The Dream doubled their win total from last year, shattered the team record for wins in a season (30) and finished with their highest win percentage (.682) in franchise history. Powered by the All-Star trio of Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones, the Dream are the hottest team outside of Vegas entering the postseason – winning 15 of their last 18 games, including their final six games. Under first-year coach Karl Smesko, the Dream finished second in both offensive and defensive efficiency – after finishing 12th and 6th, respectively, last season.
Indiana (24-20): The Fever earning the No. 6 seed is a testament to the team’s ability to overcome adversity all season long. Indiana saw Caitlin Clark limited to just 13 games (she last played on July 15), the midseason departure of DeWanna Bonner and five players with season-ending injuries that forced the Fever to sign and incorporate multiple players at the end of the season. Helping keep Indy afloat were All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, who will each have to continue to play a major role if the Fever hope to advance.
Season Series: Tied 2-2
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">May 20: Dream 91, Fever 90</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">May 22: Fever 81, Dream 76</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 10: Dream 77, Fever 58</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">July 11: Fever 99, Dream 82</li>
</ul>
The Matchup: One of these two teams will win their first playoff series in a decade – the Dream last won a series in 2016, while the Fever’s last series win came during their 2015 run to the Finals. Atlanta and Indy split their season series, but Sunday’s Game 1 will be their first meeting in over two months – that July 11 game featured four of the five players Indy lost to season-ending injuries. This matchup features the second- and third-ranked offenses in the WNBA in Atlanta (108.2) holding a slight edge on Indy (106.2), which means this series may come down to which defense steps up the most.
<hr />
<h2>(4) Phoenix Mercury vs.  (5) New York Liberty</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-203747" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232368341-1.jpg" alt="Satou Sabally #0 of the Phoenix Mercury looks to pass the ball as Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense during the game" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232368341-1.jpg 3803w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232368341-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Phoenix (27-17): After being swept by the Lynx in last year’s first round, the Mercury underwent a roster overhaul – returning only two players in Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack, while adding MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas, former No. 2 pick Satou Sabally and nine more new players. In early July, they added former Mercury champion DeWanna Bonner following her exit from Indiana. With Thomas orchestrating the offense (racking up a league-high eight triple-doubles) and a top-five defense, the Mercury enjoyed their best season (.614 win percentage) since their last title run in 2014.
New York (27-17): The Liberty opened their first title defense by going 9-0 out of the gate, looking like a well-oiled machine. But injuries struck – first to Jonquel Jones and followed by Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud – which disrupted the team’s flow and saw New York drop to fifth in the standings. One silver lining has been the addition of Emma Meesseman, who was signed to help fill the void left by Stewart, giving New York three former Finals MVPs (Stewart in 2018 and 2020, Meesseman in 2019, Jones in 2024). With everyone healthy to open the playoffs, can the Liberty make another title run?
Season Series: Mercury 3-1
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 19: Mercury 89, Liberty 81 </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">June 27: Mercury 106, Liberty 91</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">July 25: Liberty 89, Mercury 76</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Aug. 30: Mercury 80, Liberty 63</li>
</ul>
The Matchup: The Mercury and Liberty finished with matching 27-17 records, with Phoenix earning home-court advantage by winning the season series 3-1. Between the matching records and the tale of the tape – NY fifth in offense and sixth in defense, Phoenix seventh in offense and fifth in defense, both teams top four in pace – this is shaping up to be a tight series. One key person in this matchup won’t be in uniform. It’s Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who returns to Phoenix, where she led the Mercury to eight straight playoff appearances, including the 2014 title run and 2021 Finals run – the latter includes Phoenix’s last playoff victory.
<hr />
<h2>Playoff Power Rankings</h2>
Each week throughout the regular season, I power ranked all 13 teams to go beyond the simple win-loss record and give a more complete look at each team’s overall strength and performance at that time in the season.
I’ll do the same throughout the playoffs at the beginning of each round. With the opening round tipping off today, the red-hot Aces take over the top spot after closing the regular season on a 16-game win streak. Las Vegas has not lost a game since Aug. 2.
The other team to get a bump up from their playoff seed is the Liberty, who will begin their title defense with something they haven’t had for months – a healthy roster. After opening the season 9-0, New York was hit by the injury bug as Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud all missed significant time.
The Liberty enter their title defense with the most playoff experience of any team in the field. How much will that experience come into play this postseason?
<ol>
<li> Las Vegas Aces</li>
<li> Minnesota Lynx</li>
<li> Atlanta Dream</li>
<li> New York Liberty</li>
<li> Phoenix Mercury</li>
<li> Indiana Fever</li>
<li> Seattle Storm</li>
<li> Golden State Valkyries</li>
</ol>

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First Round Series Preview: 2025 WNBA Playoffs

Power Rankings

With only four days remaining in the regular season, this is our final power rankings of the 2025 campaign.
Over the past week, the playoff picture has continued to come into focus, with seven of the eight spots secured. However, the final 11 games on the regular-season schedule will be important to deciding seeding as well as the final playoff berth.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In: Lynx, Aces, Dream, Mercury, Liberty, Valkyries, Fever</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s Out: Mystics, Sun, Sky, Wings</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In The Mix: Storm, Sparks</li>
</ul>
As the regular season wraps and the playoffs draw near, we take a look at each team’s season as a whole and how we got to this final snapshot of the league rankings.
<hr />
✅ Who’s In: Clinched Playoff Berth
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-203367" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-86.png" alt="" width="2000" height="1125" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-86.png 2000w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-86-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-86-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-86-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />
1. Minnesota Lynx (33-9)
Last Week: 1 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. at IND, Thur. vs. GSV
The Lynx are 33-9 with two games to play, meaning they are guaranteed to finish with a win percentage of at least .750 (33-11). Why is that significant? All six times the Lynx have finished the regular season with a win percentage of .750 or better they have gone on to make the WNBA Finals (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2024). Can Napheesa Collier and Co. make it seven-for-seven as they enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed?
2. Las Vegas Aces (28-14)
Last Week: 2 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. vs. CHI, Thur. at LAS
A search for the phrase “peaking at the right time” should show A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces as the top results. The Aces enter their final two games of the regular season looking to extend a franchise-record 14-game win streak that has vaulted them to No. 2 in the standings – via a tiebreaker over the Atlanta (3-0 season series lead) – and looking as dangerous as any team entering the postseason.
3. Atlanta Dream (28-14)
Last Week: 3 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Mon. vs. CON, Wed. at CON
Riding a four-game win streak, Atlanta closes the regular season with a home-and-home with Connecticut. Sweeping those two games would see the Dream finish 30-14, cementing the best regular season (.681 win percentage) in franchise history – surpassing the 23-11 (.676) by the 2018 squad and doubling last season’s win total (15-25). The next challenge is the postseason, where Atlanta looks to win a series for the first time since 2016.
4. Phoenix Mercury (27-15)
Last Week: 4 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. vs. LAS, Thur. at DAL
The Mercury completely overhauled their roster last offseason – returning only two players from the 2024 squad. The culmination of those moves is a squad that has locked up home-court advantage in the opening round (PHX holds tiebreaker over NY) and is two wins away from matching the franchise record for wins in a season (29 in 2014) with two games to play. Prior to this season, Phoenix has won 23 or more games three times in a season – they won the Finals all three times.
5. New York Liberty (25-17)
Last Week: 5 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. vs. WAS, Thur. at CHI
The Liberty will open their title defense on the road as they are locked into the 5-seed – New York does not have tiebreaker over only team they can catch (1-3 vs. Phoenix), but does hold the tiebreaker over the only team that can match them (3-1 vs. Golden State). But a key question entering their championship defense is health. Breanna Stewart has averaged a team-high 17.6 ppg, 6.4 reb and 1.4 bpg in five games since returning from a knee injury. However, Sabrina Ionescu has missed the past four games (toe) and Nyara Sabally has not played since mid-July (knee). 
6. Golden State Valkyries (23-19)
Last Week: 6 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. at SEA, Thur. at MIN
The Valkyries made history with Thursday’s win over Dallas, becoming the first expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in their inaugural season. Although a loss to the Lynx on Saturday snapped a five-game win streak, Golden State is guaranteed a winning record in its debut season – setting a foundation to build upon in the years to come as well as the present in the Valkyries’s first postseason.
7. Indiana Fever (23-20)
Last Week: 8 ⬆️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. vs. MIN
On Thursday, Caitlin Clark announced that she would miss the remainder of the season after being limited to 13 games in her sophomore season. However, three days later, the Fever defeated the Mystics to clinch a playoff berth for the second straight year following a seven-season playoff drought. Indiana has overcome multiple injuries – particularly in their backcourt –to not only stay in the playoff hunt, but lock up a top-seven finish.
<hr />
👀 In The Hunt: Two Teams Competing For One Spot
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-203368" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-87.png" alt="" width="2000" height="1125" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-87.png 2000w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-87-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-87-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />
8. Seattle Storm (22-21)
Last Week: 7 ⬇️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. vs. GSV
The Storm have a magic number of one with one game remaining in the regular season, meaning one Storm win or one Sparks loss will clinch a playoff berth for Seattle. With a veteran-laden roster led by Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins, this team has been built to make a playoff run now, but may need to do so from the 8-seed. At the All-Star break, the Storm (14-9) were in fourth place, but an 8-12 run post All-Star has dropped them into a battle for the final playoff spot.
9. Los Angeles Sparks (20-22)
Last Week: 9 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. at PHX, Thur. vs. LVA
L.A. must win its final two games (at Phoenix, vs. red-hot Vegas) and have Seattle lose its regular-season finale (vs. Golden State) in order to secure the final playoff spot. While the Sparks may fall short of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2020, they have already made a 12-win improvement over last season when they won a franchise-low eight games. That’s the season’s second-highest wins leap behind only Atlanta’s 13-win jump from 2024 to 2025.
<hr />
🚫 Who’s Out: Eliminated From Playoffs
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-203369" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-88.png" alt="" width="2000" height="1125" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-88.png 2000w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-88-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/Thumbnail-88-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />
10. Washington Mystics (16-27)
Last Week: 10 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. at NYL
After an offseason of change – Elena Delle Donne retired, Ariel Atkins traded, new head coach and general manager and three top-six picks in the 2025 Draft – the Mystics exceeded projections early in the season, entering the All-Star break in seventh place at .500 (11-11) – sending Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to Indy as the league’s first All-Star rookie teammates since 1999. However, after trading leading scorer Brittney Sykes to Seattle at the deadline for more future assets, the Mystics have gone 5-16 since the break to fall out of the playoff picture.
11. Connecticut Sun (11-31)
Last Week: 11 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Mon. at ATL, Wed. vs. ATL
The Sun knocked on the championship door for eight straight seasons from 2017-2024 – racking up a league-high 181 regular-season wins during that span, but never breaking through to win the franchise’s first championship. The core of that team was broken up in the offseason as the Sun began a rebuild. With a new-look roster featuring five rookies, the Sun struggled early, entering the All-Star break at 3-19. However, they have gone 8-12 since the break thanks to key contributions from veterans Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles and the development of their young talent.
12. Chicago Sky (10-32)
Last Week: 12 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Tue. at LVA, Thur. vs. NYL
The Sky will cap off a challenging season with a challenging final two games, facing two teams that won the past three WNBA titles – Las Vegas (2022 &amp; 2023 champs) and New York (2024 champs) to conclude the 2025 campaign. Chicago struggled with consistency (they won consecutive games only two times all year) and offensive production (currently last at 75.9 points per game). Key injuries to Courtney Vandersloot (torn ACL after seven games) and Angel Reese (Sky went 1-9 in her 10 games missed with a back injury) played a key role as Chicago has its fewest wins since its inaugural season in 2006.
13. Dallas Wings (9-34)
Last Week: 13 ↔️
Remaining Schedule: Thur. vs. PHX
The Wings close out their season on Thursday against the Mercury looking to snap a 10-game losing streak and earn their 10th win of the season. Dallas’ season has featured a mix of highs and lows. No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers has shined, ranked in the top eight in the league in scoring (5th, 19.1), assists (8th, 5.3), steals (5th, 1.6) and minutes (4th, 33.4). However, the team struggled on defense (last in points allowed at 88.3 per game) and through injuries (only three players have appeared in 30+ games). Outside of a seven-game stretch from June 17-July 3 when the Wings went 5-2 with wins over three playoff teams, Dallas has gone 4-32 while enduring five losing streaks of 4+ games.

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2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 14

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Seattle Storm Top Plays vs. Los Angeles Sparks

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Seattle Storm vs. Chicago Sky - Game Highlights

Game Preview/Recap

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Game Recap: Storm vs. Fever (8/26/25)

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Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm - Game Highlights

Latest

Brittney Sykes

<div class="ewa-rteLine">WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2021)</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020, 2022)</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">WNBA All-Rookie Team (2017)</div>

Brittney Sykes signed a Contract with the  Toronto Tempo.

Brittney Sykes was traded from the Washington Mystics to the Seattle Storm.

Removed from injury report

Won't play Wednesday

Questionable for Wednesday

Heading to Toronto

Scores nine in loss

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