GM Survey

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-259920 size-full alignnone" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
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>.
<hr />
<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%
<hr />
<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%
<hr />
<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%
<hr />
<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%
<hr />
<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%
<hr />
<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 Cooper (CHI); 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

Draft 2026

Which collegiate program has produced the most players drafted into the WNBA over the league’s 30 years? What about first-round picks? What about No. 1 overall picks? What about players who went on to become league MVPs? How about Finals MVPs?
If you ever see any of those trivia questions, don’t worry. We have the answers to all of them and more!
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most overall WNBA Draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-183309 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png" alt="" width="960" height="688" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-300x215.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Geno-1-768x550.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The two schools at the top of this list should come as no surprise as they have been the preeminent collegiate programs over the 30-year history of the WNBA – the University of Connecticut and the University of Tennessee each with over 45 players drafted into the WNBA.
Geno Auriemma has been at the helm at UConn for the entirety of the WNBA’s existence, beginning his tenure in 1985 and leading the Huskies to 12 NCAA championships. The Connecticut program has sent 52 players to the league and produced some of the best players in WNBA history, highlighted by No. 1 overall draft picks Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), and Breanna Stewart (2016).
The late Pat Summitt led Tennessee until 2012, winning eight national championships and sending plenty of Lady Volunteers to the WNBA. Of the 46 WNBA players drafted out of Tennessee, 29 came during Summitt’s tenure, including a pair of No. 1 overall picks in Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) and Candace Parker (2008).
Below is the list of the top nine schools and one country that have sent the most players to the WNBA via the draft (excluding the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft.)
<ul>
<li>UConn: 52 players</li>
<li>Tennessee: 46 players</li>
<li>Stanford: 31 players</li>
<li>Duke: 28 players</li>
<li>Baylor: 26 players</li>
<li>Australia: 26 players</li>
<li>South Carolina: 25 players</li>
<li>LSU: 25 players</li>
<li>Notre Dame: 24 players</li>
<li>Georgia: 24 players</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most first-round draft picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258773" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2270764897-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When looking at schools that have delivered the most first-round draft picks, there&#8217;s a change from the list of most overall draft picks.
UConn, Tennessee and Stanford remain in first, second and third place, respectively. South Carolina enters the conversation after touting two players in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, bringing their total to 15 to round out the top four. Duke and Baylor are tied for fifth place with 11 players.
<ul>
<li>Connecticut: 29 players (last in 2026 – Azzi Fudd, No. 1, DAL)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 21 players (last in 2024 – Rickea Jackson, No. 4, LAS)</li>
<li>Stanford: 15 players (last in 2024 – Cameron Brink, No. 2, LAS)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 15 players (last in 2026 – Madina Okot, No. 13, ATL)</li>
<li>Duke: 11 players (last in 2018 – Lexie Brown, No. 9, CON)</li>
<li>Baylor: 11 players (last in 2022 – Queen Egbo, No. 10, IND)</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools producing the most No. 1 overall picks</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183311 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png" alt="Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird pictured during a WNBA All-Star game" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Top-picks-1-768x523.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
UConn holds a commanding lead with seven first-overall picks. South Carolina joins Notre Dame, Stanford, and Tennessee, with two players going first overall and holding a four-way tie for second place.
<table style="height: 120px;width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">SCHOOL</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NO.</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px;text-align: center">NAME</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px;text-align: center">YEAR</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px;text-align: center">TEAM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">UConn</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">7</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Sue Bird 
Diana Taurasi 
Tina Charles 
Maya Moore 
Breanna Stewart 
Paige Bueckers 
Azzi Fudd</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2002 
2004 
2010 
2011 
2016 
2025 
2026</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Phoenix 
Connecticut 
Minnesota 
Seattle 
Dallas 
Dallas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">South Carolina</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%">Aliyah Boston 
A&#8217;ja Wilson</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%">2023 
2018</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%">Indiana 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Notre Dame</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Jewell Loyd 
Jackie Young</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2015 
2019</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Seattle 
Las Vegas</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Stanford</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Nneka Ogwumike 
Chiney Ogwumike</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">2012 
2014</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Los Angeles 
Connecticut</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Tennessee</td>
<td style="width: 7.20528%;height: 24px">2</td>
<td style="width: 34.4978%;height: 24px">Chamique Holdsclaw 
Candace Parker</td>
<td style="width: 18.2314%;height: 24px">1999 
2008</td>
<td style="width: 19.9782%;height: 24px">Washington 
Los Angeles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools with multiple players selected in the first round</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258740" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="642" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2271210009-1-2048x1369.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Back to trivia time. What was the only occasion in which a school had three players taken with the first three overall picks (1-2-3) in the WNBA Draft?
The answer is the 2016 Draft when UConn teammates Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), and Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut) were the first three names called to the stage that night.
There have been four occasions in which the first two players selected came from the same school:
<ul>
<li>USC (1997): Tina Thompson (1 / Houston), Pam McGee (2 / Sacramento)</li>
<li>UConn (2002): Sue Bird (1 / Seattle), Swin Cash (2 / Detroit)</li>
<li>UConn (2016): Breanna Stewart (1 / Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (2 / San Antonio)</li>
<li>Oregon (2020): Sabrina Ionescu (1 / New York), Satou Sabally (2 / Dallas)</li>
</ul>
Just a week after winning the program&#8217;s first National Championship, UCLA made history in the 2026 WNBA Draft as the first team to have five first-round selections, and the first with six players selected in one draft. Lauren Betts (No. 4), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5) and Kiki Rice (No. 6) were taken in a three-pick run, with Gianna Kneepkens (No. 15) closing out the First Round and Charlise Leger-Walker (No. 18) rounding out the Lady Bruins&#8217; six selections in the Second Round.
In 2002, UConn produced four first-round picks when Sue Bird led four Huskies selected with the first six picks in the draft – Bird (No. 1, Seattle), Swin Cash (No. 2, Detroit), Asjha Jones (No. 4, Washington) and Tamika Williams (No. 6, Minnesota).
Seven schools and one country have seen three players selected in the first round of a single WNBA Draft. UConn and South Carolina have seen three players drafted in the first round twice.
<ul>
<li>South Carolina
<ul>
<li> (2023) Aliyah Boston (No. 1, Indiana), Laeticia Amihere (No. 8, Atlanta), Zia Cooke (No. 11, Los Angeles)</li>
<li>(2017) Alaina Coates (No. 2, Chicago), Allisha Davis (No. 4, Dallas), Kaela Davis (No. 10, Dallas)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oregon 
<ul>
<li>(2020): Sabrina Ionescu (No. 1, New York), Satou Sabally (No. 2, Dallas), Ruthy Hebard (No. 8, Chicago)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Notre Dame 
<ul>
<li>(2019): Jackie Young (No. 1, Las Vegas), Arike Ogunbowale (No. 5, Dallas), Brianna Turner (No. 11, Atlanta)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>UConn:
<ul>
<li>(2018): Gabby Williams (No. 4, Chicago), Azurá Stevens (No. 6, Dallas), Kia Nurse (No. 10, New York)</li>
<li> (2016): Breanna Stewart (No. 1, Seattle), Moriah Jefferson (No. 2, San Antonio), Morgan Tuck (No. 3, Connecticut)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Tennessee 
<ul>
<li>(2012): Shekinna Stricklen (No. 2, Seattle), Glory Johnson (No. 4, Tulsa), Kelly Cain (No. 7, New York)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oklahoma 
<ul>
<li>(2002): Stacey Dales-Schuman (No. 3, Washington), LaNeishea Caufield (No. 14, Utah), Rosalind Ross (No. 16, Los Angeles)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Australia 
<ul>
<li>(2001): Lauren Jackson (No. 1, Seattle), Penny Taylor (No. 11, Cleveland), Kristen Veal (No. 13, Phoenix)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Georgia 
<ul>
<li>(2001): Kelly Miller (No. 2, Charlotte), Deanna Nolan (No. 6, Detroit), Coco Miller (No. 9, Washington)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">The NCAA Title / No. 1 WNBA Pick Double</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-258772" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/GettyImages-2209779457-3-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
With the WNBA Draft being held just days after the conclusion of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, prospects have a chance to pull off an incredible double – finish their collegiate career by winning the NCAA national championship, then begin their professional career as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
That feat has been accomplished six times in WNBA history, most recently by Paige Bueckers, who won her collegiate championship at Connecticut on April 6, 2025, and was drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings just eight days later.
<ul>
<li>Sue Bird (UConn, 2002) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
<li>Diana Taurasi (UConn, 2004) – drafted first overall by Phoenix</li>
<li>Candace Parker (Tennessee, 2008) – drafted first overall by Los Angeles</li>
<li>Tina Charles (UConn, 2010) – drafted first overall by Connecticut</li>
<li>Breanna Stewart (UConn, 2016) – drafted first overall by Seattle</li>
<li>Paige Bueckers (UConn, 2025) – drafted first overall by Dallas</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA league MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183314 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png" alt="three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="940" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa.png 940w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-300x204.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/Lisa-768x523.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" />
Three schools have produced multiple players to win the WNBA League Most Valuable Player honors. Connecticut leads the way with four players winning MVP, but UConn and USC are tied with 5 total MVP awards.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 5 MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 4 players, 5 MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009), Tina Charles (2012), Maya Moore (2014), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2023)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 3 MVPs – Candace Parker (2008, 2013), Tamika Catchings (2011)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 1 player, 4 MVPs &#8211; A&#8217;ja Wilson (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025)</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center">Schools that have produced the most WNBA Finals MVPs</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-183317 size-full" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png" alt="2x WNBA Finals MVP Lisa Leslie representing USC" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2022/03/FMVP-768x512.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
USC, UConn, and Tennessee are all represented on this list of MVPs as well, but they get some company from LSU and Rutgers, who each produced a pair of Finals MVPs. USC holds the mark for the most Finals MVPs as Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000) and Lisa Leslie (2001-02) combined to win the first six in WNBA history.
<ul>
<li>USC: 2 players, 6 Finals MVPs – Cynthia Cooper (1997-2000), Lisa Leslie (2001-02)</li>
<li>Connecticut: 3 players, 5 Finals MVPs – Diana Taurasi (2009, 2014), Maya Moore (2013), Breanna Stewart (2018, 2020)</li>
<li>LSU: 2 players, 3 Finals MVPs – Seimone Augustus (2011), Sylvia Fowles (2015, 2017)</li>
<li>Tennessee: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Tamika Catchings (2012), Candace Parker (2016)</li>
<li>Rutgers: 2 players, 2 Finals MVPs – Cappie Pondexter (2007), Kahleah Copper (2021)</li>
<li>South Carolina: 1 player, 2 Finals MVPs – A&#8217;ja Wilson (2023, 2025)</li>
</ul>

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college-draft-pick-history-2026

From College to the W: Which Schools Make History in the League?

Free Agency 2026

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The following is a press release from the Golden State Valkyries:
The Golden State Valkyries announced today that they have signed forward <a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1628931/gabby-williams/profile">Gabby Williams</a> to a multi-year contract. Williams joins the Valkyries after spending the last four seasons with the Seattle Storm.
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&#8220;For a player of Gabby&#8217;s caliber to choose us in just our second year&#8230; means everything,&#8221; said Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin. &#8220;She is world-class. One of the best defenders in the world, an WNBA All-Star, and someone who makes everyone around her better. Honestly, what excites me most is who she is as a person. Gabby has deep roots in the Bay Area, and she is coming home. The community is going to love her, and I think she is going to love it here.&#8221;
</div>
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Williams averaged career highs in points (11.6), assists (4.2), steals (2.3) and free throw percentage (85.3) for Seattle in 2025. Her 2.3 steals per game led the entire league, and her 99 total steals topped the WNBA. The lockdown defender earned WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors, finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and capped her season with her first career All-Star selection.
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In 2024 she was awarded the prestigious Alain Gilles Trophy, which is given to the best male or female French basketball player, and was named FIBA Europe SuperCup MVP after guiding Fenerbahçe to the FIBA Europe SuperCup title. Williams played for Fenerbahçe the past three seasons, leading them to consecutive Turkish Super League titles (2025-26) and the Turkish Cup crown this year. Williams’ impressive international resume also includes an Olympic silver medal with France, two Turkish Presidential Cup championships, a EuroLeague championship, a EuroLeague Final Four MVP, and a pair of EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year awards.
</div>
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A two-time All-American and AAC Defensive Player of the Year with Connecticut, Williams won back-to-back NCAA Championships with the Huskies before being drafted fourth overall by Chicago in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She brings additional familiarity to the Valkyries locker room, having suited up alongside Justė Jocytė at LDLC ASVEL Feminin Lyon in 2023, where the pair helped lead the club to a EuroCup title.
</div>
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Golden State tips off the regular season on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. against Seattle. The Valkyries <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006435CB0D35E0?brand=valkyries&amp;artistid=3369949&amp;wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_WEB_GM1&amp;utm_source=WNBA.com&amp;utm_medium=client&amp;utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&amp;utm_content=WEB_GM1">hosts Phoenix in the team’s home opener on Sunday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m.</a>, presented by Chase Freedom. Single-game tickets are available at <a href="https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2025&amp;month=all&amp;location=home&amp;opponent=all">valkyries.com/schedule</a>.
</div>

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Golden State Valkyries Sign WNBA All-Star Forward Gabby Williams to Multi-Year Deal

First Round Game Recap

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Game Recap: Storm vs. Aces (9/18/25)

AP Recap

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 29 points on Sunday night to help the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces beat the seventh-seeded Seattle Storm 102-77 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series.
Las Vegas closed the season with 16 consecutive wins, tying the 2014 Phoenix Mercury for the second-longest regular-season win streak in WNBA history. Las Vegas can advance to the semifinals with a win in Game 2 on Tuesday in Seattle.
Jackie Young had 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals for the Aces. Jewell Loyd scored 14 points, Dana Evans 13 and NaLyssa Smith had 11 points and nine rebounds.
Gabby Williams led the Storm with 16 points and Dominique Malonga had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar Diggins also scored 12 points and Nneka Ogwumike added 11.
Loyd, who spent her first 10 seasons with Seattle and was <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/plum-loyd-aces-storm-sparks-57f71fc03b25a5687504b3a74a3dcc18" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">traded to the Aces in January</a>, scored seven points and Wilson added six an in a 17-7 opening run and Las Vegas never trailed. Chelsea Gray hit a 3-pointer that made it a 12-point lead late in the first quarter.
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Erica Wheeler hit a 3-pointer about a minute into the second quarter that trimmed the Storm’s deficit to 22-17 but Evans hit a 3 and then a short jumper to cap a 9-0 spurt that made it a 14-point lead with 5:56 left in the first half and the Aces led by double figures the rest of the way.
The Aces shot 51% (36 of 71) from the field, hit 14 of 29 (48%) from 3-point range and had 23 assists.
</div>
</div>

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Game Recap: Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces (First Round, Game 1)

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Game Recap: Storm vs. Aces (9/14/25)

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Gabby Williams with 16 Points vs. Las Vegas Aces

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Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm - Game Highlights

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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.
<hr />
<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>

series-preview-2025-playoffs-first-round

First Round Series Preview: 2025 WNBA Playoffs

Latest

Gabby Williams

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
<ul>
<li>Drafted No. 4 overall by Chicago in 2018 WNBA Draft</li>
<li>2022 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team</li>
<li>2x Olympic Medalist with France (2024 Silver; 2020 Bronze)</li>
</ul>
 
2024 (SEATTLE): Appeared in 12 games for Seattle after signing as a free agent on Aug. 20 following participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics…averaged career-best 10.3 points per game, adding 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game…scored in double-figures in seven games…averaged 13.4 points while shooting 56.3% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range over final eight games of regular season…scored season high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding six rebounds, four steals and three assists against Los Angeles (Sept. 15)…tallied 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting against New York (Sept. 5) including scoring her 1,000th career point…matched that total with 17 points two games later, adding a season-high two blocks and three steals against Los Angeles (Sept. 11)…averaged 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in two playoff games…scored playoff-career-high 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting in Game Two of first round series against Las Vegas (Sept. 24)…had 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists in Game One (Sept. 22).
 
2023 (SEATTLE): Signed as a restricted free agent with Seattle on July 3, missing the first half of the season due to an injury suffered while playing overseas…appeared in 10 games before suffering season-ending foot injury on Aug. 8…averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 10 games…scored season-high 17 points along with six rebounds, four assists and a block against Chicago (July 28)…had 14 points with six assists, with four steals and two blocks against Phoenix (Aug. 5)…also recorded 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting with four assists and three steals against Indiana (July 30)&#8230;pulled down 500th career rebound on July 25 against New York.
 
2022 (SEATTLE): Traded to Seattle from Los Angeles on Feb. 3…started all 36, averaging 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game…named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team for first time in career…tallied career-highs with 111 assists and 13 blocks, nearly missing career-high with 54 steals…scored season-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting while adding nine rebounds and three assists at New York (June 19)…had 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting including 2-of-3 from three-point range, adding seven rebounds and three assists against Chicago (Aug. 9)…had season-high 10 rebounds and added eight assists against Minnesota (June 14)…recorded season-best nine assists against Dallas (June 10)…played in 100th career game on June 7 against Atlanta…dished out 250th career assist on July 28 at Connecticut…averaged 10.0 points 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in four playoff games…missed first two games of semifinal series against Las Vegas after suffering a concussion in final game of first-round series against Washington.
 
2021 (LOS ANGELES): Traded from Chicago to LA on May 9, but did not play during the 2021 season due to commitment with the French National Team.
 
2020 (CHICAGO): Appeared in 22 games, making four starts…averaged 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals…scored in double-figures in seven games…scored season-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting against Indiana (Aug. 31)…opened the season by scoring 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting while pulling down seven rebounds against Las Vegas (July 26)…tallied 16 points with season-high nine rebounds while adding four assists and two steals against Washington (Aug. 1)…scored 12 points and added four steals on her birthday against Atlanta (Sept. 9)…scored 16 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals in lone playoff game against Connecticut (Sept. 15).
 
2019 (CHICAGO): Appeared in 33 games, making two starts…averaged 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds 2.1 assists, and 0.7 steals in 15.9 minutes per game…opened season with 11 points and four assists against Minnesota (May 25)…scored season-high 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting and added four rebounds against Washington (June 5)…matched season-best with 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting against Minnesota (July 10)…closed out season with 11 points, three steals and a block against Washington (Sept. 8).
 
2018 (CHICAGO): Drafted No. 4 overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2018 WNBA Draft…appeared in 34 games, making 30 starts…averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals…led WNBA rookies in steals (second overall in WNBA) and ranked fourth in rebounds, sixth in assists, eighth in scoring among rookie class…scored in double-figures in 10 games…made first WNBA start and tallied first career points on May 19 against Indiana…tallied first double-digit scoring game with 12 points while adding three steals against New York (May 20)…scored career-high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting against Phoenix (June 8)…scored 12 points and added eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block against Washington (June 22)…matched that with 12 points and eight rebounds against Phoenix (June 24)…pulled down season-high 10 rebounds and had season-best two blocks against Las Vegas (June 3)…matched her season-high of 10 boards against Los Angeles (June 10).
 
OVERSEAS:
<ul>
<li>2024-25: Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
<ul>
<li>2024 EuroCup Champion, EuroCup MVP</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>2022-24: ASVEL (France)
<ul>
<li>2023 EuroCup Champion</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>2020-22: Sopron Basket (Hungary)
<ul>
<li>2022 &#8211; helped Sopron to its first-ever Euroleague title…named Euroleague Finals MVP with 16 pts, 4 reb and 4 stl in the championship game…averaged 13.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 3.8 apg in Euroleague play</li>
<li>2021 – EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year and All-EuroLeague First Team</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>2019-20: Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (France)</li>
<li>2018-19: Dike Napoli (Italy)
<ul>
<li>2019 Liga Dia Champion</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
INTERNATIONAL: Represents France in international competition…Made Olympic debut in 2020 Tokyo Games (played in 2021), helping France finish with a bronze medal…averaged 10.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in six games…scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting including 4-of-5 from three-point range with eight rebounds and four assists in bronze medal game against Serbia…led France to silver medal at 2024 Paris Olympics as the home side nearly pulled off monumental upset of the USA, falling 67-66…named Paris 2024 Best Defensive Player and All-Star Five…averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 steals in six games, scoring at least 12 points in each game…scored 19 points and added seven rebounds, three steals and two assists in gold medal final…had 14 points, seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds in win over Nigeria&#8230;averaged 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 steals while shooting 60% from three-point range to lead France to a perfect 3-0 record in Olympic Qualifying tournament in China.
 
COLLEGE (UConn):
[SENIOR SEASON, 2017-18] Started all 36 games during senior season in 2017-18…2018 Cheryl Miller Award winner (best small forward in NCAA)…averaged 11.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game…WBCA, AP, and USBWA Second-Team All-American…lead team with 191 assists and 87 steals…finished career with 1,582 points, 1,007 rebounds, 482 assists, 305 steals, and 103 blocks with UConn posting a 148-3 overall record during her four seasons.
 
[JUNIOR SEASON, 2016-17] Started all 37 games as a junior in 2016-17…WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year…WBCA and USBWA First-Team All-American…AP Second-Team All-American…AAC First Team and Defensive Player of the Year…All-NCAA Tournament Team…NCAA All-Bridgeport Regional Team…averaged 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game…ranked third in AAC in field goal percentage (58.1%)…led team in assists with 190 becoming first post player to do so…scored in double-figures in 30 games including 20+ points in five games…recorded fifth triple-double in UConn history vs East Carolina (Jan. 24, 2017).
 
[SOPHOMORE SEASON, 2015-16] Part of UConn’s 38-0 National Championship team as a junior in 2015-16…played in all 38 games as a junior, making 12 starts…averaged 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.3 assists…opened the season with back-to-back double-doubles including a 10-point, 11-reboun performance against No. 7 Ohio State in season opener…scored in double-figures in 15 games…led the team shooting 63.6% from the field.
 
[FRESHMAN SEASON, 2014-15] Appeared 38 games as a true freshman…AAC Sixth Player of the Year and All-Freshman Team…selected as AAC Freshman of the Week three times…averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game…shot team-high 63.7% from the field…scored in double-figures 19 times including 13 double-figure scoring games that came in 20-minutes of playing time or less…a career-high 16 boards in only 22-minutes in the win at SMU (Jan. 11)…scored 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting with six rebounds in 14 minutes in NCAA debut at UC Davis (Nov. 14)…scored season-high 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting with 14 rebounds against Cincinnati (Feb. 3).

Gabby Williams signed a Contract with the Golden State Valkyries.

Won't play Saturday

Heading to Golden State

Expected to leave Seattle

Solid stat line in loss

Leading scorer in Game 1 loss

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