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With the champagne barely dry and the Liberty celebrating their first championship, it's never too early to look ahead to 2025 and ask the burning question: can anyone dethrone the new queens of New York? The reigning champions return most of their core and have championship experience on their side, but several teams are positioned to make serious runs at the title.
The Lynx showed they're built for sustained success with Napheesa Collier leading the way and an elite defense anchored by Cheryl Reeve's coaching. The Aces will look to bounce back with renewed focus and A'ja Wilson's continued dominance. The Fever's young core should take another leap forward with Clark and Boston gaining experience. Don't sleep on the Sun, Storm, or a retooled Mercury squad. The parity in today's WNBA means multiple teams have legitimate championship aspirations heading into next season.
2024 Record: 32-8, Champions
The champs return with their core intact and the confidence that comes from winning it all. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu are both in their primes, Jonquel Jones provides elite two-way play, and the supporting cast knows what championship basketball requires.
Strengths: Elite offensive firepower, championship experience, depth, coaching
Weaknesses: Defensive consistency against elite pick-and-roll teams, potential complacency
Key Question: Can they maintain the hunger after winning their first title?
The Liberty have everything in place for a dynasty run. Stewart and Ionescu are 28 and 26 respectively—right in their primes. The role players are locked in. Unless injuries strike or a championship hangover sets in, New York should be favorites to repeat.
2024 Record: 30-10, Finals appearance
The Lynx came within one game of winning it all and return virtually everyone. Napheesa Collier established herself as a true superstar, Cheryl Reeve's defense remains elite, and the supporting cast gained invaluable Finals experience.
Strengths: Elite defense, superstar in Collier, excellent coaching, playoff experience
Weaknesses: Offensive limitations in half-court settings, lack of elite three-point shooting
Key Question: Can they add another scoring threat to complement Collier?
If Minnesota adds even one more consistent offensive weapon this offseason, they become the betting favorite. They already have the defense and star power—one more piece could put them over the top.
2024 Record: 27-13, Semifinal exit
Count out the Aces at your own peril. They have A'ja Wilson—the best player on the planet—and Becky Hammon coaching. The playoff disappointment should fuel them, and they have the talent to reclaim their throne.
Strengths: A'ja Wilson, championship DNA, elite coaching, pride/motivation
Weaknesses: Aging core, defensive decline, depth issues, Chelsea Gray's health
Key Question: Can Chelsea Gray return to full health and can they find complementary pieces?
The Aces' championship window is still open, but it's narrowing. If Gray is healthy and they add depth, Vegas could absolutely win it all. But the margin for error is smaller than it was during their championship years.
2024 Record: 28-12, Semifinal exit
The Sun remain one of the league's most consistent teams with elite defense and strong leadership. Alyssa Thomas is still a unicorn talent, and if they retain DiJonai Carrington while adding shooting, they can compete with anyone.
Strengths: Elite defense, rebounding, Alyssa Thomas's versatility, coaching
Weaknesses: Offensive limitations, three-point shooting, aging stars
Key Question: Can they add elite shooters without breaking up their defensive identity?
Connecticut is trapped in no-man's land: too good to rebuild, not quite good enough to win it all. Unless they make significant offensive upgrades, they're likely to remain frustratingly close to championship contention without breaking through.
2024 Record: 20-20, Playoff appearance
The Fever's future is incredibly bright. Caitlin Clark is already a superstar, Aliyah Boston is developing into an elite big, and the supporting cast is young and improving. With one more year of experience and smart offseason additions, Indiana could make a serious playoff run.
Strengths: Clark and Boston duo, youth/upside, offensive firepower, momentum
Weaknesses: Defensive consistency, experience in big moments, depth
Key Question: How quickly can Clark and Boston develop chemistry and playoff maturity?
Don't be surprised if the Fever make a deep playoff run in 2025. They have two cornerstone players, a coach who's building the right culture, and the hunger of a franchise that's been down for too long. They're not championship favorites yet, but they're not far off.
2024 Record: 25-15, First-round exit
Seattle is in transition mode with Jewell Loyd as their star and questions about the supporting cast. They have good pieces but need to figure out their identity. Are they rebuilding or competing? That question will define their offseason.
Potential Impact: Could jump to contender status with smart moves, or could slide further if they lose talent
2024 Record: 19-21, Missed playoffs
Diana Taurasi's farewell tour (presumably) means Phoenix will try to compete. They have cap space and a new coach who can implement fresh ideas. If they add the right pieces and Brittney Griner dominates, they could sneak into playoff contention.
Potential Impact: Could make the playoffs with smart free agency, or could continue struggling if they don't address defensive issues
2024 Record: 13-27, Lottery team
Angel Reese gives them a foundation to build on, and they have young talent developing. They're not ready to contend yet, but another year of growth plus smart additions could make them a playoff team.
Potential Impact: Likely still a year or two away from contention, but the future is bright
These teams are in various stages of rebuilding or retooling. They have pieces to build around but need significant talent infusions to compete for playoffs. The 2025 season will be about development and setting foundations rather than championship contention.
Championships are hard to win; repeating is even harder. The Liberty will face every team's best shot, deal with potential complacency, and navigate the physical toll of another deep playoff run. History suggests defending titles is incredibly difficult in the WNBA.
Napheesa Collier announced herself as a superstar in the 2024 playoffs. If she carries that dominance into the regular season, she's a legitimate MVP candidate. Her two-way excellence makes her one of the most complete players in the league.
The 2025 draft class will inject new talent into the league. Several rookies should make immediate impacts, potentially shifting the balance of power. Teams that draft well and develop young talent quickly will have advantages.
Several legends are nearing the end of their careers. If Diana Taurasi retires, it marks the end of an era. Other veterans might hang it up as well, creating opportunities for young players to claim bigger roles.
Talks of WNBA expansion continue heating up. If the league announces new franchises for 2026, it could impact 2025 rosters as teams prepare for expansion drafts and protect their core players.
The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in league history. The Liberty are champions but face legitimate challengers from multiple franchises. The Lynx are hungry after coming so close. The Aces are motivated by playoff disappointment. The Fever are ascending with young stars. Connecticut remains consistently excellent.
Add in veteran-led teams like Seattle and Phoenix looking to compete, plus young teams like Chicago and Dallas developing talent, and you have a recipe for incredible basketball. The expanded playoff format means more teams believe they have a chance, raising the intensity throughout the season.
Can anyone dethrone the Liberty? Absolutely. Should New York be favored to repeat? Yes. But the margin between the top six or seven teams is razor-thin. Injuries, hot streaks, and playoff matchups will determine who ultimately cuts down the nets.
That's what makes the WNBA so compelling—genuine parity at the top and young stars ascending to challenge the established order. The 2025 season might be the most wide-open championship race in years.
One thing is certain: WNBA fans are in for an incredible ride. The talent level has never been higher, the storylines have never been more compelling, and the competition has never been fiercer. 2025 can't get here fast enough.
