Way-Too-Early WNBA Power Rankings: Liberty, Lynx open on top

ByMichael Voepel

Monday, October 21, 2024

After 28 seasons, theNew York Libertyhave finally won a WNBA title. And they'll start ESPN's early look at next season on top, too.

While the champagne corks are still popping for the Liberty, let's look at how things could stand in 2025, which will include the league's first expansion team since 2008.

New York should have the bulk of its core back next season. Starters Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton are under contract through 2025.Breanna Stewartis an unrestricted free agent but said last week she will sign a one-year deal with New York. Courtney Vandersloot is also a free agent, and we'll have to see how that works out.

"Continuity helps in this league," said coach Sandy Brondello, who finished her third season with the Liberty. "The league keeps getting better and better, and going to a new team, it takes time to put your philosophy on a team. Every team changes somewhat every year, but I think we've got a really good core base."

It will be a busy WNBA offseason. The draft lottery is Nov. 17, and the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft is Dec. 6. Both will be televised on ESPN. Free agency is in early 2025, plus four coaching jobs are vacant: Dallas, as of Friday, is the latest, joining Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Teams that already have locked down key parts of their rosters were given weight in the rankings. (Also, because of the potential that the players can opt out of their collective bargaining agreement after the 2025 season, you won't see a lot of contracts past 2025 until a new CBA is in place.)

So much will happen between now and next spring, but the top two teams will likely stay put in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Power Rankings.

1. New York Liberty (32-8)

The Liberty's goal under new ownership in 2019 was to finally win a WNBA title -- and they did that Sunday. They had the best record in the regular season and are expected to keep their core together for 2025. The Aces last year were the first team to win back-to-back WNBA championships since Los Angeles did it in 2001 and 2002. So it will be a challenge to repeat, but New York hopes to build on a landmark 2024 season.

2. Minnesota Lynx (30-10)

This season was a huge success for the Lynx. They were No. 9 in our preseason Power Rankings, jumped to No. 4 after the first week of games and then were one of four teams to spend time at No. 1 -- along with Las Vegas, New York and Connecticut. All five of the Lynx's starters are under contract for next season. "What we built this year has been really special," Lynx guard Kayla McBride said. "I'm excited I get to spend time with this great group even longer."

3. Las Vegas Aces (27-13)

Winning back-to-back titles was hard enough. Trying for a three-peat proved a bridge too far for the Aces, who were the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. A'ja Wilson was the unanimous MVP, and she, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young are all under contract for next season. Kelsey Plum is the other core player for the Aces, and retaining her could make a big difference. The Aces also need another scoring threat inside to help Wilson.

4. Indiana Fever (20-20)

The Fever returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and were the biggest attendance draw in the WNBA, boosted by Rookie of the Year sensation Caitlin Clark. She was also a first-team All-WNBA selection. Clark and fellow No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston return for 2025. Will free agent Kelsey Mitchell stay in Indiana? She meshed well with Clark in the Fever's backcourt. With Kelly Krauskopf returning as team president and Amber Cox coming in as new general manager, expect the Fever to be aggressive in addressing their needs in free agency and trades.

5. Seattle Storm (25-15)

The Storm seemed to have a few chemistry questions by the end of the playoffs, based on coach Noelle Quinn's comments about effort. They had some really good moments this past season but face some uncertainty with All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumikeentering free agency after one season in Seattle. If she returns, the Storm can build on the best of what they did in 2024.