As the WNBA offseason progresses, most major free agents have already found their new teams, shaping the landscape of the 2025 season. While a few notable players remain unsigned, the overall picture is becoming clearer. Some teams have significantly improved their rosters, while others have faced setbacks. Now that the dust has mostly settled, it’s time to evaluate which teams have come out ahead and which have taken a step back.
Winner: Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever made some of the biggest moves this offseason, signaling their intent to build a serious contender around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. By acquiring Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, and Sophie Cunningham, the team has added valuable experience and versatility. While there are questions about how the frontcourt trio of Boston, Howard, and Bonner will function together, their flexibility allows for strategic adjustments.
Head coach Stephanie White will have to experiment with lineups, especially in balancing floor spacing and defensive coverage. Losing NaLyssa Smith and Erica Wheeler presents some challenges, but the Fever appear to have a clearer direction for their future. Sydney Colson’s addition as a backup point guard provides depth, though Clark and Kelsey Mitchell will likely handle most of the playmaking duties. Overall, the Fever have moved much closer to being a legitimate title contender.
Loser: Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces made a bold move by signing Jewell Loyd, one of the league’s top scorers, but it came at the cost of losing Kelsey Plum, a perfect fit for their system. While Loyd brings undeniable talent, her efficiency has declined in recent years. The key question is whether she can adjust to a smaller role and regain her shooting form.
Beyond the Plum trade, the Aces also lost Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes, raising concerns about their depth. Some fans have questioned why the team prioritized protecting Hayes in the expansion draft over Kate Martin, who ended up being selected by Golden State. While Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Dana Evans are solid additions, the overall outlook suggests the Aces may have taken a step back. However, as long as A’ja Wilson remains on the roster, Vegas will still be in the championship conversation.
Winner: Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream made a splash in free agency by signing Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, giving them a frontcourt with immense potential. While some have questioned whether the two can coexist effectively, particularly in terms of spacing, Griner’s ability to stretch the floor slightly with her mid-range game provides some hope.
Griner has even begun taking more three-pointers, albeit in small sample sizes. If she continues to develop her range, the fit with Jones could be more seamless than expected. Regardless, Atlanta needed an infusion of talent, and they achieved that with these signings. The Dream may still have to fine-tune their roster, but they are undoubtedly in a better position than last season.
Loser: Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun are facing a significant downturn as they head into the 2025 season without their top nine players from last year. Eight have already departed, and Marina Mabrey has requested a trade, signaling a full-scale rebuild.
A once-consistent title contender, Connecticut is now starting over. While the addition of Natasha Cloud and the return of Tina Charles provide some stability, the overall talent level on the roster has declined dramatically. On the bright side, Charles will have the opportunity to add to her already impressive career numbers. She is the second-leading scorer in WNBA history and can further cement her legacy this season. However, the Sun’s chances of competing for a playoff spot appear slim.
Winner: Phoenix Mercury
Despite a turbulent offseason, the Phoenix Mercury have managed to reinvent their roster in a way that could pay off. Last season, their free-agent acquisitions didn’t quite lead to the success they had hoped for, and major changes followed. The team parted ways with Natasha Cloud, Sophie Cunningham, Rebecca Allen, and even saw Brittney Griner leave in free agency. Diana Taurasi’s future remains uncertain, but it wouldn’t be surprising if she decides to retire.
Despite these departures, Phoenix made two major trades, acquiring Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Thomas, known for her unique point-forward skills, will be a central figure in their offense. While her lack of outside shooting is a limitation, her playmaking and scoring ability inside make her one of the most impactful players in the league. Meanwhile, Sabally, when healthy, is a dynamic 3-and-D player capable of contributing at multiple positions. If she stays on the court, she could be a game-changer for the Mercury.
Looking Ahead
While free agency has already brought significant changes to the league, a few key players remain available, and some teams may still make additional moves. The upcoming WNBA Draft will also provide opportunities for franchises to strengthen their rosters. Teams like the Fever and Mercury have positioned themselves well, while others, like the Sun and Aces, face more uncertainty.
With new superteams forming and established contenders adjusting to major roster shifts, the 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. The impact of these offseason moves will become clearer once teams hit the court, but for now, the winners and lose
rs of the offseason are taking shape.
