Despite the New York Liberty still basking in the glory of their first-ever WNBA championship, ESPN has already shifted its focus to the future, unveiling its early power rankings for the 2025 season. To little surprise, the Liberty top the list, solidifying their place as the league’s current dominant force. Following closely behind are the Minnesota Lynx, this season’s finalists, and the Las Vegas Aces, the back-to-back champions of 2023 and 2024. However, it’s ESPN’s choice for the fourth spot that has sparked heated debate.
The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, have been ranked fourth, a decision that quickly stirred controversy among fans and commentators. When an account named “I talk hoops” shared the rankings on X, it didn’t take long for criticism to roll in. Many users expressed disbelief, with one stating that ranking Indiana over teams like Connecticut or Seattle was “laughable.” Another fan commented sarcastically, suggesting the Fever’s rise to fourth might be due to favorable officiating. The sentiment was clear—many were questioning the rationale behind placing Indiana so high.
The backlash stems largely from the fact that the Fever, despite making their first playoff appearance since 2016, still have much to prove. Clark, who had an exceptional rookie season and helped rejuvenate the team, has undoubtedly brought excitement back to the Fever, but many fans argue that one player cannot elevate a team to such heights so quickly. As one commenter pointed out, “Indiana at 4 is hilarious considering they just got smoked by the Sun,” a sentiment shared by many who feel the Fever still lack the consistency of more seasoned teams.
In light of these reactions, it’s clear that the Fever’s fourth-place ranking has raised eyebrows, with the general consensus being that the team, while talented, may be overrated in ESPN’s predictions. Caitlin Clark’s breakout season undoubtedly makes the Fever a team to watch, but fans seem to agree that placing them above established powerhouses like Seattle and Connecticut may be premature. The Fever have potential, but whether they can live up to such high expectations remains a hot topic of debate heading into the new season.
