The WNBA free agency period has been eventful, with numerous trades and signings reshaping team rosters across the league. Several franchises have made significant moves, while others have focused on retaining their core players. With the dust settling, it’s time to evaluate how these changes impact the league’s power structure. Based on roster strength and offseason acquisitions, here’s a look at the latest WNBA power rankings.
At the top of the rankings, the New York Liberty remain the team to beat. They have managed to keep their star trio—Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones—intact, despite losing Courtney Vandersloot in free agency. Their bench also remains solid, with Leonie Fiebich and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton returning. It will take an extraordinary effort from another team to knock them off their throne.
Following closely behind, the Minnesota Lynx hold the second spot after coming within reach of a championship last season. They retained their entire starting five, though they lost key bench contributor Myisha Hines-Allen. However, with Natisha Hiedeman still on the roster and the opportunity to add talent through the draft, they remain a formidable contender.
The Indiana Fever were the biggest winners of the offseason. In addition to re-signing Kelsey Mitchell, they bolstered their roster by acquiring DeWanna Bonner in free agency and Sophie Cunningham via trade. These additions, alongside young star Caitlin Clark, position them as one of the most exciting teams heading into the new season.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces faced a mix of losses and gains. They saw Kelsey Plum, Tiffany Hayes, Alysha Clark, and Kate Martin depart, but responded by signing Jewell Loyd, Dana Evans, and Cheyenne Parker-Titus. While chemistry will be key to their success, the presence of A’ja Wilson—arguably the league’s best player—keeps them in the championship conversation.
Several teams made bold offseason moves to improve their standing. The Phoenix Mercury lost key players like Brittney Griner and Sophie Cunningham but strengthened their lineup by adding Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. If veteran Diana Taurasi returns for another season, they could have one of the league’s most competitive starting fives. Similarly, the Atlanta Dream added Griner and Brionna Jones, which should help offset the departure of Tina Charles. With Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard still on board, they have the pieces to be a strong playoff team.
On the other hand, some teams are rebuilding or facing uncertainty. The Seattle Storm traded Jewell Loyd to collect future draft assets but managed to re-sign Nneka Ogwumike. Holding the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, they have a chance to land a franchise-altering player. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun are in a state of disarray after parting ways with most of their core players. Despite adding Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields, their many roster changes raise questions about their potential.
Finally, the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest expansion team, will likely experience growing pains in their debut season. While they secured promising young players like Kate Martin and Julie Vanloo, and signed Tiffany Hayes in free agency, they are still in the early stages of team-building. With the No. 5 draft pick, they have a chance to add more talent, but patience will be essential as they establish themselves in the league.
