Full Breakdown
2026 WNBA Preseason Power Rankings: Aces Crowned Favorites
5/4/2026, 9:13:40 PM
League Expansion, New CBA, and Broadcast Deals
The WNBA’s 30th season opens Friday with a historic expansion to 15 teams, including its first franchise outside the United States. A landmark collective-bargaining agreement and new broadcast contracts with NBC and USA Sports have amplified league visibility. The enlarged rosters have been filled largely by overseas talent, deepening the talent pool for every club.
Las Vegas Aces: Depth, Star Power, and Coaching
The defending champions retain all five starters and key rotation pieces—Jewell Loyd, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Dana Evans (who will miss the opening stretch). The Aces added Chennedy Carter, Stephanie Talbot, and veteran big Brianna Turner to replace Kiah Stokes. With A’ja Wilson and coach Becky Hammon still at the helm, the Aces are described as “deeper than they have been in recent years” and remain the clear favorite to repeat.
Contenders Across the Conference
- New York Liberty – Built around Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and newly acquired Satou Sabally, the Liberty’s length and depth give them a strong postseason outlook.
- Atlanta Dream – Their rebound strength, low turnover rate and high-volume three-point shooting produced a league-best +9.3 net rating, positioning them as a regular-season threat.
- Indiana Fever – Healthy Caitlin Clark joins Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, forming a pick-and-roll core that rivals any offensive unit.
- Dallas Wings – Rookie Paige Bueckers has impressed in international play; coach José Fernandez plans to maximize her impact despite defensive concerns.
- Phoenix Mercury – Veterans DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb, Kahleah Copper and emerging players Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack provide experience, though age-related decline is a risk.
- Los Angeles Sparks – With Nneka Ogwumike, Ariel Atkins and a healthy Cameron Brink, the Sparks rely on interior defense and Kelsey Plum’s expanded guard duties.
- Chicago Sky – After a 10-win 2025 season, the Sky have retooled around Skylar Diggins, Azurá Stevens, Jacy Sheldon and promising rookies Gabriela Jaquez and Sydney Taylor.
- Minnesota (Tempo) – Guard depth includes Julie Allemand, Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, complemented by young forwards Kiki Rice and Lexi Held.
- Connecticut Sun – Defensive backcourt Leïla Lacan and Saniya Rivers, plus a mobile frontcourt, anchor a team that posted a –0.5 net rating last season.
- Washington Mystics – Only two players have more than one season of experience; All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen lead a rebuilding roster.
- Seattle Storm – Frontcourt talent in Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam, with Flau’jae Johnson adding athleticism, offers highlight potential despite backcourt uncertainty.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts note that the Sky’s previous 10-win campaign left them “a tough watch,” and the Mystics’ youth “gives them no incentive to win games.” The Storm’s backcourt lacks a traditional point guard, raising organizational doubts. Phoenix’s veteran core may see production dip as players enter their late 30s, and the Dream’s reliance on a high-volume three-point strategy could be vulnerable if key shooters miss time.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Injury status remains uncertain for several key players: Dana Evans will miss the season’s start; Brionna Jones’s recovery timeline is unclear; Cameron Brink’s health is projected but not confirmed; and Kelsey Plum’s ability to assume additional guard duties after Julie Allemand’s departure lacks definitive evaluation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All roads to the 2026 title go through Las Vegas.” — NY Times Athletic analysis
- “The Fever still project as a contender with the core trio of Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.” — Bobby Goddin, NY Times Athletic
- “Atlanta does a lot of things well that make the team hard to beat during the regular season: The Dream rebound the ball, don’t commit many turnovers or fouls, and take a high volume of 3-pointers.” — NY Times Athletic analysis
- “The Sky are essentially unrecognizable from last season, which is a good thing, considering they won 10 games and were a tough watch regardless of the result.” — NY Times Athletic analysis
- “(Michael Hickey / ) The Mystics are super young — only two players have more than one season of WNBA experience — and they have no incentive to win games.” — Michael Hickey, NY Times Athletic
What’s Next
The 44-game regular season launches Friday, featuring the debut of the new international franchise and a schedule that will test each team’s depth. Early performance will shape playoff positioning as the league navigates its expanded footprint and new media partnerships.
