The WNBA landscape continues to shift in interesting ways, as surging teams separate themselves from the pack while others fight to establish consistency during the opening months of the 2026 season. While overall records still matter, recent performance often provides the clearest picture of where teams truly stand.

This week's power rankings reflect the fact that some squads are beginning to look like legitimate championship threats, while others are searching for answers as the Commissioner's Cup race wraps up and the playoff picture slowly starts to take shape.

1. Las Vegas Aces (+2)

The Aces claim the top spot after a strong week saw them move into first place in the Western Conference Commissioner's Cup race. Las Vegas is riding a six-game winning streak and had surged into a tie for the best overall record in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx. Their offense has looked increasingly difficult to contain thanks to A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, while the defense has tightened compared with the opening weeks of the season. What stands out most is the quality of their recent victories, which includes a hard-fought win over the Lynx, and the consistency of their execution. No team this week combined momentum, results, and overall performance better than Las Vegas.

2. New York Liberty (+3)

The Liberty have quietly become one of the hottest teams in the league. A seven-game win streak and undefeated Commissioner's Cup record have pushed them firmly back into the championship frontrunner conversation. New York's ball movement, perimeter shooting, and defensive versatility all trended upward during the week, and the roster seems to be at full health with Sabrina Ionescu's return from injury. The Liberty looked increasingly comfortable in late-game situations and consistently found ways to close out opponents. While their overall record trails the Aces by half a game, their recent form has been elite enough to earn the second position in the rankings.

3. Minnesota Lynx (-2)

Minnesota remains one of the league's best teams despite suffering a minor setback late in the week. The Lynx are still tied for the strongest record in the WNBA and have been remarkably balanced on both ends of the floor. Their week was very good rather than dominant, which is why they fall narrowly behind Las Vegas and New York in these rankings. However, Minnesota continues to excel in rebounding, half-court defense, and efficient offense, making them a serious threat moving forward.

4. Atlanta Dream (=)

Atlanta continues to win games and deserves recognition for maintaining a position near the top of the W's standings. The Dream were not as explosive as some of the teams ranked ahead of them, falling to an elite opponent in the Liberty, but they remained efficient and difficult for most to beat. Their defense continues to be a strength, and they have shown an ability to grind out victories even when their offense isn't firing at full capacity. Atlanta's overall consistent performance keeps it in the upper tier.

5. Dallas Wings (-3)

Dallas had a respectable week but failed to match the same momentum as the teams ranked above them in this week's rankings. The Wings remain one of the W's most talented offensive teams and are capable of beating nearly anyone on a given night. However, a respectable loss to the Lynx and a one-point defeat at the hands of the Portland Fire — even though they were missing Paige Bueckers — prevent the Wings from landing any higher. They remain a playoff-caliber team but did not have the kind of week that would place them above the other teams in the top five.

6. Indiana Fever (+2)

Indiana makes one of the biggest jumps in this week's ranking after winning three straight. The Fever looked more and more like their usual offensively dangerous selves throughout the week as their offense found another gear, generating quality shots while keeping turnovers to a minimum. The team's confidence has visibly grown following a bumpy start, and the roster appears to be settling into a more cohesive identity. The Fever did get their three victories versus teams that are struggling though, as the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, and Washington Mystics all rank near the bottom of the W, so Indiana can only move up so much for this week.

7. Golden State Valkyries (-1)

The Valkyries had an easier time than most this past week, notching wins against the league-worst Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm and keeping themselves firmly in the playoff picture. The offensive and chemistry depth have helped Golden State stay relevant despite some recent inconsistency against tougher foes. While they didn't play at the level of the league's top teams, the Valkyries' week was strong enough to keep them ahead of several other franchises.

8. Los Angeles Sparks (+1)

The Sparks finally seem to be trending in the right direction. Their recent play has been more competitive than their overall record suggests, and they displayed more intensity throughout the week. Los Angeles appears to be finding a clearer identity and a rhythm within its upgraded roster. While they remain outside the league's top tier, the Sparks' trajectory is very promising.

9. Toronto Tempo (-2)

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Toronto's inaugural season continues to be filled with highs and lows. The Tempo are hovering around the .500 mark and have shown flashes of quality basketball, but two losses in a row have thrown of their upward progress for now. Their offense remains capable of producing big scoring nights, but consistency remains an issue. The Tempo sit in the middle of the rankings because of their ability to compete with stronger teams while still struggling to string together sustainable success.

10. Portland Fire (=)

Portland also lands in the middle of the pack after going through ups and downs. The other expansion club has shown resilience throughout most of the season and remains competitive in most games. However, the Fire have struggled to establish a reliable identity against top and even mid-tier opponents. They ended a four-game losing streak by barely squeaking out a win over the Wings, but that followed a large loss to the Aces. Portland's effort level remains high, but execution keep it from moving up in the rankings.

11. Washington Mystics (=)

Washington had moments of promise during the week, especially in its buzzer-beating victory over the Tempo, but the franchise still appears stuck between rebuilding and becoming a legitimate challenger. The Mystics competed hard and showed impressive flashes, but inconsistency remains a major concern. They have the potential to surprise stronger teams but have not demonstrated enough momentum to do so.

12. Chicago Sky (+1)

Chicago endured another difficult week, extending its losing streak to three games after falling to the Dream and Fever. The Sky continue to struggle offensively, and the lack of efficient scoring remains a significant issue. Until Chicago finds more consistent production, it will remain near the bottom of league-wide rankings.

13. Phoenix Mercury (-1)

Phoenix remains one of the most disappointing teams based on expectations coming into the 2026 WNBA season. The Mercury lost ground during the week, finishing on a three-game skid punctuated by an especially heartbreaking overtime loss to the Sparks despite Kahleah Copper's 40-point double-double. Inconsistent execution has become a recurring theme even though the talent level suggests improvement is possible. However, the Mercury's recent performances keep them in the bottom three.

14. Connecticut Sun (+1)

Connecticut remains near the bottom of the rankings as its losing streak continues. The Sun have battled hard, and while there have been occasional encouraging stretches, the results have not followed. A lack of consistent firepower and difficulty closing competitive games continue to be major hurdles that they haven't overcome yet. Connecticut still has the weakest overall record, but the team slid up a spot only because another has been having an even more disappointing campaign.

15. Seattle Storm (-1)

Seattle has done nothing but struggle this entire season so far. The Storm are riding a lengthy eight-game losing streak and have not found answers on either end of the floor. Their offense frequently stalls, and defensive breakdowns continue to create difficult situations. Improvement will require more consistency and better execution in close games, which is possible. But for now, the Storm have earned the final position.

With every team still having plenty of basketball ahead of it, the placements in these rankings are far from permanent. The league's upper tier appears stronger than ever, with the Liberty, Lynx, and several other challengers capable of making deep postseason runs and derailing the Aces' repeat attempt.

At the same time, teams near the bottom still have ample opportunity to turn their seasons around and climb the standings. Injuries, lineup adjustments, and schedule strength continue to influence results, so significant changes are very likely in the remaining weeks. For now, Las Vegas holds the top spot thanks to its dominant recent form, but the race for league supremacy remains wide open as the 2026 WNBA season continues.