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Get ready for an exciting 2024 WNBA season as teams debut refreshed rosters and strategic shake-ups aimed at clenching the championship. With the draft dust settled and training camps buzzing, we dissect how each team stacks up. Will the Aces continue their domination, or will the Fever stir the pot with Caitlin Clark? Here’s the lowdown on where each team stands in our preseason WNBA power rankings.
1. Las Vegas Aces
The reigning championship Las Vegas Aces are the clear favorites for a three-peat this season. Despite Candace Parker’s retirement announcement, the Aces still are returning with a strong core in A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young intact. Their strength is bolstered by their depth and the continuity of their championship-winning roster. Their teamwork, strengthened by seasoned leadership, make them the team to beat.
2. New York Liberty
The New York Liberty returns their powerhouse lineup, including Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, aiming to build on last year's impressive run, which saw the team post an impressive 32-8 record before their loss in the 2023 WNBA Championship to the Aces. Despite the team’s loss Marine Johannes and Stef Dolson in the off-season, which could impact their depth, their rookie Marquesha Davis, picked up in the 2024 WNBA Draft, shows promise. If the Liberty can continue building on last season’s success, they could very well disrupt the Aces' championship narrative.
3. Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm have engineered an impactful rebuild, injecting their roster with top-tier talent to immediately vault back into championship contention. The signings of All-Stars Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike signify a major shift for the team, aiming to create a super team around veteran star Jewell Loyd.
This revitalized Storm squad aims to meld the prowess of Diggins-Smith’s playmaking with Ogwumike’s dominance in the paint, complementing Loyd’s scoring abilities. The trio's chemistry and combined experience could elevate Seattle back to their winning ways, aiming to recapture the magic of their 2018 and 2020 championship seasons.
4. Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury are set to make a powerful comeback this season, rejuvenated by strategic additions to their roster. With the acquisition of stars like Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, the team has significantly bolstered its lineup, aiming to support Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi in recapturing their former glory. Last season's addition of Rebecca Allen also continues to strengthen the team, bringing versatility and sharpshooting that complements the Mercury's dynamic playstyle.
The Mercury's aggressive offseason moves demonstrate their commitment to returning to playoff contention after a rare miss last year. With a healthy Griner back at full strength and Taurasi's leadership, the team's blend of experience and new talent is poised to challenge the league's best.
5. Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun solidified their roster ahead of the WNBA season by re-signing two crucial All-Stars, Brionna Jones and DeWanna Bonner, ensuring the team remains a top contender. Jones, who faced a season-ending Achilles injury last year, has been an integral part of the Sun, boasting career highs with 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Bonner, known for her scoring prowess and versatility, also re-signed with the Sun, opting to stay despite interest from other teams. Last season, Bonner averaged 17.4 points per game and played every game, highlighting her durability and importance to the team's strategy.
The Sun have also made strategic additions to their lineup, trading for guard Tiffany Mitchell and signing Moriah Jefferson, a former UConn standout, which bolsters their backcourt following the departure of Tiffany Hayes and Natisha Heideman. Additionally, veteran point guard Shey Peddy was brought in on a training camp contract, potentially adding depth to the point guard position.
6. Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings are gearing up for a robust season with significant roster enhancements, headlined by the re-signing of center Kalani Brown and the addition of veteran forward Emma Cannon. Brown, a pivotal presence in the Wings' frontcourt last season, played a career-high 32 games. Her partnership with Teaira McCowan gave Dallas one of the league's most formidable frontlines, instrumental in their playoff journey last year.
Emma Cannon joins the Wings bringing valuable experience and versatility from her international and WNBA career. With these strategic signings, including retaining Satou Sabally and Stephanie Soares, the Wings aim to build on last year’s success.
7. Indiana Fever
With the selection of Caitlin Clark, the Fever are poised for a transformation. Pairing Clark with last year’s rookie sensation Aliyah Boston forms a dynamic duo that could redefine the team’s future, if the past is any indication. The significance of having back-to-back first-overall picks in the WNBA is considerable. For example, Seattle drafted Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird in 2001 and 2002 respectively, leading them to a championship in 2004. Similarly, the Las Vegas Aces' consecutive top picks in 2018 and 2019 culminated in a championship by 2022.
The Fever were also proactive during free agency, securing the services of veteran forward Katie Lou Samuelson and Damiris Dantas. Samuelson, known for her sharpshooting, brings a needed perimeter threat to the Fever, having hit a career-high in three-point shooting percentage during her time with the Los Angeles Sparks. Dantas, returning to the WNBA after a hiatus, offers versatility and experience in the frontcourt, attributes that will complement Boston’s inside presence.
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The addition of Temi Fagbenle, who accepted a qualifying offer for a training camp contract, further indicates the Fever's intent to build a deep and competitive roster. Fagbenle, a seasoned center, adds both size and skill to the team's interior lineup, enhancing their options in the paint.
8. Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx's signing of veteran guard Courtney Williams in the off-season signals a strong commitment to enhancing their backcourt. Williams, known for her scoring and playmaking abilities, is expected to bring a new vigor to the Lynx following a robust season with the Chicago Sky.
Joining Williams in bolstering the Lynx roster is forward Ruthy Hebard, who comes on a training camp contract. Hebard, a former member of the 2021 WNBA champion Chicago Sky, will be looking to secure a more consistent role in Minnesota, providing valuable depth to the frontcourt.
The Lynx also made a significant draft pick by selecting Alissa Pili, who adds another layer of depth and potential to their frontcourt. Pili's college performance showcased her ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the court, making her a promising addition to the Lynx’s lineup.
These acquisitions complement the talents of franchise cornerstone Napheesa Collier and emerging star Diamond Miller, solidifying the team's core.
9. Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream fortified their lineup significantly through strategic moves in the WNBA free agency, aiming to climb the league rankings. The addition of guard Jordin Canada and former MVP Tina Charles has stirred excitement within the franchise, setting the stage for a transformative 2024 season.
Canada, a two-time WNBA champion with the Storm, is celebrated for her defensive prowess and playmaking skills. After an impressive tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks where she posted career highs, Canada's arrival in Atlanta via a sign-and-trade deal is seen as a major coup for the Dream.
Charles, a seasoned veteran and 2012 WNBA MVP, also joins the Dream, bringing a wealth of experience and scoring ability.
Further bolstering their roster, the Dream signed unrestricted free agent Aerial Powers. Known for her versatility and scoring capability, Powers adds depth and experience to the Dream's lineup, which includes 2022 No. 1 draft pick Rhyne Howard. Powers championship experience with the Washington Mystics in 2019 adds a winning mentality to a team eager to improve their standings.
10. Los Angeles Sparks
In the draft, the Los Angeles Sparks made a significant addition by selecting Cameron Brink with the No. 2 overall pick, and Rickea Jackson as the No. 4 overall pick. Brink, a dominant force from Stanford, is expected to make an immediate impact. Her ability to affect both ends of the floor was evident in college, where she excelled in scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking.
Kia Nurse also joins the Sparks this season, whose experience and versatility will be vital for the Sparks, a team looking to improve on last season’s 17-23 record.
Additionally, the Sparks re-signed guard Lexie Brown, who had a productive season averaging 12.4 points and 2.4 assists. Her continued presence will provide the team with stability and a reliable scoring option.
11. Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky are navigating a transformation this year, focusing on rebuilding and integrating promising young talents. Following a strategic pivot, the Sky traded franchise hero Kahleah Copper to the Mercury, marking a new direction for the team. In her place, the Sky are emphasizing the development of their recent draft picks, No. 3 Kamilla Cardoso and No. 7 Angel Reese, both of whom could become central figures in the team's future.
Cardoso, a formidable presence in the paint, and Reese, known for her versatility and rebounding prowess, are expected to inject youth and energy into the lineup. Their development will be crucial as the Sky look to bounce back from a season that ended with a first-round playoff exit.
Additionally, the Sky bolstered their backcourt with the signing of veteran point guard Lindsay Allen, previously with the Minnesota Lynx. Allen, celebrated for her steady playmaking, is set to provide veteran leadership and depth.The Sky also made a potentially impactful move by signing Chennedy Carter, a guard with explosive scoring potential.
12. Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics are navigating a season of transition after key departures in their lineup, including the loss of Elena Delle Donne, who stepped away from basketball. Despite these challenges, the Mystics have made strategic moves to remain competitive. The acquisition of rookie Aaliyah Edwards in the 2024 WNBA Draft, a promising talent, signifies a commitment to rebuilding and infusing young energy into the team.
While this season might be more about growth and finding a new identity, the team's adabpility under coach Mike Thibault will be key. The Mystics' focus is on developing their young talents while staying competitive, setting the stage for a gradual return to their former strengths in future seasons.
