Subscribe
Follow Us
As the WNBA entered the All‑Star break, culminating the first half of the 2025 season, Week 9 provides a snapshot of a league defined by dominant frontrunners, rising challengers, and rebuilding teams laying the foundations for their future success. Let's explore all 13 teams in this week's WNBA power rankings, looking at key storylines and what lies ahead once the second half begins.
Precision passing on display in Week 8 🎯
Take a look at the standout plays from last week's @StateFarm Assists of the Week! pic.twitter.com/kamPLPlgJr
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 22, 2025
1. Phoenix Mercury (15–7, =)
The Mercury stay firmly in first with a well‑balanced mark since the top two haven't played a game after the break yet. Alyssa Thomas continues to nudge her way into MVP conversations, recording nearly triple‑double numbers and anchoring Phoenix’s offense.
Kahleah Copper brings scoring punch, and Satou Sabally’s facilitation and defense boost the backcourt when they're both on the court, which the Mercury expect to be the case soon. Phoenix's recent three‑game win streak into the break highlights consistency, but the team's shown vulnerabilities against elite squads. For the Mercury, the path forward depends on whether their team cohesion can compete with the league’s best.
2. Minnesota Lynx (20–4, =)
Landing near the top of the standings once again, the Lynx continue to be the WNBA power rankings' benchmark at the midpoint. Their formidable defense, with a league-best defensive rating, and second-highest scoring average anchor their identity. Offensively, Napheesa Collier continues her MVP‐level campaign, supplemented by veteran scoring from Kayla McBride from beyond the arc, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, and Natisha Hiedeman from the bench.
Minnesota shines on its home court, and its balanced elite play has positioned it as the top contender following last year’s Finals run. The challenge post‑break will be maintaining this pace as rivals regroup and the schedule intensifies.
3. New York Liberty (15–6, =)
Heading into the break, New York leads the East and sits third overall in the WNBA power rankings. The Liberty's efficiency is elite — top‑of-the‑class shooting, scoring, and ball control. The expected return of Finals MVP Jonquel Jones after an ankle injury adds dynamic scoring and rebounding, especially alongside Breanna Stewart.
The anticipated mid‑season addition of Emma Meesseman, fresh off EuroBasket MVP honors, bolsters frontcourt depth and enhances the Liberty's hopes for back‑to‑back titles. With momentum building before the break, the Liberty entered the All‑Star pause poised for a dominant second half.
4. Seattle Storm (14–9, =)
Seattle has carved out a solid record behind a seasoned lineup anchored by Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Ezi Magbegor. The Storm's WNBA power rankings placement reflects their overall effectiveness, but they’ve been inconsistent and suffered close losses to all levels of teams.
Defensive intensity and veteran leadership remain strengths, but the Storm require greater consistency on offense. Seattle went into the break sensing opportunity, and an infusion of stability could move them firmly into championship threat status.
5. Washington Mystics (11–11, =)
The Mystics sit at a solid spot in the WNBA power rankings following their 3‑0 surge before the break, pushing solidly into playoff contention. Rookie Kiki Iriafen has been a revelation, earning an All‑Star reserve nod and staying firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Together with fellow star rookie Sonia Citron, the Mystics’ rebuild shows promising development. Washington's midseason form suggests the team can challenge for a higher seeding if it maintains defensive discipline and balances out the rookies' contributions with veteran scoring from Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin. Upcoming roster health and chemistry will also be crucial to determining playoff placement.
6. Atlanta Dream (13–9, +1)
Led by Allisha Gray's All-Star level campaign, the Dream have demonstrated strong scoring potential. A commanding 86‑49 win over the Sky moments before the break highlighted their ceiling, but a midseason slump and injuries, most notably All-Star Rhyne Howard’s knee issue, cast shadows over their immediate future. If they can plug the gaps, the Dream could challenge the Liberty's spot as the East’s next powerhouse.
7. Indiana Fever (12–11, -1)
The Fever are an intriguing case study. They captured the Commissioner’s Cup, defeating Minnesota without Clark in the final game, but Clark’s recurring groin issues and sophomore struggle have also weighed down momentum.
Coach Stephanie White has largely shaped the squad's identity around Clark and role players. But based on the Fever’s loss to the Liberty right before the break, their ceiling can't depend on her health with her timeline for return up in the air. A revamped identity and a stronger defensive framework would work wonders for Indiana.
8. Las Vegas Aces (11–11, =)
The Aces sit at 11‑11 thanks to an up‑and‑down stretch, despite A’ja Wilson’s awe‑inspiring play, which has her challenging to repeat as WNBA MVP. Vegas closed out the first half of the season with a narrow 90-86 win over the Wings, but Vegas’s offense continues to rely heavily on Wilson, and when that plan gets derailed, like when she injured her wrist, it hinders the squad's production.
With a renewed focus and an emphasis on developing the supporting cast, the Aces can pivot from bubble team to elite threat quickly, with Wilson providing the spark.
9. Golden State Valkyries (10–12, =)
As WNBA newcomers, the Valkyries have surpassed expectations, and a June 7‑4 run earned Coach of the Year buzz for Natalie Nakase. However, recent losses — including a midseason three‑game skid — left the Valkyries at 1-5 in July and exposed the growing pains they do have. Golden State's gritty identity persists, but for the second half, the Valkyries must sustain their blend of pace and efficiency to remain a playoff dark horse.
10. Chicago Sky (7–15, =)
Chicago’s season is anchored by rookie Angel Reese, who easily leads the league in rebounds. The Sky have improved recently, claiming two wins in a row before the break, including over Minnesota. Chicago's future hinges on continuing this growth.
Reese has emerged as an offensive force, raising her scoring average to 19.1 over the last eight games, and her growth positions her as a legitimate candidate for 2025's Most Improved Player. But despite her brilliance, team shooting and defensive rotation lag, and most of her supporting cast haven’t turned the tide. Chicago’s future, not just this season's second half, hinges on Reese’s continued progression and system cohesion.
11. Los Angeles Sparks (8–14, =)
The Sparks entered the break in a frustrating position given the talent they possess. Kelsey Plum remains the offseason addition highlight, nabbing the Sparks some All‑Star representation with a reserve spot. Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens, and Rickea Jackson are providing high-end offensive flashes, all averaging double-digits in points.
Scoring efficiency is solid, and LA is also preparing to get 2024 No. 2 pick Cameron Brink back from an ACL tear by the end of July. Now, the Sparks must build structure around their stars to shift from rebuilding to competing.
12. Dallas Wings (6–17, =)
The Wings have been inconsistent, getting off to a poor start followed by a midseason surge, only to collapse again, dropping their last three by double digits. Dallas stood at 6‑17 before the break after starting the campaign 1-11, emblematic of an unstable team in reconstruction.
Paige Bueckers has been dazzling, making the All‑Star team in her rookie season, but defensive woes persist for the Wings, and key injuries down the stretch have hindered depth. A streak of midseason wins offered glimpses into what the Wings could be, and the rookie trio of Bueckers, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly has been a bright spot. But this ship lacks balance, and the Wings' upcoming schedule against the Storm, Valkyries, Aces, and Liberty looks daunting — not a great sign for their WNBA power ranking. Dallas’s mission post‑break: Build a system capable of winning in close games.
13. Connecticut Sun (3–19, =)
The Sun remain at the bottom with just three wins. However, signs of life, like a season-highlight win over the Storm and improved defensive effort, suggest the Sun are laying the groundwork for long-term success. This rebuild may pay off in due time.
Connecticut faces a steep climb after this past offseason saw most veterans and the head coach depart. With uncertainty off‑court, including possible relocation, the Sun must remain resilient, and they hopefully used the break to find consistency and develop young talent.
This week's WNBA power rankings make one thing clear: The Phoenix Mercury have earned their place as real threats to the Lynx's dominance, while the Minnesota Lynx stand as the gold standard — top-tier defense and offense in a championship contender that has kept winning despite adversity.
The New York Liberty, despite injuries, remain one of the league’s best. The Liberty's return-to-form pace and upcoming player resurrections forecast a promising post‑All-Star stretch. Out West, the Seattle Storm wield the depth and veteran talent to go far but have to secure more consistent results against their peers. In the middle is a pack of teams riding recent surges. The Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, and Golden State Valkyries each have strengths and recent success, but their ceiling might vary between deep playoff runs and early exits.
Las Vegas, while always dangerous, must reconcile its weaknesses despite A’ja Wilson’s brilliance. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever need to find an identity without Caitlin Clark, and the LA Sparks surprised, but they’re still searching for consistency. Further down, the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, and Connecticut Sun are in clear rebuild mode, each showing glimmers of hope but needing a lot more cohesion and development to pivot fully.
With talent across the board — from elite veterans to breakout rookies — the post‑All‑Star stretch promises fireworks. Titles and playoff berths feel far from decided, and this parity ensures every game matters from here to the Finals.
