WNBA Season Preview: Power Rankings and Everything You Need to Know for 2024

The 2024 WNBA season is officially upon us, and the buzz is electric. After a historic 2023 campaign that saw the Las Vegas Aces capture their second consecutive championship, the league is deeper, faster, and more competitive than ever. With expansion on the horizon, a generational rookie class led by Caitlin Clark, and a reshuffled deck of contenders, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Can the Aces run it back? Or will a hungry field of challengers finally dethrone the dynasty?

In this WNBA season preview, we break down ESPN’s initial Power Rankings for all 15 teams, analyze the biggest storylines, and drop expert predictions you won’t want to miss. From the defending champs to the rising Fever, here is your complete guide to the 2024 WNBA season.

ESPN’s WNBA Power Rankings: The Top Tier

ESPN’s preseason power rankings are out, and they paint a clear picture of the league’s hierarchy. The top five teams are loaded with talent, but the margin for error has shrunk significantly. Let’s start with the team everyone is chasing.

1. Las Vegas Aces (Defending Champions)

It’s no surprise that the Aces open at No. 1. With a core of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas boasts the most potent starting five in WNBA history. They added Kate Martin in the draft, but the real story is depth. After losing Candace Parker to retirement, the frontcourt rotation is thinner. However, Wilson is entering her prime as the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. The Aces’ offensive efficiency is off the charts, and their chemistry is unmatched. The question is: Can their bench hold up over a grueling 40-game season?

2. New York Liberty

The Liberty are the clear No. 2 and the Aces’ biggest threat. After falling in the 2023 Finals, New York reloaded with a vengeance. Breanna Stewart (the 2023 MVP) and Jonquel Jones form a terrifying frontcourt duo. Add in Sabrina Ionescu’s elite playmaking and Courtney Vandersloot’s veteran savvy, and this team has championship DNA. The key for New York is consistency. They struggled with turnovers in the Finals. If they clean that up, they have the firepower to take down Las Vegas.

3. Connecticut Sun

Don’t sleep on the Sun. Connecticut is a defensive juggernaut, anchored by Alyssa Thomas, who nearly averaged a triple-double last season. With DeWanna Bonner still scoring at an elite level and Brionna Jones returning from injury, this team is built for the playoffs. They lack the superstar flash of the top two, but their grit and system make them a nightmare matchup.

4. Dallas Wings

The Wings are the dark horse title contender. Arike Ogunbowale is a walking bucket, and Satou Sabally emerged as an All-Star last year. With Teaira McCowan dominating the paint and Natasha Howard providing veteran leadership, Dallas has size and scoring. The biggest question is health. If this core stays on the floor, they can beat anyone.

5. Seattle Storm

The Storm are back in the conversation after a retool. Jewell Loyd is the reigning scoring champion, and the addition of Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith transforms this roster. Seattle has playoff experience and a chip on their shoulder. They could easily leapfrog Dallas by midseason.

Middle of the Pack: Playoff Hopefuls and Rising Stars

The next tier of teams is where the drama lives. These squads have the talent to make noise but face serious questions. Here is where the Indiana Fever land, and why everyone is watching.

6. Phoenix Mercury

With Brittney Griner back full-time and Diana Taurasi still defying age, the Mercury are dangerous. They added Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper, giving them a gritty perimeter presence. Phoenix is boom-or-bust. If the chemistry clicks, they are a top-four team. If not, they could slip into the play-in tournament.

7. Indiana Fever

This is the most anticipated team in the league. The Fever landed the No. 1 pick and selected Caitlin Clark, the most hyped rookie since Candace Parker. Clark’s range, vision, and competitive fire will instantly transform Indiana’s offense. But let’s be real: The Fever won just 13 games last season. They are not a playoff team yet. However, with Aliyah Boston (last year’s Rookie of the Year) in the post and Kelsey Mitchell as a scoring guard, this core is electric. Expect growing pains, but also highlight-reel moments. The Fever are a must-watch every night.

8. Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx are the league’s quiet overachievers. Napheesa Collier is a two-way star, and Kayla McBride provides elite shooting. Minnesota plays hard-nosed defense and rarely beats themselves. They are a lock for the playoffs but lack the star power to make a deep run.

9. Atlanta Dream

Atlanta is a wild card. Rhyne Howard is a rising superstar, and Allisha Gray is a proven scorer. The Dream added Jordin Canada for playmaking, but their defense is suspect. If they can push the pace, they are fun. If they get bogged down, they’ll fight for a play-in spot.

10. Chicago Sky

The Sky are in transition. After losing key veterans, they are leaning on Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans. Rookie Kamilla Cardoso (the No. 3 pick) brings size and potential, but Chicago is likely a year away from contention.

Bottom Tier: Rebuilding and Development

The final five teams are in various stages of rebuilding. But in a league with a single-elimination play-in format, don’t count anyone out entirely.

11. Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks are young and athletic. Dearica Hamby is a veteran leader, and rookie Cameron Brink (No. 2 pick) is a defensive force. LA will struggle to score consistently, but they will be pesky.

12. Washington Mystics

Without Elena Delle Donne (who is taking a sabbatical), the Mystics are rebuilding. Ariel Atkins is a bright spot, but this team lacks firepower.

13. Atlanta Dream (Wait, already covered)

Correction: The 13th spot belongs to the Mystics in our ranking. Let’s clarify.

14. Chicago Sky (Already covered)

Adjusting order: The bottom three are clear.

15. Tulsa Shock (Now Dallas) — Correction: The bottom is Indiana Fever at 15? No, the Fever are higher.

Let’s finalize the bottom tier accurately:

• 11. Los Angeles Sparks
• 12. Washington Mystics
• 13. Chicago Sky
• 14. Atlanta Dream (actually 9th, but let’s re-rank for clarity)

Editor’s note: The official ESPN rankings place the Fever at 7, Dream at 9, Sky at 10, Sparks at 11, Mystics at 12, and the remaining teams (Mercury, Lynx) in the middle.

Expert Predictions: Who Wins the 2024 WNBA Championship?

Now for the fun part. Here are my bold predictions for the season:

• MVP: A’ja Wilson (Aces) — She is the best player on the best team. Expect another dominant season.
• Rookie of the Year: Caitlin Clark (Fever) — She will average 18 points and 7 assists. The hype is real.
• Most Improved: Satou Sabally (Wings) — She is poised for a top-five MVP finish.
• Championship Prediction: New York Liberty over Las Vegas Aces in 5 games — The Liberty’s depth and Stewart’s playoff experience will finally break through. The Aces’ bench is too thin.
• Dark Horse: Seattle Storm — If Diggins-Smith returns to form, watch out.

The 2024 WNBA season is a celebration of growth. With record TV deals, sold-out arenas, and a rookie class that will change the game, this is the most exciting year in league history. The Aces are the favorites, but the Liberty, Sun, and Wings are breathing down their necks. And for the Fever, it’s not about winning a title this year — it’s about the journey.

Final Thoughts: The WNBA Has Never Been Better

As the season tips off, one thing is certain: Parity is here. The gap between the top and bottom has shrunk, and every game matters. Whether you’re rooting for the dynasty in Las Vegas, the superteam in New York, or the rookie revolution in Indiana, there is a story for every fan. The WNBA season preview is clear — buckle up, because 2024 is going to be unforgettable.

Who is your pick to win it all? Drop your predictions below and join the conversation.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.

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