The most effective-of-three first-round sequence, which controversially granted the upper seed consecutive dwelling video games, has been switched to a 1-1-1 construction, permitting for a extra honest likelihood at upsets. Most significantly, the WNBA Finals, which had been a best-of-five sequence since 2005, has shifted to a best-of-seven sequence that options the identical 2-2-1-1-1 construction as its NBA counterpart.
Which 2024 bottom-feeders could make the bounce to contenders?
The Washington Mystics (14-26), Chicago Sky (13-27), Dallas Wings (9-31) and Los Angeles Sparks (8-32) missed the playoffs this previous season. Amongst them, the Sky and the Sparks look like the one groups able to profitable a playoff sequence in 2025 given some abrupt modifications.
If the Sparks land Paige Bueckers within the draft, she and 2024 second general decide Cameron Brink would immediately turn into one of many extra well-rounded duos within the league and supply Los Angeles with a multi-year title window.
As for the Sky, in the event that they capitalize on having the second-most available cap space among non-expansion teams and signal an skilled offensive facilitator resembling guard Kelsey Plum, their younger core might develop rapidly and make them a title contender before later.
Will Diana Taurasi return for a twenty first season?
Over a month into the offseason, 2004 first general decide and Phoenix Mercury icon Taurasi stays undecided about her future within the WNBA. No official assertion has been made, however Taurasi hinted a few potential resolution on social media not too long ago, captioning an Instagram post “Maintain ‘em guessing.”
Ought to Taurasi return, she would wish to play in simply 16 of the Mercury’s 44 video games in 2025 to surpass Corridor of Famer Sue Chicken (580) for essentially the most video games performed by a WNBA participant.
How will the Connecticut Solar handle dire roster and employees deficiencies?
Following a second consecutive season of falling within the semifinals, the Solar parted methods with head coach Stephanie White on Oct. 28. Now, with no head coach and only three players under contract, the Solar are watching a franchise-defining offseason.
Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones and DiJonai Carrington, all of whom began a minimum of 39 of 40 video games in 2024, are unrestricted free brokers who every might command almost $200K per yr. Whereas the Solar theoretically might afford to re-sign all of them with their current cap space ($1,116,264), it might depart a depleted bench and the outcome may very well be disastrous.
Connecticut should sacrifice a minimum of considered one of its stars to free company and maximize the cash left over to construct a reliable roster for 2025.
Who has the most effective likelihood of profitable the 2025 Finals?
In keeping with FanDuel as of Friday (Nov. 8), the defending champion New York Liberty (+175) are heavy favorites to repeat, adopted by the Minnesota Lynx (+350) and Las Vegas Aces (+370).
Whereas favorites, the Liberty might lose 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart to free company this offseason, which might tremendously shake up their title probabilities. The identical will be mentioned for Las Vegas, whose 2017 first-overall decide, Kelsey Plum, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
As for the Lynx, all 5 starters from 2024’s Finals-losing group are below contract, together with 2024 Defensive Participant of the 12 months Napheesa Collier, giving them a good likelihood at profitable a title.
