WNBA power rankings: Aces, Liberty top list of early title contenders
The WNBA's 2026 season is approaching. Here's every team's title chances after a busy offseason.
Let the countdown to the 2026 WNBA season begin. Eighteen months of marathon CBA negotiations culminated in a historic deal early March, and the resulting condensed WNBA offseason has been a sprint. Between the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, free agency and the WNBA draft , some rosters look starkly different than last season.
Others look much of the same. As the league's 30th anniversary season rapidly approaches on May 8, USA TODAY Sports analyzed each roster and compiled its first WNBA Power ranking of the season: 1. Las Vegas Aces 2025 record: 30-14 (WNBA Finals champions) Notable additions: Janiah Barker (draft), Chennedy Carter (free agency), Jordan Obi (draft), Stephanie Talbot (free agency), Brianna Turner (free agency) Key departures: Megan Gustafson (Portland Fire), Aaliyah Nye (Toronto Tempo), Kiah Stokes ( Golden State Valkyries ) The defending champion Aces are the team to beat.
Las Vegas retained its entire starting lineup from last year's championship run and are in prime position to run it back. The franchise kept Big 3 of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who are all got seven-figure deals under the new CBA after leading the Aces to three WNBA titles in four years. The big paydays, however, won't sacrifice Las Vegas' depth.
The Aces re-signed Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd, who were key contributors off the bench last season, and added defensive specialist Brianna Turner and shooter Stephanie Talbot. Catch the Aces if you can. 2.
Continue to the original source for the full article.