10 Key Moves That Will Define the 2025 WNBA Season

WNBA 2025 Season Preview: Key Offseason Moves and Their Impact

As the 2025 WNBA season is set to tip off later this week, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on the whirlwind of changes that have defined the offseason. The league has been buzzing with activity, and the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries as the first expansion franchise since 2008 is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dive into the 10 key moves and decisions that have shaped what we’ll see in 2025.

First and foremost, the coaching carousel has been spinning at full speed. A staggering seven teams have new head coaches, marking a significant shift in the league’s landscape. Additionally, three No. 1 picks who had spent their entire careers with the franchises that drafted them, and where they each won championships, have found new homes. Brittney Griner has moved from the Phoenix Mercury to the Atlanta Dream, Jewell Loyd has transitioned from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces, and Kelsey Plum has left Las Vegas for the Los Angeles Sparks. These moves are expected to keep these players in the title hunt once again.

Meanwhile, the legendary Diana Taurasi has retired after an illustrious 20-season career, leaving DeWanna Bonner of the Indiana Fever and Alysha Clark of the Storm as the league’s oldest active players at 37 years old.

Despite the flurry of changes across the league, last season’s WNBA Finals teams, the champion New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, had relatively quiet offseasons. Both teams retained their key players, with Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeve at the helm.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question on everyone’s mind is which franchises will join the Liberty and Lynx in contention for the title. The answer lies in how teams respond to the changes that have unfolded since October. Let’s recap 10 of the most impactful developments:

• Sparks become first of seven teams to part ways with coaches: On September 24, 2024, the Los Angeles Sparks announced they were parting ways with coach Curt Miller after just two seasons. This move set off a chain reaction, with the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics, and Indiana Fever all making coaching changes. Stephanie White’s departure from the Connecticut Sun in October brought the head coaching vacancies count to seven, meaning 58.3% of teams will start the season with a new head coach, the highest percentage in league history.
• Jewell Loyd requests trade after investigation: On December 4, 2024, Jewell Loyd requested a trade from the Seattle Storm following an investigation into reported accusations of harassment and bullying by the Storm’s coaching staff. The investigation concluded without finding any violations. Loyd’s trade to the Las Vegas Aces broke up the Storm’s star trio and set the stage for a new era in Seattle.
• Sparks acquire Kelsey Plum in three-team trade: On January 26, the Sparks made a significant move by acquiring Kelsey Plum in a three-team trade. Plum’s arrival in Los Angeles is seen as a new beginning for the team, which is building around young talent and experienced veterans.
• Fever bring in trio of veterans: The Indiana Fever made strategic moves to bolster their roster by bringing in veterans Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and DeWanna Bonner. These additions are expected to provide leadership and experience to a team looking to make a deeper playoff run.
• Mercury make splash in post-Taurasi era: The Phoenix Mercury have undergone a significant transformation, acquiring Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to form a new Big Three alongside Kahleah Copper. The team’s depth may be a concern, but their star power is undeniable.
• Dream sign Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones: The Atlanta Dream made headlines by signing Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, two of the biggest acquisitions in franchise history. These moves signal the Dream’s intent to take the next step and become a serious contender.
• Wings initiate franchise rebuild: The Dallas Wings are entering a new era with the addition of Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The team has undergone significant changes, with a new head coach and general manager, and is focused on building for the future.
• Sky add experienced guards to younger post play: The Chicago Sky have bolstered their backcourt by bringing back Courtney Vandersloot and acquiring Ariel Atkins. These experienced guards are expected to complement the team’s young talent and help them return to the playoffs.
• Sun begin roster overhaul: The Connecticut Sun have undergone a complete transformation, losing all five starters from their final playoff game of the previous season. The team is now focused on rebuilding for the future with a mix of veterans and young talent.
• Aces rebuild their bench: The Las Vegas Aces have made strategic moves to strengthen their bench, adding Dana Evans and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. These additions are expected to provide depth and support to the team’s star players as they aim for another championship run.

As the 2025 WNBA season unfolds, these moves and decisions will undoubtedly shape the league’s landscape. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive season as teams adapt to their new rosters and coaching staffs. The journey to the championship promises to be thrilling, with plenty of storylines to follow along the way.