The 2023 WNBA season is underway. And while the superteams are living up to their billing through the early going, anything is possible in the coming months.
Will A’ja Wilson repeat as WNBA MVP? Will the Las Vegas Aces repeat as champions? Or will we see new faces reach the top?
Just Women’s Sports’ WNBA experts Rachel Galligan, Lyndsey D’Arcangelo and Eden Laase came together to make their predictions for every major award.
Most Valuable Player
Galligan: Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
One of the greatest players in the world is in a new city and has a new team name stretched across her jersey. I have a feeling Breanna Stewart has just begun to scratch the surface of her prime in New York. Stewart set the WNBA world on notice early this season with a franchise single-game record 45 points against the Indiana Fever two games into the season. Stewart looked energized and driven after narrowly missing out on the MVP award in 2022. Coming up just short of a big award tends to have an impact, and I fully expect Stewart to have a monstrous year on the court. There is no doubt that the Liberty have enough pieces and talent to be in contention all season long, although it may take a while for all of them to fully mesh.
D’Arcangelo: Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Stewart has come out of the gate on fire and currently holds the highest PER rating (38.5). She’s averaging 25.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game and shows no signs of slowing down. New team, new city, new season. And it’s all adding up to a motivated Stewie, which spells trouble for the rest of the league. That being said, my dark horse to win the MVP is Brittney Griner. She may not be back to form physically yet, but she’s already averaging 21.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting a league-leading 74.2% from the field. If she’s back in court shape by the middle of the season, that’s a checkmark in her favor.
Laase: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
If the undefeated Aces continue their dominance, A’ja Wilson could repeat as MVP. Despite playing fewer minutes this season thanks to the addition of Candace Parker and a bolstered bench unit, Wilson’s stats are identical to her line from last season. She’s averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Breanna Stewart has better numbers right now, but if the Aces end the season as the WNBA’s top team and Wilson continues to lead them to victory, then she could once again claim the top individual honor. As it stands, I see the two battling it out for the award, just as they did last year.
Rookie of the Year
Galligan: Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever
I have been very impressed with Boston’s ability to seamlessly make the transition from college to the WNBA in such a short amount of time. The 6-5 rookie is second on the Fever in scoring with 15.8 points per game to go along with 6.0 rebounds, and she is shooting an efficient 66.7% from the floor. While those numbers look nearly identical to the type of numbers she put up at South Carolina, the only glaring area of concern has been her ability to adjust to fouls called — which is completely expected. Boston looks comfortable, confident and has the ability to throw her Fever team on her back down the stretch in games. Boston will get the minutes and experience necessary this season to showcase her impact in the WNBA, and I fully anticipate her to take home the Rookie of the Year award when it’s all said and done.
D’Arcangelo: Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever
It’s no secret that Boston was the most pro-ready player in the 2023 WNBA draft. And she’s backed up the hype so far this season, averaging 15.8 points and 6.0 rebounds through four games. Out of all of the rookies, Boston has had the most minutes and the biggest impact on her team. While her former South Carolina teammate Zia Cooke, No. 2 overall pick Diamond Miller and international product Sika Koné are worth keeping an eye on, I think Boston might run away with this one.
Laase: Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever
The rookie race could change as the season progresses and players get settled into the league, but it’s hard to imagine anyone but Boston taking the award. She’s the frontrunner for all of the reasons mentioned above.
Coach of the Year
Galligan: Stephanie White, Connecticut Sun
We saw half the league face coaching changes this last offseason, and White didn’t have the easiest act to follow in the Curt Miller and Jonquel Jones era in Connecticut. The early showings of this Sun team seem promising, with a combination of the Sun toughness to which we’ve been accustomed but also a breath of fresh air and new faces. The Sun have experience, veterans who know what it takes to win and fresh faces eager to fit into White’s system. White has the experience to bring all of that together and compete at the highest levels this season, and because of that, I think she has a good shot at the Coach of the Year award.
D’Arcangelo: Curt Miller, Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks were a shell of their former selves last season. Derek Fisher was relieved shortly after the season started, and Liz Cambage jumped ship later in the year. Enter Miller. Since taking the helm, he’s added key players around the core of Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, including Layshia Clarendon, Lexie Brown, Dearica Hamby and Karlie Samuelson. He also brought in Jasmine Thomas and Azurá Stevens, who are both recovering from injuries. Adding Zia Cooke via the draft looks like a smart move as well. And by all accounts, the player combination and rotation seems to be working. Miller has the coaching pedigree and savvy to turn things around in LA. By the end of the season, I think we see the Sparks make the biggest leap.
Laase: Christie Sides, Indiana Fever
I can see White or Miller taking home the award, but I’ll add in Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides as a dark horse candidate. After losing 20 consecutive games, the Fever snapped their losing streak against the Dream, and you can see the product coming together on the court. Winning one game certainly isn’t enough to earn Sides the COY award, but if they Fever continue to put things together and find themselves in the running for a playoff spot, then she could earn the accolade.
Defensive Player of the Year
Galligan: Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Griner was named Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons in 2014 and 2015 and is making a strong case for her third. Griner leads the WNBA in blocks at 3.7 per game early on this season, and the 6-9 center alters the entire dynamic of the game with her imposing presence in the paint. Griner has been dominant, swatting shots and forcing players to second guess their decision-making in the paint, and she single-handedly has the ability to shift game momentum. I’ve got my eye on Griner and the Mercury as they continue to work their way back into form.
D’Arcangelo: Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun
Thomas has flirted with Defensive Player of the Year honors for the past few seasons. She was the WNBA steals leader and part of the All-Defensive First Team in 2020, and she made the All-Defensive Second Team in 2017, 2019 and 2022. Last season was her most productive year on the defensive side of the ball. Her physical play, knack for rebounding and court awareness have set her apart defensively, especially in the paint. Maybe this will be the year she finally comes away with the award.
Laase: Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun
I’m with Lyndsey on this one. Thomas has been close to winning DPOY several times, and for good reason. Her defensive ability is well-known, but in many ways still underrated. Thomas has tremendous strength and instincts, and she can guard multiple positions on the court, making her a tremendous asset for the Sun. She also attacks the glass and manages to stay out of foul trouble. All of those qualities add up for an impressive DPOY resume.
Sixth Player of the Year
Galligan: Alysha Clark, Las Vegas Aces
This is a tough one for me early on this season, and with several names at the top of the list, ultimately I come back to Clark. She brings a well-rounded approach on both ends of the floor and has a versatility to her game that allows her to embrace whatever is asked of her. She made the decision to take her talents to the Aces fully understanding she’d likely need to embrace the sixth player role and contribute both offensively and defensively off the bench. Clark has been asked to accept many different roles during her WNBA career but arguably would be a starter for any other team. Early on, she’s been steady and consistent, averaging 8.5 points, shooting an efficient 48% from the field and collecting 1.8 rebounds per game.
D’Arcangelo: Sug Sutton, Phoenix Mercury
Sutton was selected 36th overall in the 2020 WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. She played in 12 games, averaging 9 minutes and 2.8 points. This season, Sutton signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury. She not only made the roster, she’s been an integral part of the team. Coming off the bench, Sutton is averaging 30.0 minutes and 12.3 points per game. As the third-leading scorer on the Mercury, she has been a reliable and steady presence in the absence of Shey Peddy and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Laase: Marine Johannès, New York Liberty
She hasn’t played a game yet because of overseas obligations, but now that Johannès is back on American soil, I expect her to make a major impact for the Liberty. The guard could easily be a starter on another team, but due to the stacked nature of the Liberty, she will be coming off the bench. Her ability to create, for herself and for others, makes Johannès an asset off the bench. It means the Liberty can sub out Courtney Vandersloot or Sabrina Ionescu without offensive drop-off, which is a major luxury. Johannès averaged 10.0 points and 3.4 assists last season, while dazzling with her passing ability.
Most Improved Player
Galligan: Lexie Brown, Los Angeles Sparks
While there is a strong case to be made for a lot of second-year players – including NaLyssa Smith, Shakira Austin and even Naz Hillmon – I have been so impressed with the way Brown has started this season. While it has taken Brown a few years to find her full comfort as she has faced a lot of change, she looks as confident and comfortable than I have seen her in her six WNBA seasons. Brown is getting a chance to play consistent minutes, averaging 10.7 points and is shooting 43% from the 3-point line, making her one of the top perimeter threats in the league early on. Curt Miller knows how to coach a backcourt, and he’s going to put his players in the right situations to have success. For that season, Brown is one of my early favorites for Most Improved.
D’Arcangelo: Lexie Brown, Los Angeles Sparks
This award is going to be tough to decide. There’s a handful of players who have put in the work in the offseason and it’s translating to the court. As Rachel mentions, Smith and Austin look like anything but second-year players. Satou Sabally is fully healthy and having a great start to the season for Dallas. But I really like what I’ve seen in Brown, who is now in her sixth season in the W. Brown has come alive in her second year with the Sparks, averaging career-bests in minutes, points, field goal percentage, assists, rebounds and 3-point field goal percentage. There’s no denying she’s improved across the board.
Laase: Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics
Shakira Austin is well on her way to becoming a WNBA star, and she’s already a major piece on a Mystics squad that can contend for a title. Austin’s minutes have increased from 21.6 to 27.0 per game, and her stats have followed suit. The center is averaging 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game, improving upon last season’s stat line of 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.8 steals. What’s more, Austin is becoming a player the Mystics can play through. When they get her the ball, good things happen, whether it’s Austin attacking her defender and finishing, or finding a teammate for an open shot.
Most Surprising Team So Far
Galligan: Washington Mystics
The Mystics came out of the gate hot from the jump, dominating the Liberty on opening day, but then they dropped their next two to the Sun. Elena Delle Donne looks fantastic and healthy and Shakira Austin has really taken a huge step from her rookie season, playing more and more like a seasoned veteran every single night. The Mystics’ backcourt has struggled to connect and score at the rate I would have expected, but I’m not concerned. It’s early, and I fully expect their veteran guards to start to connect more offensively in the coming weeks. Look for this team to be among the top four at the end of the season.
D’Arcangelo: Chicago Sky
The Sky was literally falling in Chicago, as the team’s core group of players left for other teams during free agency. But coach and general manager James Wade has seemingly pulled a little magic out of his hat, assembling a viable roster that’s deeper than people think. Kahleah Copper leads the team with 14.6 points per game and is relishing the go-to player role. And although it cost Chicago a pretty penny, Marina Mabrey has been worth every cent so far with 14.3 points per game. Grabbing Sika Koné off waivers after the rookie forward was let go from the Liberty also looks like a win for the Sky. Despite having a completely different player rotation, Chicago has manage to make it all work. And it’s been fun to watch.
Laase: Connecticut Sun
With a new coach and the absence of Jonquel Jones, I expected some drop-off from last season’s runner up. But the Sun look just as good – dare I say, better at times – than they did last season. No one player has stepped in to fill Jones’ shoes, but together, everyone is taking on bigger roles to fill the scoring and defensive gap she left behind. Connecticut has incredible chemistry, and every player understands what Stephanie White needs from them. With two early wins over the Mystics, the Sun have my attention.
WNBA Champions
Galligan: Las Vegas Aces
It’s hard to look at the Las Vegas Aces and argue against them as the heavy favorite to win a title again in 2023. The Aces reloaded in the offseason and found ways to address their lack of depth with the addition of WNBA champions Candace Parker and Alysha Clark to go along with their All-Star core from last year. This team has what it takes to repeat, they are a matchup nightmare, and someone different can go off any given night.
D’Arcangelo: Las Vegas Aces
After winning its first title in franchise history last season, Las Vegas somehow leveled up by signing Candace Parker and Alysha Clark in free agency. With a complete roster featuring some of the best players in the league, it’s difficult to find a weakness. Jackie Young won the Most Improved Player award last season and looks even better as an early MVP candidate, while Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are continuing to do their thing. Adding Parker into the mix along with a defensive X-factor like Clark only makes the Aces that much more dominant. A repeat looks inevitable — unless the Liberty have something to say about it.
Laase: Las Vegas Aces
The defending champs are once again the favorite to win the WNBA title. There are teams that could challenge them, including the Mystics, Sun and Liberty, but overall, no one compares. A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Candace Parker are all incredible talents, but they also play well together as a team. Parker transitioned into the lineup seamlessly, and with the addition of Alysha Clark to bolster the bench unit, the Aces are even better than last season.
The 2023 WNBA season is here.
After much waiting and an eventful preseason, the 27th season of the league got underway Friday. With a busy few days of both regular season and commissioner’s cup action, Just Women’s Sports lays out how to watch every WNBA game this weekend, plus results and scores.
*All times are listed in ET
**Denotes a Commissioner’s Cup matchup
WNBA Games Today — Sunday, May 21
Washington Mystics vs. Connecticut Sun**
1 p.m. on WNBA League Pass (Local: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Washington/Monumental Sports)
After sending a message with a win against the Liberty on Friday, the Mystics face the Sun on the road.
Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty**
2 p.m. on Twitter, (Local: YES, Facebook.com/Indiana Fever); Replay on WNBA League Pass
After falling to the Mystics on Friday, the Liberty’s new “superteam” will look to rebound in their home opener at Barclays Center.
Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury
4 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN+
Brittney Griner’s homecoming game comes against the Sky. The eight-time WNBA All-Star competed in her first official WNBA game in 579 days on Friday night, playing 25 minutes in the Phoenix Mercury’s 94-71 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.
WNBA Results — Friday, May 19
Connecticut Sun 70, Indiana Fever 61**
7 p.m. on WNBA League Pass (Local: Bally Sports Indiana, NECN)
New York Liberty 64, Washington Mystics 80**
7 p.m. on NBA TV (Local: NBC Sports Washington/Monumental Sports, WWOR-My9)
Chicago Sky 77, Minnesota Lynx 66
8 p.m. on WNBA League Pass (Local: Bally Sports North Extra, Marquee Sports Network/CW 26)
Phoenix Mercury 71, Los Angeles Sparks 94**
11 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN+
WNBA Results — Saturday, May 20
Atlanta Dream 78, Dallas Wings 85
1 p.m. on ABC
Las Vegas Aces 105, Seattle Storm 64**
3 p.m. on ABC
The Aces defeated the Storm, 105-64, breaking the WNBA record for largest margin of victory by any WNBA team in a season opener. Read more here.
Chicago Sky center Astou Ndour-Fall opted out of the 2023 WNBA season due to her overseas commitments, becoming one of the first dominoes to fall in the wake of the controversial new rule.
The prioritization rule requires WNBA players to return from overseas play by the time the league opens its season on May 19. Players who fail to do so will be ineligible to play in 2023, and Ndour-Fall will be one of them. Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams could be another.
How does the prioritization rule work? And how did it come to be? Just Women’s Sports breaks down the answers.
How does the prioritization rule work?
The rule requires players to prioritize the WNBA over international leagues. It was codified in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement but goes into effect for the first time for the 2023 season.
Players with more than two years of experience in the WNBA must report to their teams by May 1. If they do not, they will be fined. And if they miss the start of the regular season on May 19, they will be suspended for the year.
In 2024, the consequences will get even harsher: Players will be suspended for the whole season if they do not join their WNBA teams by May 1 or the start of training camp, whichever is later.
What’s the problem?
Many WNBA players head overseas in the offseason to supplement their WNBA incomes. Last offseason, almost half of the WNBA’s 144 players went overseas, per the Associated Press.
Players can make much more money abroad then they do in the U.S.-based league.
Breanna Stewart, for example, signed a supermax one-year deal with the Seattle Storm in 2022. The deal was worth $228,094, just a fraction of the $1.5 million per year she made for Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg. Though she left the Russian club for Fenerbahce in 2022, she likely earned another large payday.
The WNBA holds its season in the summer, while international leagues play in the winter, which has allowed players to stay on the court throughout the year. But some international leagues’ late-season schedules have conflicted with the start of the WNBA season in recent years.
How did it come to be?
The prioritization rule was negotiated as part of the WNBA’s latest CBA, which was signed in 2020 and runs through 2027.
“The owners really stepped up on the compensation side for the players in this collective bargaining cycle, and I think the kind of quid pro quo for that was prioritization, showing up on time for our season,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said ahead of the 2022 WNBA Finals.
The WNBA Players Association agreed to the clause as a concession to the league so they could make gains in other areas of the CBA.
“The league was in a place of not negotiating without it,” WNBA legend Sue Bird said of prioritization. “We wouldn’t have got the money, the maternity leave, without it. I’m not defending it… I want the WNBA to be the only league people play in. I want it to thrive so we never have to go overseas.”
What’s next?
Several players have indicated that as long as salaries in international leagues eclipse those in the WNBA, the prioritization clause will remain an issue.
Emma Meesseman, who has not signed with a WNBA team for the 2023 season, has said the rule is unfair to non-American players.
The WNBA is heading to Canada for a preseason game. The Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx will play in front of a sold-out crowd at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast on TSN and Sportsnet in Canada, while U.S. and international viewers can find the game on WNBA League Pass. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. ET.
It will mark the first time the WNBA has played a game in Canada and just the third time a preseason game has taken place outside of the United States. Previously, games have been played in Mexico (2004) and England (2011).
“Bringing a WNBA preseason game to Canada is an important milestone for the global growth of the league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in January. “I’ve spoken often of the global popularity of women’s basketball and, this past season, WNBA games were broadcast in 207 countries and territories, including in Canada, where fans have shown a great appetite for WNBA action.
“And as Canadian stars like Bridget Carleton, Natalie Achonwa and Kia Nurse continue to flourish in and drive interest around the league, we’re looking forward building on the momentum and excitement surrounding the WNBA in Canada with this historic game.”
While the WNBA expansion timeline is murky, Toronto has been floated as a potential city for expansion, adding intrigue to the matchup and local the events surrounding it.
“We are looking forward to participating in this historic game for the WNBA,” said Lynx head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve. “The league’s global popularity has shown incredible growth, and I am pleased our team will be a part of continuing to pave the path for the WNBA by bringing our game to Canada.”
As WNBA training camp continues, so do roster cuts, which led to Washington Mystics star Natasha Cloud highlighting the need for expansion.
“We need more teams,” she wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “These players deserve to be on a roster. It really kills me.”
We need more teams. These players deserve to be on a roster. It really kills me😔
— Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4) May 7, 2023
Evina Westbrook and Alisia Jenkins were waived from the Mystics’ roster on Sunday. Westbrook played six games for Washington last season, averaging 3.3 points per game. Jenkins, meanwhile, was signed to a training camp contract in February.
Of course, WNBA expansion has been a hot-button issue for the past few years as teams have continued to feel the squeeze of a 12-player roster. While the 12-team league is looking into – and is narrowing down possible locations for – expansion, there hasn’t been much movement since the end of the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, the NWSL has capitalized on the growth of women’s sports with a two-team expansion set for 2024 and another team to be added in 2025 or 2026. They’ve also added three teams in the last four years, with both Angel City FC and San Diego setting league records in the last year.
Chicago Sky head coach and general manager James Wade told the Chicago Sun-Times that he’s postponed roster cuts as long as he can.
“You want to procrastinate because you hate to see people go,” Wade said. “I wouldn’t see [putting off making my first cuts] going past tomorrow. I want to get down to 13 for Toronto. I don’t want to take 15 players [to the last preseason game].
“It’s not a birthright; it’s a privilege,” he continued. “You have to work hard to be one of the 144 best players. It doesn’t mean you’re not a great player because you didn’t make it in the WNBA. It just means you have work to do, and that’s OK. It’s tough to play in the WNBA. Some of your favorite college players can’t make it in the WNBA.”
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has addressed expansion plans, including at the WNBA draft in April. But every time, the message remains the same: soon, but not yet.
Engelbert told Sports Business Journal in early May that the league began with a list of 100 potential cities for expansion that has since been narrowed down to 20, according to The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch. That number is up from the 12 cities she said remained on the shortlist last June.
“We are not in a rush,” Engelbert said in February.
And while she had said last year that she hoped to have two new franchises start as soon as 2024, that timeline has been pushed back to 2025 at the earliest, and talks have shifted to just one new team beginning play.
WNBA roster cuts can affect even some of the league’s best. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Emily Engslter, was cut by the Fever. She’s since been picked up by the Mystics, but the news was still a stark reminder of the state of the league.
“When you see a loved one get waived, that’s when it really hits you,” Indiana’s NaLyssa Smith said. “It shows how hard it is to make it in the league. [Players] have conversations about it. It’s very unfortunate for those who do get waived because they’re talented, and we’re so young.
“I’m definitely looking forward to expansion.”
Ruthy Hebard is a mom.
In one fell swoop on Sunday, the Chicago Sky forward announced her surprise offseason pregnancy and the birth of baby boy Xzavier Reid, born on April 11.
Hebard, who trained throughout her pregnancy, was playing overseas when she found out she was pregnant, she said in a short film released in conjunction with Togethxr,
“I played overseas. It was definitely very different than anything else I’ve experienced,” she said. “I was playing 30, 35 minutes a game and I was like, ‘Okay, I feel like I’m getting bigger and I probably shouldn’t be getting bigger if I’m playing all game, every game and working out, you know?’”
Hebard said she didn’t have any morning sickness or cravings, and her first pregnancy test came back negative so she continued to play basketball.
“And then, I took my next test when I got home and that’s when I got the positive test that said I was pregnant,” she said. “And then I went to the doctor and found out that I was pretty far along. More far along than I thought I would be.”
By the time she found out about her pregnancy, she already was five or six months along. Looking back, Hebard believes her experience was “meant to be.”
While she felt nervous before telling Sky coach James Wade about her pregnancy, the team was happy to hear the news, Hebard said. Wade also encouraged her to have the baby in Chicago, which is where she was born before being adopted and raised in Alaska.
She also knew it would be easier to make the transition back to basketball if she were with the Sky throughout the process.
“And then just having him here, me being born here, I think it’s just all kind of full circle,” she said.
Hebard was present for the opening day of Sky training camp Sunday, with her son in tow, and she already has been working to get back into basketball shape. She intends to start weight training again this week, and while there is no timetable for her return to basketball activities, Hebard told Togethxr she aims to return to the court for the Sky in May.
“That’s my goal. I’m competitive. I want to be back on the floor,” she said. “I want to be back for my teammates too, just be back for them and just being confident in myself and in my body that I would play in May.”
She also is hoping that being around a team of strong women athletes will help rub off on her newborn.
“I’m just excited to have these strong women around him for him to see and there’s a bunch of strong men around,” Hebard said Sunday. “It takes strong men to work with women in sports so [Xzavier] seeing a great environment is something that I’m happy about.
“Today was awesome. I think everybody was just happy to be here and there was so much youthful energy which was great. The locker room is already fun and I’m really excited for this team.”
A lot has happened since the Las Vegas Aces won the 2022 WNBA championship. Superstars Breanna Stewart and Candace Parker left their teams in free agency, and the 2023 WNBA draft introduced future stars like Aliyah Boston and Diamond Miller to the league.
The 2023 season is just a month away, but before we dive into the slate of games, let’s take a look at who came out of free agency and the draft best positioned to succeed. Here are the offseason power rankings for all 12 teams.
1. New York Liberty
2022 regular-season finish: 7th (16-20)
The Liberty didn’t need to do anything in the draft to win the offseason — and they couldn’t, really, with one third-round pick. Their work in free agency was enough to give New York the top spot in the offseason power rankings. They traded for 2021 WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones before signing two-time champion Breanna Stewart and WNBA assists leader Courtney Vandersloot. That’s two former MVPs and an elite facilitator. Plus, the Liberty managed to do all of that without giving up Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney or Marine Johannès.
2. Las Vegas Aces
2022 regular-season finish: 1st (26-10)
Like the Liberty, the Aces had already cemented themselves atop this list thanks to a major free-agency signing. Picking up Candace Parker puts the defending champions in position to win another title. They also signed standout defender Alysha Clark and added roster depth, which was their lone weakness last season. The one knock against the Aces this offseason is the investigation into their handling of Dearica Hamby, who was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January. Hamby, the two-time Sixth Player of the Year, accused the Aces in an Instagram post of mistreating her due to pregnancy. The organization later came under more scrutiny for allegations that they circumvented the salary cap.
3. Washington Mystics
2022 regular-season finish: 5th (22-14)
While the Liberty and the Aces had splashy offseasons, the Mystics made subtler moves. They return a core that includes Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins, Natasha Cloud and last year’s No. 3 draft pick, Shakira Austin, who is only going to get better after a great rookie campaign. In this month’s draft, the Mystics selected Stephanie Soares with the fourth pick and then traded her to Dallas in favor of 2024 and 2025 draft picks. That move could pay off for the future, as the next two draft classes are loaded with talent. Later in the second round of the 2023 draft, Washington selected South Florida guard Elena Tsineke, who has a lot of upside and could end up being a steal.
4. Los Angeles Sparks
2022 regular-season finish: 11th (13-23)
While other teams dominated free agency headlines, the Sparks quietly had an excellent offseason. Los Angeles re-signed Nneka and Chiney Ogumike, traded for Hamby and veteran guard Jasmine Thomas, and lured Azurá Stevens away from Chicago in free agency. The Sparks continued their string of good moves by drafting a playmaking point guard in South Carolina’s Zia Cooke with the 10th pick. They also grabbed Monika Czinano in the third round. The Iowa center could end up being a solid contributor off the bench and a complement to the Sparks’ less traditional bigs.
5. Atlanta Dream
2022 regular-season finish: 10th (14-22)
The Dream started their offseason by signing an elite guard in Allisha Gray, giving them one of the best backcourt duos in the league alongside 2022 Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard. Then they arguably had the best draft in the league, picking up two versatile players in Stanford guard Haley Jones and South Carolina forward Laeticia Amihere. The Dream are clearly building for the future, with a young core that can be dominant in a few seasons’ time. The one thing Atlanta is missing is a reliable big. Currently, they are relying on the development of players like Naz Hillmon to fill the hole in the post.
6. Indiana Fever
2022 regular-season finish: 12th (5-31)
Drafting Aliyah Boston is an automatic win, as the South Carolina star has the potential to be an all-time great for the Fever. Also in this year’s draft, Indiana added Grace Berger, Taylor Mikesell, LaDazhia Williams and Victaria Saxton. The 2022 draft included Destanni Henderson, Emily Engstler and NaLyssa Smith, three other players full of promise. After stocking up on college talent, the Fever have a young roster with potential for the future that could use veteran complements. The Fever already have one experienced guard in Kesley Mitchell, and in February they signed 2019 All-Star Erica Wheeler, who can contribute right away.
7. Dallas Wings
2022 regular-season finish: 6th (18-18)
The Wings made a flurry of moves in the offseason and during the draft — some good, some bad and some puzzling. Starting with the good, Dallas traded for Diamond DeShields and re-signed Teaira McCowan. Losing Marina Mabrey to Chicago could be considered bad, but it allowed Dallas to acquire DeShields. The bad and confusing stems from the way the Wings used their plethora of draft picks. After selecting NCAA leading scorer Maddy Siegrist at No. 3, the Wings questionably drafted two shooters in Lou Lopez-Sénéchal and Abby Meyers while also trading for Stephanie Soares, who is coming off an ACL injury. That pick itself wouldn’t be considered bad if it wasn’t for the uncertainty the Wings already have at the post position.
8. Phoenix Mercury
2022 regular-season finish: 8th (15-21)
The best thing to happen to the Mercury this offseason wasn’t a free-agency signing or a draft pick. It was the safe return of Brittney Griner from Russia, where she was wrongfully imprisoned on drug charges. The fact that Griner wants to play in 2023 is a bonus for the Mercury. They also re-signed Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham in free agency, and added Moriah Jefferson and Michaela Onyenwere, both of whom will be important while Skylar Diggins-Smith is on maternity leave.
9. Minnesota Lynx
2022 regular-season finish: 9th (14-22)
The Lynx were quiet in free agency, which was a concerning start to the offseason. But a successful draft has them in a good position to build for the future. With the No. 2 pick, Minnesota selected Maryland guard Diamond Miller, a player who is pro-ready and can contribute for years to come. They also added Maia Hirsch, a 6-foot-5 French prospect with guard skills and massive upside, UConn’s Dorka Juhász and South Carolina’s Brea Beal.
10. Seattle Storm
2022 regular-season finish: 4th (22-14)
The Storm had a rough offseason, losing Sue Bird to retirement and Stewart to free agency. That left Jewell Loyd as the piece around which to build their roster. Other than retaining agent Ezi Magbegor and acquiring Kia Nurse, things were quiet in Seattle. The Storm found success at the draft, picking up Jordan Horston with the ninth pick and South Florida’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeau, another intriguing prospect, in the second round.
11. Connecticut Sun
2022 regular-season finish: 3rd (25-11)
The Sun’s offseason also started poorly as they lost head coach Curt Miller and star player Jonquel Jones. But they did re-sign Brionna Jones, who was a priority in free agency, and they return a talented core of Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Natisha Hiedeman. The Sun also drafted LSU guard and national champion Alexis Morris, who fell to the second round of the draft but could end up being a major steal in the 2023 class.
12. Chicago Sky
2022 regular-season finish: 2nd (26-10)
Whether or not coach James Wade wants to admit it, the Sky are rebuilding. They lost Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Azurá Stevens, Allie Quigley and Emma Meesseman after last season. Chicago did re-sign Rebekah Gardner and acquired Marina Mabrey and Isabelle Harrison, but they certainly lost more than they added. The Sky also had a quiet draft outside of selecting Virginia Tech guard Kayana Traylor, who has the skills to make an immediate impact despite falling to the late second round.
Eden Laase is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @eden_laase.
Now that the dust has settled on WNBA free agency, it’s time to dig into how teams did before the draft takes place in April and the regular season tips off a month later.
The 2023 free-agency period brought fireworks, with some of the league’s biggest stars transferring markets and creating WNBA superteams in the process. Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot joined Jonquel Jones in New York, and Candace Parker made the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces even more dangerous (though the Aces organization is under investigation both for its treatment of Dearica Hamby and reportedly for circumventing the salary cap). Other teams retooled through trades and signings, trying to keep up with the two frontrunners.
Which teams won and lost free agency? Our team of WNBA experts — Rachel Galligan, Lyndsey D’Arcangelo and Eden Laase — debate and hand out final grades below.
Biggest winners
Rachel Galligan: New York Liberty
The Liberty won free agency, and it’s not even close. Owners Joe and Clara Wu Tsai laid out a vision for the franchise when they acquired it in 2019, and that plan kicked into high gear this offseason. New York secured top free agents Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot to add to their arsenal of talent, which includes newly acquired MVP forward Jonquel Jones.
There was also the four-team trade involving Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix and New York, which ended up being a low-key victory for the Liberty. New York acquired the rights to Leonie Fiebich and a 2025 first-round pick swap from Phoenix. With the Mercury’s post-Diana Taurasi future in question, that pick could end up as a lottery selection.
Lyndsey D’Arcangelo: New York Liberty
The Liberty set the bar this offseason, no question. They not only acquired the top players on their wish list in Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot, but they also handled themselves professionally and transparently throughout the entire process. New York has clearly demonstrated its position as a player-first organization that is investing in both the franchise and the league’s future.
Eden Laase: New York Liberty
The player that put the Liberty’s offseason over the top for me was Vandersloot. Once they acquired Jones and signed Stewart, the team’s only potential weakness was the lack of a true point guard, since Sabrina Ionescu plays better off the ball. They solved that problem with perhaps the best pass-first point guard in the league.
Biggest disappointment
Galligan: Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm
The Lynx were unable to sign any top free agents despite reports that they were in the mix. Minnesota’s last three free agencies have been below average, and now they have a number of heavy contracts limiting their cap space. Essentially, Minnesota appears to be trying to run it back with the same core roster but without Sylvia Fowles, who retired after last season. Tiffany Mitchell and Lindsay Allen were the Lynx’s biggest pick-ups alongside Damiris Dantas and Nikolina Milić re-signing. With the way the roster is currently constructed, I don’t see the needle moving much in Minnesota.
Seattle added Kia Nurse, retained Ezi Magbegor and lost one of the best players in the world to New York in free agency. The Storm got nothing in return for Brenna Stewart because of their decision not to core her last year. They have no point guard after the retirement of Sue Bird (for which there had been plenty of time to prepare), and unless they make some late additions, this team could be in trouble of falling out of contention.
Silver lining for both? If there is a year to wind up in the draft lottery, 2024 is the time to do it.
D’Arcangelo: Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm
Both the Sky and the Storm knew their big stars might not stay and didn’t seem to have good back-up plans in place. The Sky’s roster has been completely dismantled and yet, in their recent trade for Marina Mabrey, they gave away a handful of future (and much-needed) draft picks. The Storm have no true point guard on the roster, even when they knew Sue Bird wasn’t coming back. They essentially threw all of their eggs in the Courtney Vandersloot basket and came up empty.
Laase: Chicago Sky
Losing Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot and rising star Azurá Stevens in free agency was a big blow to the 2021 WNBA champions. They have a franchise player to build around in Kahleah Copper, but none of their signings or acquisitions thus far have put this team over the edge. It seems like the organization is signing whichever players it can instead of building a team.
Biggest surprise
Galligan: Dallas Wings
The Wings’ overall roster movement this offseason was unexpected. I anticipated Marina Mabrey to return and did not expect Diamond DeShields to be on the move, let alone end up in Dallas. The Wings are clearly making a long-term investment in fifth-year center Teaira McCowan, which is understandable given her production, but there are no guarantees for how this team gels together on the floor under new head coach Latricia Trammell. Dallas continues to hoard draft picks, including three first-round selections in this year’s draft.
D’Arcangelo: Los Angeles Sparks
In his introductory press conference, new Sparks head coach Curt Miller talked about his excitement and anticipation for free agency. After leaving Connecticut for Los Angeles in October, he was ready to make some moves. Acquiring Jasmine Thomas and Dearica Hamby showed he meant it. But luring Azurá Stevens out of Chicago and away from other teams was downright impressive.
Laase: Los Angeles Sparks
All eyes have been on the Liberty and the Aces, but Miller is quietly putting together a solid team in Los Angeles. Picking up Hamby, Thomas and Stevens, and then re-signing both Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, are all wins for the new coach. The Sparks are heading in the right direction after two straight losing seasons.
Best signing or acquisition
Galligan: Azurá Stevens (Chicago Sky)
New York’s Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot signings are the easy choice, but I’m going to go with Azurá Stevens to Los Angeles. Given the free-agency market this year, Stevens was highly sought after, with half of the teams in the league making a play to recruit her. It’s a positive sign that Los Angeles was able to attract a free agent of Stevens’ caliber this early on in their rebuild under new general manager Karen Bryant and coach Curt Miller. Stevens gives the Sparks a unique weapon and a great complement to Nneka Ogwumike.
D’Arcangelo: Candace Parker (Las Vegas Aces), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)
Candace Parker is a huge get for the Aces, who are the favorites to repeat as WNBA champions outside of New York. Aside from Stewart and Vandersloot, Parker was the biggest signing in free agency and makes Las Vegas even more talented than they already were. But I have to give Atlanta credit as well. Allisha Gray, whom the Dream acquired in a trade with Dallas last month, is an undervalued player with a huge upside. Don’t sleep on a Gray/Rhyne Howard backcourt.
Laase: Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty)
This signing was especially critical because it sent all the other offseason moves in motion. Jones made New York an even more desirable location for Stewart and Vandersloot and likely played a part in Parker signing with the Aces, who give her the best shot at a title this season when competing against New York. The Liberty set off an era of superteams in the WNBA when they traded for Jones.
Most perplexing move
Galligan: Chicago Sky’s three first round picks and five total picks for Marina Mabrey
The Sky gave up their 2023 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 first-round swap rights, 2024 third-round pick and 2025 second-round pick for Marina Mabrey at a time when a host of elite college talent will be coming up through the draft. While there is reason to commend coach James Wade’s desire to win, this trade fleecing is hard to look past. He plans on winning now and retooling his roster through free agency for years to come, a vision that will largely depend on the franchise’s ownership changes and added investment.
We knew Chicago’s championship era would come to an end — with Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, Azurá Stevens and Courtney Vandersloot all walking away this offseason — but the decision to give up future assets in the midst of a complete overhaul is baffling. A move of this magnitude will be scrutinized for years to come.
D’Arcangelo: Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx
I’m a big Mabrey fan, but the Sky giving away the farm for a player who has yet to make an All-Star team is mind-boggling. As for the Lynx, it’s the lack of moves for me. They most likely tried to make plays for some big names but were unable to seal the deal, and now they’re left to compete in the league’s new superteam era with just two All-Stars on their roster (Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride).
Laase: Chicago refusing to accept the idea of a rebuild
There is no shame in rebuilding. It’s part of the game, particularly when you lose three starters at the same time, as James Wade and Chicago did. While Wade’s desire to be competitive with the team he has is understandable, his refusal to admit that his squad will need time to develop is puzzling.
Team grades
Atlanta Dream
B — Galligan
B+ — D’Arcangelo
B — Laase
Dallas Wings
A- — Galligan
B+ — D’Arcangelo
A — Laase
Los Angeles Sparks
A — Galligan
A — D’Arcangelo
A — Laase
Phoenix Mercury
B — Galligan
B- — D’Arcangelo
B — Laase
Chicago Sky
C- — Galligan
D — D’Arcangelo
D — Laase
Indiana Fever
B- — Galligan
B- — D’Arcangelo
B — Laase
Minnesota Lynx
F — Galligan
D — D’Arcangelo
D — Laase
Seattle Storm
D — Galligan
D — D’Arcangelo
D — Laase
Connecticut Sun
B+ — Galligan
B — D’Arcangelo
C — Laase
Las Vegas Aces
A — Galligan
A- — D’Arcangelo
A — Laase
New York Liberty
A+ — Galligan
A+ — D’Arcangelo
A+ — Laase
Washington Mystics
B — Galligan
B — D’Arcangelo
B — Laase
Rachel Galligan is a basketball analyst at Just Women’s Sports. A former professional basketball player and collegiate coach, she also contributes to Winsidr. Follow Rachel on Twitter @RachGall.
Lyndsey D’Arcangelo is a contributing writer at Just Women’s Sports, covering the WNBA and college basketball. She also contributes to The Athletic and is the co-author of “Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women’s Football League.” Follow Lyndsey on Twitter @darcangel21.
Eden Laase is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @eden_laase.
The Chicago Sky paid a hefty price in their blockbuster trade for Marina Mabrey, but coach and general manager James Wade defended the deal.
The 26-year-old guard came to Chicago from the Dallas Wings as part of a four-team trade, which saw the Sky give up a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 first-round draft pick, plus three more draft picks. But Wade would rather have a player he knows rather than question marks, even despite stacked upcoming draft classes.
“I know what she does, and I know what she brings to the table,” Wade said of Mabrey. “So that’s who we’re going to rock with. I understand that the ’23 and ’24 draft picks can be great players.”
Still, he expressed confidence in the construction of his roster, for the 2023 season and beyond.
“I’m not f—ing planning on losing,” he told reporters Wednesday.
Mabrey averaged 12.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game through three seasons in Dallas. She averaged 13.6 points per game last season, a career high.
Maybe she's born with it
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) February 11, 2023
Maybe it's...𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐲 😜
We have officially acquired Marina Mabrey via a four-team trade with Dallas, New York, and Phoenix.
Welcome to #skytown, @mmabrey1!
The former Notre Dame star joins a lineup headlined by 2021 WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper. Her addition helps offset the losses of Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot, Emma Meesseman and Candace Parker.
The Sky also brought in guard Courtney Williams from the Connecticut Sun via free agency and re-signed guard Rebekah Gardner.
While Wade questioned the crowning of the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty as superteams after their offseason moves, he also placed value in such moves over “draft capital” as a draw for players.
“I know what Marina brings, and I know that our players and other great players want to play with her,” Wade said. “I don’t know how much more they will want to play with draft pick ’23 or draft pick ’24. So you’ve got to weigh those things… That’s the risk that we were willing to take to get a great ball handler.”
Amid Mabrey and other new faces, Copper will be the longest-tenured player on the roster. As such, she joked about working as the “assistant GM” for the Sky this offseason, and Wade agreed: “She really was.”
Conversations with Copper “affected a lot of our decisions on what kind of team we’re trying to put around her,” Wade said.
The Chicago Sky are playing the short game, and not necessarily the long game, when it comes to their trades.
Head coach and general manager James Wade has drawn criticism over his team’s recent trade, which involved trading away two first round draft picks – one in 2023 and one in 2024. Dallas also reserves the right to swap first round picks with Chicago in 2025.
While the 2023 class is loaded, the 2024 class is at times being described as the best the league has seen in years. It’s a class that includes draft-eligible players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink and Angel Reese.
There’s also potential depth to consider, as the Sky also traded away a second rounder in 2025 and a second and third rounder in 2024. In effect, most of their draft stock is now gone with six picks having been traded away.
Of course, Wade could always get some of that back. But it could require parting with big name players once again.
But the team appears to be focusing on the now. Mabrey averaged 12.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game through three seasons in Dallas and averaged 13.6 points per game last season – a career high.