Now that the WNBA regular season has come to a close and the playoffs are knocking at the door, we turn our attention to the next most popular debate: the race for the Most Valuable Player award.

Multiple names have come up in the MVP discussion over the course of the season. At this point, some consider it to be a three-player race, others two. I’ve narrowed it down to one myself, making my pick on the official WNBA ballot and the Just Women’s Sports end-of-season awards list.

With the help of former WNBA head coach and general manager Pokey Chatman and ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli, I take a closer look at the leading MVP candidates — Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson — and break down the cases for and against each player.

“Every year, it seems that the MVP race is tight and it comes down to the last regular season game,” Antonelli said. “That never changes because the competitiveness of the league is so good, but I do think there are two players in the race right now in Jonquel Jones and A’ja Wilson. Those are the two to me that are the strongest and most compelling candidates.”

Jonquel Jones

19.4 PPG, 51.5 FG%, 80.2 FT%, 36.2 3-point%, 11.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 BLK, 27 games
Connecticut Sun: 26-6, No. 1 seed

Pros

Jonquel Jones is the favorite to take home the MVP award after leading the Sun to the best record in the league and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Jones has redefined the game as a 6-foot-6 post player who can initiate the offense, knock down 3-pointers and dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. She has emerged as an elite franchise player who can reinvent her own game and consistently expand her skill set.

“Jonquel is the one for me and has been exceptional in every facet of the game,” said Chatman, who coached both the Sky and Fever in the past decade. “It’s not a knock on anyone else. It’s just the way she can affect every aspect of the game on either side of the floor and in every phase is what separates her. It’s her shooting and ability to pass, her length, her rim protection.”

Jones’ impact on both the offensive and defensive ends was a major factor in the Sun closing out the regular season on a franchise-record 14-game win streak. Jones finished the season with 18 double-doubles while averaging a league-best 11.2 rebounds per game and ranking fourth with 19.4 points per game.

With her versatility and overall knowledge of the game, she is a mismatch nightmare for opponents, regardless of whether they choose to trap, double team or switch on her. Jones made a habit this season of punishing young players who subbed in or switched on to her and lacked an elite understanding of defensive schemes.

“She’s a two-way player and she has incredible versatility, with her pick-and-pop game and ability to shoot a 3 in transition from a lot of different actions,” Antonelli said. “She does everything. She handles it up the floor, she gets them into their transition game. I love her offensive game. I love the way she protects the rim.”

Cons

The most obvious hurdle to Jones’ candidacy is the five games she missed in June to compete with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIBA European Championships.

Some saw the game absences as an opportunity for others to surpass Jones in the race. Others looked at the Sun’s 2-3 record during that stretch as adding to Jones’ case for being the most valuable player to her team.

Jones also wasn’t the only MVP candidate to miss games this season. A’ja Wilson is the sole player on our list who started and played in every game for the Aces.

“Honestly, that can be a surface argument. To me, it’s also a positive,” Chatman said. “While she missed those games, that’s when others were able to figure it out.”

The other potential knock on Jones in the MVP race is that she hasn’t shown a consistent ability to close out tight games.

“A’ja and Stewie are more closers to me than Jonquel,” Antonelli said. “There are other players who make plays at the end of the game for Connecticut. I, quite frankly, think she should be the one making the play.”

Breanna Stewart

20.3 PPG, 44 FG%, 84.7 FT%, 33.3 3-point%, 9.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.8 BLK, 28 games
Seattle Storm: 21-11, No. 4 seed

Pros

Like many this year, I projected Breanna Stewart to be crowned MVP in the preseason. Her ability to win in nearly every situation seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

“I mean honestly, where is her deficiency? I don’t know what it is,” Antonelli said.

Stewart finished third in the league with 20.3 points per game and posted career-bests in rebounding and possession, turning the ball over just 1.6 times per game. Her stats and accolades speak for themselves, but her ability to impact the game and those around her is what catches people’s eye.

“It’s undeniable, her length, her range — and I’m talking on both sides of the floor — her range to defend and her range to score,” Chatman said. “For me, it’s the consistency in her actions. She’s going to play the game in a manner in which you might scout it for one possession, but her IQ is going to lead to something really good for Seattle, and it’s not necessarily to Stewie.

“She knows when to roll, when to fade, when to trust a pass or fake to the corner. She knows those nuance parts that we teach, but it’s just innate and it’s always going to keep her at the top of the game.”

Cons

We were growing accustomed to Seattle being on top of the standings, but their 3-5 record in August resulted in a fourth-place finish and only a single-game playoff bye. For many franchises, that would be considered a success. That’s not the case in Seattle based on the standard the Storm have set, and it also doesn’t help in the MVP discussion.

“I think a lot comes down to Connecticut and Las Vegas winning and they’re going to be seeded higher,” Antonelli said. “I mean, it’s like splitting hairs between the three of them honestly. They are all so good.”

A left foot injury forced Stewart to miss the final two games of the regular season and evened the playing field a bit in the “games missed” department.

Another comparison point for our analysts is the evolution of a player’s skill set. In that department, Chatman sees Stewart in a different category.

“I think Stewie has gotten better at the pieces she’s already good at,” Chatman said. “I’m always looking at people that have evolved. Jonquel Jones did that 3-point contest with Allie Quigley? Get out of here! The areas of her game she has added to and elevated have really shined this year, to go along with the dominance of Connecticut.”

A’ja Wilson

18.3 PPG, 44.4 FG%, 87.6% FT, 9.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.3 BLK, 32 games
Las Vegas Aces: 24-8, No. 2 seed

Pros

A’ja Wilson is the only MVP candidate on our list who played in all 32 games. The reigning WNBA MVP finished sixth in the league with 18.3 points per game and led the Aces to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

“A’ja has not missed a game. She definitely checks the box of games played and consistency,” Antonelli said. “If I had to put money on any player from 10-15 feet, it would be A’ja. I have marveled at her continued improvement in the elevation of her skill set from there.

“She’s just so good from that spot on the floor. You can’t keep her from catching it there, and when she does catch it, she’s going to make a play. She’s gotten a lot better going right.”

With Liz Cambage in health and safety protocols and sidelined for the final six games of the season, the Aces ran their offense through Wilson even more. The responsibility seemed natural for Wilson, who has consistently succeeded when throwing her team on her back.

“I love the lineup now with A’ja and four guards, because that’s the way she won a national championship at South Carolina,” Antonelli said.

Wilson made a killing at the free throw-line this season, shooting a career-best 87.6 percent. She also finished with career-highs in rebounds and assists per game.

Cons

It’s tough to compare Wilson to Stewart and Jones because she is a different type of player. The one glaring difference, however, is Wilson’s lack of a 3-point shot.

“You can’t look at value only because they’re all three so important,” Antonelli said. “You have to look at their skill set: Who can do the most? And A’ja doesn’t shoot the 3. That’s the only thing.”

“I think A’ja is nipping at their heels. She is right there,” Chatman said. “She is doing more with less in some ways. She’s on the cusp of being there, and I am saying that because she doesn’t have a 3-point shot.”

On the outside looking in

Brittney Griner demands consideration for the award because of her MVP-like numbers. She finished the season second in scoring, averaging 20.5 points per game, and her five-time Player of the Week honors are a personal best. The Mercury finished in fifth with a 19-13 record, hurting Griner’s case for the award, but her dominance caught everyone’s attention this year.

“She’s been average at times, and now she’s just like an animal,” Chatman said. “I’m looking at Griner like, oh my god, she is dominating. With Brittney Griner, you feel her, you see her, you sometimes fear her.”

Tina Charles put up the best scoring numbers of her 11-year WNBA career, leading the league with 23.3 points per game. That was no easy feat considering every team knew the Mystics were going to run the ball through her due to their depleted roster. Charles was just that efficient offensively and even came close to breaking Diana Taurasi’s single-season scoring record of 25.3 points per game.

Washington, however, went just 12-20 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after losing their last two regular season games.

“They just didn’t win enough,” Antonelli said. “I think that’s what it comes down to, if you’re going to split hairs on the other three [Stewart, Jones and Wilson]. If you went with the points, rebounds, assists, blocks and the things you can count, that’s one thing. But then you have the things you can’t count — the intangibles, the value of winning.”

Chatman echoed Antonelli’s sentiments, adding that Charles’ candidacy also takes a hit on defense.

“It’s less about what she’s not doing, and more about what other players have done individually that has elevated their teams,” she said. “You don’t deny what Tina has done — she’s getting a lot of opportunities and touches. You have to slide into the defensive aspect of it. If it’s only about offense, that’s one thing. But for me, the Most Valuable Player is the entire game.”

Sylvia Fowles was in a category of her own this season, averaging a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Lynx. Her steady play was the main reason Minnesota bounced back from an 0-4 start to finish the season 22-10 and with the third seed. Fowles’ longevity in her 14th WNBA season doesn’t surprise Chatman, who coached the 35-year-old for four seasons with the Sky.

“Sylvia is doing Sylvia things,” she said. “I don’t ever remember her being a liability. I think her consistency sometimes feels like a given. You know what she’s going to give you. Her dominance comes because she has speed, power and quickness. Those are the terms that aren’t always talked about with Syl. They just think she’s tall, she’s fast, she’s quick, she’s powerful and that translates to both sides of the basketball.”

What will likely keep Fowles from winning the award is similar to the comparisons of other candidates. Fowles had a great year; others were just a little bit better.

“I don’t feel like she’s in the same category because she’s more around the rim than she is face-up,” Antonelli said. “I don’t even see a lot of teams bringing a double to her because they can’t. Cheryl (Reeve) does such a good job of getting her the ball where she’s isolated away from help.”

Final thoughts

I asked Antonelli and Chatman to make their picks for MVP. In the end, we all agreed on Jonquel Jones.

“Jonquel Jones is a stretch-five with guard-like skills and Allie Quigley-like shooting. It’s crazy,” Chatman said. “She is redefining this game. We’ve got players that are averaging points, stopping points, snagging rebounds and helping other people get points. It’s the totality of Jonquel Jones’ and Breanna Stewart’s game that elevates them to heights that others need to get to. We didn’t see this five to seven years ago in this manner.”

“I feel like Jonquel Jones is the MVP because they’re going to finish first, and if you are splitting hairs, I feel like Jonquel has had the best year,” Antonelli said. “I’m trying to remember the last time we had a discussion over three players who all could legitimately win without anybody having a complaint about it, without someone arguing they didn’t deserve it. They all three do.”

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.

When San Diego's home match against the Washington Spirit ended in a 0-0 draw on June 22nd, the NWSL officially pressed pause on the regular season, entering an extended summer break as international tournaments kicked off around the world.

And while the US club league has dimmed its lights before — most recently during the 2024 Paris Olympics — this is the first year it's ever stopped play to accommodate major regional competitions like Copa América, WAFCON, and UEFA Women's Euro 2025.

Why the new approach? The league's global presence has never been stronger. And that's not just because high-profile players like Naomi Girma and Crystal Dunn swapped their NWSL jerseys for European kits earlier this year. It goes the other way, too. Once an assumed stronghold for homegrown talent, the NWSL has diversified its ranks, with top players heading overseas this window.

US broadcasters buy into growing Euros interest

No event has showcased this shift greater than the European Championship. The tournament was once siloed away from the average Stateside soccer fan. But this year, 18 NWSL players representing 12 countries are Switzerland-bound — three-times the number playing in England just three years ago.

And fans are ready to dig in. The 2025 Euros will be the most accessible in history, with FOX Sports recently doubling down on broadcasting the competition in the US.

The network has committed to 31 matches, including 19 games on linear TV and every knockout round match. It will also provide pre- and post-game analysis, aiming to develop a major market player while riding out the sport's popularity boom.

With increased visibility and plenty of familiar faces, NWSL fans are set to become Euro 2025's prime audience. And for players, showcasing the league's impact shapes the perception of football in the US, allowing the NWSL the opportunity to strengthen its reputation despite never taking the pitch this July.

Euros stars say perceptions of the NWSL are shifting

Only one NWSL player featured on England's 2022 Euros-winning roster. That was Houston forward-turned-defender Rachel Daly, before she returned to the WSL and retired from international play. 

That number tripled in 2025, after Gotham FC defender Jess Carter, Spirit defender Esme Morgan, and Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse were called up to the Lionesses's title defense in Switzerland.

It's not Carter's first Euros, but this will be the first year she joins from an NWSL team. An England mainstay since her 2017 senior debut, she said she never felt like a move to the US would jeopardize her national team standing. Just so long as her performance stayed consistent.

"People were probably apprehensive about coming here before, because it's so far away from your family and friends," Carter told Just Women's Sports. "But also because the NWSL was traditionally known as just a transitional league. And to a lot of people in Europe, it wasn't technical enough."

Carter isn't alone in her assessment. Both Morgan and Moorhouse told JWS they were familiar with the NWSL's reputation as a "kick and run" league. Though that stereotype didn't match their experiences on the ground.

"Most [NWSL] teams are trying to play possession-based football, albeit a little more direct than Europe," Morgan said. "I think that's far more exciting to be a part of, and also more challenging as a defender because there are such fast transitions."

"The league is changing here in the US," echoed Carter, who departed Chelsea for Gotham in 2024. "It's becoming more technical."

NWSL play helped Morgan secure her spot with England

That hybrid style — plus more starting opportunities — have bolstered Morgan's status with England. Coach Sarina Wiegman already knew the Manchester City product as a powerful line-breaker on the ball. And her ability to wear down the low block while holding the lion's share of possession has only improved. 

"I felt confident coming here," she continued. "As long as I continued to work on the things that I wanted to improve, and every weekend was putting in good performances for the Spirit, that would be enough to put me in the running for selection."

The NWSL's speed has also elevated her play. "[Wiegman] has spoken to me the last couple of times about being really pleased with what I've been able to do, in terms of being a little bit more aggressive, proactive, physical in my duels, and winning aerial balls," she said. "I've developed so much in that space since playing in America."

Both Morgan and Carter competed with England at the 2023 World Cup, 30-year-old Moorehouse is gearing up for her first major tournament with the national team. And coming from an Orlando side stacked with international talent — namely Brazil legend Marta and Zambia superstar Barbra Banda, among others — the goalie credited her NWSL team for keeping her on her toes every day.

"Marta humbles me on a daily basis, I'm not gonna lie," she laughed. "To see that day in-day out, it's only for the better. It's only going to improve my game."

Summer NWSL schedule benefits Euros-bound players

As coveted national team roster spots reflect both consistency and form, NWSL players have a quiet advantage. Thanks to the summer NWSL schedule, they're guaranteed to be completely match-fit going into any major tournament.

That the NWSL runs opposite to the more traditional fall-to-spring European setup has sometimes been a point of tension overseas. This was especially true in past years, when the league did not suspend regular-season play for more than a weekend or two during longer international windows. That practice forced previous Euros competitors to choose between club and country. 

This year, however, players view the cross-conditioning to be as much of an asset as an anticipated challenge when they return to finish out the season.

"I spoke to quite a few of the US girls in the past about the fact that the summer schedule might have helped their performance in international tournaments," said Morgan, pointing out the NWSL-heavy USWNT's major tournament success.

"I feel like I'm peaking at the right time, going into the tournament in midseason," echoed Moorhouse, who is set to serve as backup to Chelsea goalkeeper and presumptive England starter Hannah Hampton.

Learning to balance club and country

Still, there are downsides. It's not always easy to travel in and out of market ahead of a big international opportunity, but each player finds their own way to stay on top of whichever task is in front of them, whether at home or abroad.

Sometimes that divide between club and country is literal. "We have a [NWSL] team app where we have communication," Gotham and Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger told media after her Euros call-up. "I was like, 'Look, if you need something, you have to text me on WhatsApp. Because this app is not working for me when I'm at the international break, and the same way around.'"

For Carter, the NWSL's schedule helps her compartmentalize, keeping her laser-focused on both individual and team goals.

"I'm someone that either is all in or all off," she explained. "I've got to make sure that I'm still eating right, training right, when all I want to do is sit by the beach and have an ice cream."

"I want fans to fall in love with women's football even more"

Carter and Berger aren't the only Gotham standouts packing their passports this month. Star forward Esther González is also committed to play for the always-dangerous Spanish national team. Fellow forward Jéssica Silva will represent Portugal and recent signing Josefine Hasbo is set to join Denmark. And the excitement is palpable, both on and off the pitch.

"It's really great to see that our fans get to support us even whilst we're not at Gotham. Because they're invested in us as people, not just Gotham," says Carter. "I want fans to fall in love with women's football even more, regardless of where it's being played."

As for Morgan, she could be battling against the Spirit's newest signing, Italy's Sofia Cantore. The rest of their teammates will definitely be watching from home — along with a very special guest.

Before Morgan left, her teammates assured her they would be up in the morning cheering her on. "And mak[ing] my kitten watch too, which is very cute," she added.

She said she likes imagining NWSL fans following their favorite club players through the tournament, staying engaged in the game even as the league takes a break.

Encouraging NWSL fans to watch the 2025 Euros

Moorhouse echoed Morgan's hope that the Euros will allow US fans to continue weaving women's football into their lives during the downtime.

"In the US, when I get up on a Saturday morning, all the games are on," she said, referencing the time change. "To me, that's so cool. I'm eating my breakfast, drinking my coffee, and I've just got football on the telly."

"Go and get your breakfast," she urged. "Get your pancakes. And watch some good football."

The third Grand Slam of 2025 is officially underway, as the world's top tennis stars hit the grass courts in London for the annual Wimbledon Championships on Monday.

World No. 16 Barbora Krejčíková enters as the Slam's reigning champion, with all of the WTA's current Top 10 — none of whom have ever won at Wimbledon — looking to dethrone the 2024 victor.

No. 3 Jessica Pegula looks to be an early frontrunner, as the US star picked up steam following her defeat of No. 4 Iga Świątek 6-4, 7-5 in Saturday's championship match of the 2025 Bad Homburg Open, a Wimbledon tune-up tournament.

A 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist, Pegula has already earned three titles this year, gaining significant momentum as she hunts a career-first Grand Slam trophy.

"[Pegula has] an amazing game, and showed it throughout the tournament," Świątek said following Saturday's loss. "Hopefully, we will have many more finals together."

The first day of 2025 Wimbledon action saw No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruise through her first-round match against Canada's No. 194 Carson Branstine in straight sets, while No. 8 Madison Keys battled to a narrow three-set victory over Romania's No. 58 Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Fellow US contender No. 12 Amanda Anisimova played the most dominant first-round match of the Slam, ousting Kazakhstan's No. 33 Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-0 to open her tournament run.

Italy's No. 5 Jasmine Paolini, a 2024 Wimbledon finalist, also kicked off her 2025 run with a win, downing Latvia's No. 402 Anastasija Sevastova in three sets on Monday afternoon.

Pegula will open her campaign against Italy's No. 116 Elisabetta Cocciaretto on the second day of first-round action at 6 AM ET, with Świątek, 2025 French Open champ No. 2 Coco Gauff, and 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinalist No. 10 Emma Navarro also rounding out Tuesday's bill.

How to watch the 2025 Wimbledon Championships

The 2025 Wimbledon women's tournament runs through the July 12th championship.

Live continuous coverage of the London Grand Slam airs on ESPN.

The Minnesota Lynx are back on the prowl, after the return of MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier from injury fueled the WNBA-leaders to two straight weekend wins.

Minnesota first outlasted the No. 4 Atlanta Dream 96-92 in overtime on Friday before thumping the last-place Connecticut Sun 102-63 on Sunday, with Collier racking up 49 points over the two-game span.

Collier's bounce-back couldn't have come at a better time, as the WNBA announced Sunday that the Lynx forward will captain the 2025 All-Star Game alongside Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

"It's really cool," Collier said of the news. "I went from never being a starter to captain."

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Both Collier and Clark will have an early chance to test their leadership skills in Tuesday's 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship game, when the defending champs Minnesota Lynx will take on first-time finalists Indiana.

With a second straight title on the line, red-hot Minnesota hold the advantage coming into the Commissioner's Cup final, but a healthy Clark could make all the difference for up-and-down No. 8 Indiana.

Meanwhile in the WNBA standings, as the Lynx continue to hold court at the top, this weekend saw the Mercury overtake the Liberty at No. 2, thanks in large part to Phoenix's 106-91 Friday victory over New York.

Along with Sunday's 90-81 loss to the Dream, the reigning champs have dropped five of their last seven games, as now-No. 3 New York struggles without injured center Jonquel Jones.

How to watch the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup final

While the other 11 league teams rest until Thursday, the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever will take Tuesday's court in a battle for the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup.

The in-season tournament's grand finale will tip off at 8 PM ET, with live coverage on Prime.

The world No. 1 USWNT earned another lopsided result against No. 25 Ireland on Sunday, handing the Girls in Green a second straight 4-0 loss despite extensive lineup changes on both sides.

Veteran forward Lynn Biyendolo opened the scoring in her first match as USWNT captain, followed by first-ever senior team goals from both debutant defender Izzy Rodriguez and attacker Yazmeen Ryan.

Second-half USWNT sub Alyssa Thompson found the back of the net in the 86th minute to finish padding the 4-0 scoreline over Ireland.

With one more friendly against No. 8 Canada set for Wednesday, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes rotated all 11 starters on Sunday, trusting bubble players to overcome inexperience to produce a result.

"The level has been set to be relentless in the pursuit of performing and progressing," Hayes said after the game. "It's not about understanding everything in our playbook, but developing the confidence and bravery to deliver."

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The victory also marked the USWNT's 600th program win, with midfielder Sam Meza joining Rodriguez in picking up the 23rd and 24th first caps of the Emma Hayes era.

"I feel like everyone is not only trusting the process, but carrying out all the things we ask them to do," said Hayes of her new additions. "Everybody showed themselves so well."

Though the US keeps stretching its depth and coming out on top, the need to develop strong connections on the pitch could force tough roster decisions in the future.

How to watch the USWNT vs. Canada on Wednesday

The USWNT will cap their three-friendly summer break against rivals Canada on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET.

Live coverage of the clash in Washington, DC, will air on TNT.