The WNBA’s 2025 season is brimming with anticipation, thanks to a powerful blend of iconic veterans, breakout stars, and rookie sensations. From high-flying highlights to locker room leadership, this season promises drama, growth, and unforgettable moments.
The WNBA is packed with talent from rising rookies to elite superstars this season. We’re counting down the 20 players we’re most excited to watch in 2025, ranked from breakout newcomers to the league’s biggest names.
20. Te-Hina Paopao, Atlanta Dream (Rookie)
A second-round pick who’s already turning heads, Paopao’s scoring and playmaking could quickly earn her a significant role on a Dream team in need of a backcourt spark.
19. Leonie Fiebich, New York Liberty
The German forward was immediately impacted as a rookie, earning All-Rookie Team honors and helping the Liberty win a championship. Her experience will only help her throughout the 2025 season.
18. Hailey Van Lith, Chicago Sky (Rookie)
The No. 11 pick brings scoring punch and swagger to Chicago. Her transition to the pro game will be fascinating to watch.
17. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas Aces
The “Point Gawd” is known for her vision and clutch playmaking. Gray’s leadership and poise will be crucial as the Aces chase another title.
16. Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
A scoring dynamo, Plum’s deep shooting and ability to create for others make her a vital part of the Los Angeles Sparks this season.
15. Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury
Sabally is an All-WNBA caliber forward with a dynamic inside-out game when healthy. If she stays on the court, Phoenix becomes a true contender.
14. Cameron Brink, Los Angeles Sparks
Returning from an ACL tear, Brink’s elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing will be closely monitored. Her comeback is one of the season’s most anticipated stories.
13. Angel Reese, Chicago Sky
After a standout rookie year, Reese is already the league’s best rebounder and a defensive anchor. Her rivalry with Clark and continued growth make her a must-see TV.
12. Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx
McBride’s sharpshooting and playoff heroics powered the Lynx’s Finals run. She’s one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter threats.
11. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (Rookie)
After a legendary college career, the No. 1 overall pick arrives with massive hype. Her basketball IQ, scoring, and leadership could spark a Wings turnaround.
10. Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
One of the league’s purest scorers, Ogunbowale is coming off a career year and now pairs with Bueckers for a dynamic Dallas backcourt.
9. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury
The triple-double queen brings her relentless playmaking and defense to Phoenix. After a record-setting season, Thomas’s unique skillset will be a focal point for the Mercury.
8. Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm
A nine-time All-Star and former MVP, Ogwumike’s leadership and efficiency are vital for a Storm team retooling around her.
7. Jewell Loyd, Las Vegas Aces
Now with the Aces, Loyd adds elite scoring and championship experience to an already loaded roster. Her ability to take over games is a game-changer.
6. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Ionescu’s brilliance and clutch gene have her on the verge of superstardom. She’s a triple-double threat and a key reason the Liberty are favorites to repeat.
5. Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty
A former MVP and rebounding machine, Jones was a force in New York’s title run. Her inside-out game and defensive presence make her a matchup nightmare.
4. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
The rookie phenom shattered records last season and instantly made the Fever playoff contenders. Her deep shooting, playmaking, and star power have transformed the league’s visibility.
3. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Stewart is the league’s ultimate winner, a two-time MVP and fresh off leading the Liberty to their first championship. Her ability to deliver in big moments makes her a must-see every night.
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2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Collier’s two-way brilliance powered the Lynx to the Finals last year. As the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and MVP runner-up, she’s a franchise cornerstone who keeps improving.
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1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Wilson is the reigning MVP and arguably the most dominant player in the league, coming off a historic season. She remains the heartbeat of the Aces and is chasing her fourth MVP, a feat never before achieved in WNBA history.
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