After three weeks of the 2025 WNBA season, the landscape of top teams is becoming clearer. Most notably, the fierce competition between the undefeated New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx—finalists in 2024—stands out.
Race to the Commissioner’s Cup
An intriguing storyline this season is the potential rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals in the Commissioner’s Cup final. Both Liberty and Lynx lead their respective regions in this in-season tournament. If this trend holds through June 17 (when group play ends), they could face off again on July 1, ahead of their official rematch on July 30.
TOP 5 TEAMS TO WATCH
- New York Liberty (8-0, 2-0 Cup)
This week’s games: Tuesday vs. Chicago, Saturday vs. Indiana
The Liberty made history with an 8-0 start—the best in their 28-year history, surpassing their 7-0 debut in 1997. Their offensive dominance is evident, with 4 of 8 wins by 20+ points, just two shy of their total from last year’s championship season.
This week’s challenge: Facing Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever will test their ability to maintain perfection. - Minnesota Lynx (9-0, 3-0 Cup)
This week’s games: Wednesday at Seattle, Saturday vs. Las Vegas
Statistically, the Lynx outshine Liberty with a 9-0 overall record and a 3-0 Cup lead. Napheesa Collier leads the scoring race at 25.5 points per game, 3.5 points ahead of the next closest player.
Analysis: Despite their superior record, the Lynx rank below Liberty out of respect for the reigning champions’ pedigree. - Atlanta Dream (5-3, 0-1 Cup)
This week’s games: Tuesday vs. Indiana, Friday vs. Chicago, Sunday at Washington
After a four-game win streak was snapped by Connecticut, the Dream have still won 4 of their last 5. This week’s three-game slate will be a critical test of their consistency. - Seattle Storm (5-4, 2-1 Cup)
This week’s games: Wednesday vs. Minnesota, Saturday at Golden State
The Storm have rebounded impressively with two straight wins after a three-game losing skid to start the season. Gabby Williams has transformed, improving from 11 points per game (43.6% FG) in her first four games to 18.6 points (56.2% FG) in her last five.
Strength: Seattle is the only team with three players in the top 20 for scoring (15+ points per game). - Phoenix Mercury (6-4, 2-2 Cup)
This week’s games: Wednesday vs. Dallas, Sunday at Las Vegas
Despite injuries (Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, Kahleah Copper) and a 1-2 record last week, the Mercury hold a top-5 spot as one of only three teams with 6+ wins, alongside Liberty and Lynx.
Key stat: Five of their six wins came in tight games, with Phoenix leading the league in clutch games (8).
TEAMS TO WATCH (Ranks 6-10)
- Indiana Fever (4-4, 2-0 Cup)
Despite losing Caitlin Clark to injury, the Fever won two straight to even their record at 4-4. Clark could return as early as Tuesday. - Las Vegas Aces (4-3, 1-1 Cup)
The 2022-2023 champions are struggling offensively, scoring a season-low 67 points in a loss to Golden State. - Washington Mystics (4-6, 1-2 Cup)
After two close losses, the Mystics delivered a stunning 37-point win over Connecticut, scoring 104 points—their highest since 2023. - Los Angeles Sparks (3-6, 1-1 Cup)
Azurá Stevens is having a career-best season, averaging 14.6 points per game with 51.1% FG and 40.0% 3P. - Golden State Valkyries (3-5, 1-2 Cup)
The expansion team notched their most impressive win, defeating Las Vegas Aces 95-68, setting multiple franchise records.
BOTTOM TIER (Ranks 11-13)
- Chicago Sky (2-5, 0-1 Cup)
The Sky are struggling offensively, scoring just 52 points against Indiana—their lowest since 2011. Losing Courtney Vandersloot to an ACL injury further complicates matters. - Connecticut Sun (2-7, 1-2 Cup)
The Sun’s season is polarized: four close games (8 points or less) and five blowouts (22+ points). Marina Mabrey has been a bright spot, leading scoring in their two recent wins. - Dallas Wings (1-9, 0-3 Cup)
The league’s worst team, Dallas has some hope as Paige Bueckers cleared concussion protocol, though she remains sidelined for other health reasons.
The 2025 WNBA season is showing clear tiers among teams. While Liberty and Lynx dominate the top, the mid-tier teams are fiercely competitive. Next week will be pivotal in shaping the season’s trajectory, especially as the Commissioner’s Cup nears its decisive phase.