There aren’t any shortages of challengers to the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty or star energy throughout the league.
A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are a few of the veterans who will share the highlight with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers because the league, in its twenty ninth season, hopes to proceed its rise in recognition.
The WNBA season tipped off Friday with enlargement group Golden State taking part in its first recreation that night time. A day later the Liberty is internet hosting the Aces the place New York will obtain its rings and lift the primary championship banner within the franchise’s historical past.
Later that day, Clark and Reese will meet for the primary of 5 matchups this season between Indiana and Chicago.
Each need to construct off their stellar rookie seasons the place they set information and helped the league to file rankings and attendance.
No group made extra strikes this offseason then the Fever, who introduced in a variety of proficient veterans round Clark and Aliyah Boston — the final two WNBA Rookie of the 12 months award winners. Indiana added DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham in addition to re-signing Kelsey Mitchell.
Clark is a slight favourite over Wilson and Collier based on BetMGM to win the MVP. The Fever are one of many betting favorites to win the title.
In search of a repeat title
It’s uncommon for groups to win back-to-back championships within the WNBA. Las Vegas grew to become the primary to do it in 21 years with its consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. New York is attempting to do it now. The Liberty made a number of key off season strikes bringing in veteran guard Natasha Cloud in addition to ahead Isabelle Harrison. New York additionally could have thrilling guard Marine Johannes again this season after she missed final yr to arrange for the Olympics together with her French group.
The Liberty did lose guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to a knee damage that she suffered within the offseason. She’ll be out for the yr.
When and easy methods to watch Liberty vs. Aces
Tipoff between New York and Las Vegas is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday at Barclays Middle, dwelling of the Liberty. The sport serves as a rematch of final yr’s playoffs, when New York eradicated Vegas in the course of the semifinals.
If you do not have a ticket to take a seat courtside, you may watch the sport on ABC or stream it on ESPN+ and Disney+.
Bear in mind us? Lynx seeking to get one other championship
Minnesota was ignored at first of the season and led by Collier, they made it again to the WNBA Finals for the primary time since 2017 earlier than dropping in a decisive Recreation 5 to New York. Whereas they did not make many offseason strikes, the Lynx return all 5 starters. Collier, the league’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months final season, anchors a strong protection that held opponents to a league-best 41% taking pictures from the sector.
Excessive expectations for Bueckers
Bueckers was the No. 1 choose within the WNBA draft and can try to assist revitalize the Dallas franchise. She was essentially the most environment friendly participant in faculty on the offensive finish and capped off her profession serving to UConn win its twelfth nationwide championship. Earlier than she went by a collection of accidents at UConn, Bueckers grew to become the primary freshman ever to win AP Participant of the 12 months.
New management on WNBA sidelines
Eight of the 13 groups could have new head coaches this season.
Atlanta and Los Angeles turned to school coaches Karl Smesko and Lynne Roberts, respectively. Indiana introduced again former coach and participant Stephanie White to steer the Fever. White had been answerable for the Connecticut Solar, who changed her with former Belgium nationwide group coach Rachid Meziane.
Chicago, Dallas and Washington turned to former WNBA assistant coaches Tyler Marsh, Chris Koclanes and Sydney Johnson, respectively. Golden State additionally introduced in a former assistant coach, Natalie Nakase, to be the primary head coach within the enlargement franchise’s historical past.
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