WNBA Contender Rankings: Aces, Liberty, Fever Lead Clear Top Tier
WNBA teams did not have much time to get to work this offseason. The new CBA was agreed to just weeks ago and since the expansion draft, a free agency period featuring more than 100 players on the market, and the draft itself have taken place in rapid succession. But now that the dust has mostly settled, a few teams have separated themselves from the pack as likely contenders for the 2026 championship.
The Las Vegas Aces
The Aces get the benefit of respect as the defending champs and they have brought all their key players back. WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson signed the richest contract in the sport's history to return and Vegas also retained Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd. There wasn't much wiggle room for the Aces to make moves beyond that but they took a flier in giving talented but combustible guard Chennedy Carter another chance. And after all, any production they get beyond their established championship foundation is gravy.
The New York Liberty
The Liberty had a disappointing title-defense in 2025, so much so that head coach Sandy Brondello was shown the door. But new coach Chris DeMarco inherits established stars in Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, and the team made a splash in free agency by signing Satou Sabally away from the Phoenix Mercury. Anything less than getting back to the WNBA Finals would be considered a disappointment for a star-laden Liberty squad.
The Indiana Fever
Despite being decimated by injuries last season, the Fever came within a game of upending the Aces and reaching the Finals. Now they return a healthy Caitlin Clark and still have the core of Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston in place. Indiana made some small upgrades around them, but getting Clark back is as big an addition as any team will make this offseason.
Honorable Mention: The Atlanta Dream
The Dream had the third best record in the WNBA last season before suffering a disappointing upset in the first-round of the playoffs at the hands of the Fever. But Atlanta brings back stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard and added Angel Reese to its already strong frontcourt featuring Bri Jones and Naz Hillmon. Plus, Reese should be able to play to her strengths with that support system.
The Rest
Of course, there are other teams that could work themselves into the mix. The Mercury made it to the Finals last year, but lost Sabally and didn't make notable additions. The Minnesota Lynx saw an exodus of forwards in free agency and will be without star Napheesa Collier to start the season. The Dallas Wings landed those Lynx players but Paige Bueckers' team was in the basement last year, so it would take quite a leap to reach contender status. And the Los Angeles Sparks acquired Nneka Ogwumike in an attempt to win now.
Still, from this vantage point, the Aces, Liberty and Fever are in the driver's seat for title aspirations. But as they say, that's why they play the games.
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Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!
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