We’re almost a month into the WNBA’s thirtieth season, and there is been loads of pleasure. On this version, I’ll break down my energy rankings from Friday, Could 22, to Friday, June 5. All 15 groups are ranked, however which groups are rising and that are falling?
There was a interval of uncertainty for months, however the WNBPA and WNBA ultimately agreed to a historic collective bargaining settlement. A number of gamers are actually incomes seven-figure salaries, and matchups are being broadcast throughout numerous networks beneath the brand-new $2.2 billion media rights deal.
Insurgent jerseys have been launched, and the W continues to honor its thirtieth season with throwback jerseys and nostalgia from the inaugural season in 1997.
Some groups are simply eight video games into the season, and the annual Commissioner’s Cup video games are underway. All 15 groups will compete for a $500,000 prize pool, a trophy, and a charitable donation to a neighborhood group. Operating from June 1 via June 17, 49 video games might be performed and also will rely in the direction of the regular-season report.
The championship sport might be held on June 30 and can characteristic the highest crew from the Jap and Western Conferences. The stakes are excessive, and level differential issues. For extra details about the Commissioner’s Cup, Ballislife has all of the occasion particulars.
Portland Fireplace’s Alex Sarama was named Could’s Coach of the Month, and Lynx star Olivia Miles earned Rookie of the Month honors for the opening month. As well as, former South Carolina Gamecocks teammates A’ja Wilson (Aces) and Allisha Grey (Dream) earned recognition because the Western and Jap Convention Gamers of the Month.
Highlights from the previous two weeks embrace the Portland Fireplace’s continued success, with huge wins over the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever. No. 1 general decide Azzi Fudd had a breakout sport with 24 factors and 6 threes towards the Liberty, and Miles placed on a clinic for a career-high 28 factors towards the Golden State Valkyries.
Within the Hoosier State, Kelsey Mitchell reached 5,000 factors, and the Fever are again on observe following some buzz relating to Caitlin Clark’s struggles and training. However in actuality, this would not be mentioned if it had been a person’s sport.
A powerful rookie class continues to cleared the path this W season, as Awa Fam touched down within the Emerald Metropolis and made her debut with the Storm. Growth groups (Tempo, Fireplace)Â have shocked early on, and Nneka Ogwumike is now the fifth all-time chief in rebounds in WNBA historical past, passing Tamika Catchings.
Though these are just some storylines, listed below are my energy rankings for weeks 3 and 4. These will change week-to-week, however who’s rising and who’s falling?
2026 WNBA Energy Rankings (Could 22-June 5)
*Editor’s Word: Rankings made earlier than Friday, June 5 video games*
15. Connecticut Solar
Final Rank: 152026 WNBA championship odds: +50000 (+50000 preseason)Report: 2-9Trends: 0-4 at residence, and went 1-4 since Could 22. The Solar posts a -9.4 level differential over the past 5 video games and is 1-6 on the highway and 0-2 towards convention groups.
The Skinny: The Connecticut Solar owns the WNBA’s worst report at 2-9 and a -12.9 level differential. Not solely do they put up the fewest factors per sport (75.5), however additionally they stay one of many least environment friendly groups on protection, permitting 88.4 factors per sport.
Regardless of Connecticut’s 76-74 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Hartford, the Solar have a 1-4 report over the past week with a -9.4 factors differential per sport.
Leïla Lacan returns to Connecticut, who posted 12 factors, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal within the win over LA. Her presence ought to present some steadiness on either side of the ball, however I do not count on the Solar to show it round. During the last two weeks, they misplaced to the Lynx by 21 factors and to the Fireplace by 14 factors.
Accidents and rotational experiments have been a problem for Connecticut, and now Hailey Van Lith rejoins the crew on a developmental contract. Aneesah Morrow is shining vivid, however I am anticipating a full rebuild to proceed in Uncasville.
14. Chicago Sky
Final Rank: 8 ( -6 )2026 WNBA championship odds: +17500 (+5500 preseason)Report: 3-6Trends: Misplaced 5 straight video games and is winless at residence (0-4). Chicago’s final win got here towards the Minnesota Lynx on Could 17.
The Skinny: The Sky drop six spots this week whereas using a five-game dropping streak. Chicago will get Azurà Stevens again, however rookie Gabriela Jaquez has missed three straight video games with a knee harm. To not point out, DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Vandersloot stay out, whereas Rickea Jackson will miss the rest of the season with an ACL harm.
Since Could 22, the Sky are 0-4, together with a 21-point loss to the Lynx and an 18-point loss to the Mystics. Not solely do they submit one of many worst differentials within the WNBA (-14), however they rank No. 14 in offensive ranking (91.2) and No. 12 in defensive ranking (107.7) throughout that span.
During the last two weeks, Chicago’s offense has been abysmal, averaging simply 77.3 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 22.6% from past the arc. You will not acquire factors taking pictures simply 37.9% from the sector, and so they personal the league’s worst level margin since Could 22. To not point out, Chicago has been getting killed in second-chance factors and inside scoring.
Trounced by the Lynx twice, the Sky fall to No. 14 as additionally they took losses to the Tempo and Mystics.
13. Phoenix Mercury
Final Rank: 11 ( -2)2026 WNBA championship odds: +5000 (+1500 preseason)Report: 3-8Trends: 1-4 report at residence, and 2-4 on the highway. The Mercury broke a six-game dropping streak and are 1-4 since Could 22. During the last two weeks, Phoenix performed 4 of its 5 video games on the highway.
The Skinny:Â I assumed I used to be being a bit harsh after I penciled within the Phoenix Mercury at 11 final week. The Mercury lastly broke their six-game dropping streak with a 72-68 victory over the Seattle Storm. However even then, they gained by simply 4 factors towards a rebuilding squad.
During the last two weeks, Phoenix misplaced to the Liberty by 10 factors and suffered back-to-back losses in New York. Maybe probably the most stunning loss got here in a 34-point defeat to Minnesota.
I am not solely satisfied that Phoenix ought to transfer up after they barely beat Seattle. Regardless of Monique Akoa Makani’s return, that hasn’t precisely translated into wins. The Mercury are 1-3 since her return and rank No. 13 in defensive ranking (107.7) over that span. Whereas the offense hasn’t been almost as potent, Phoenix has given up a mean of 85.5 factors to New York, Minnesota, and Seattle.
That does not embrace the 111 factors the Lynx poured on the Mercury. It has been a troublesome stretch for Phoenix, which merely could not get it finished towards the Dream, Liberty, and Lynx. Rookie Jovana Nogić has cooled off, and there is been little offense at occasions exterior of Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. Even at occasions, Thomas has been inconsistent.
It is disappointing that the Mercury superior to the 2025 WNBA finals and dropped this far. Not saying it might’t change, however that is the place I rank them at present. This week, they drop two spots.
12. Seattle Storm
Final Rank: 14 (+2)2026 WNBA championship odds: +50000 (+50000 preseason)Report: 3-8Trends: Using a four-game dropping streak and has a 1-4 report over the past two weeks. Seattle is 1-4 on the highway and 2-4 at residence. During the last 5 video games, the Storm misplaced two straight on the highway and completed 1-2 at residence.
The Skinny: On this version of my energy rankings, the Seattle Storm transfer up two spots. Whereas they’ve a 3-8 report this season, I’ve moved them up from No. 14 for just a few causes.
Seattle is in rebuild mode and has a ton of youth, together with Flau’jae Johnson, Awa Fam, and others. Seattle went simply 2-4 over the past two weeks, however performed six video games. Over that span, they took losses to the Tempo, Wings, and Mercury, and Mystics, however gained two victories over Connecticut (+18) and Washington (+12).
Positive, losses matter, however the level differential hasn’t been as unhealthy as that of different groups. Sure, the 21-point loss to the Lynx is not perfect, however they have been torching groups left and proper. And the loss to Paige Bueckers and the Wings by -23 wasn’t probably the most environment friendly. Nonetheless, they maintain a -5.3 level differential and misplaced to the Mercury by simply 4 factors.
Whereas losses have not translated into wins, Seattle has remained aggressive, and that is with out Dominique Malonga, who’s missed eight straight video games as a consequence of a concussion. Johnson continues to develop, though her expertise is uncooked; the taking pictures woes proceed. General, Natisha Hiedeman has absolutely embraced a management function as a main scorer and facilitator, and the Awa Fam period is formally right here.
Whereas Fam’s arrival hasn’t translated into wins … simply but, she’s averaging 9.8 factors, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on the season. We noticed Fam get away for 18 factors towards the Mercury, and Zia Cooke has proven flashes of brilliance, though inconsistent.
I am not saying Seattle will transfer up a ton within the standings, however I can get behind the defensive hustle. The Solar scored simply 59 factors, and the Tempo, Mystics, Wings, and Mercury had been all held to beneath 80 factors. I’ve them at 12 since they proceed to rebuild, and offense has been a problem (scored simply 56 factors towards Dallas).
Since Could 22, Seattle dropped to No. 13 in offensive ranking (92.1), however surprisingly, they’re a top-four crew on protection. The Mystics are hanging in, however I want extra information and video games earlier than shifting them up the ladder.
11. Los Angeles Sparks
Final Rank: 10 (-1)2026 WNBA championship odds: +3000 (+1500 preseason)Report: 4-5Trends: 3-1 report on the highway and a 1-4 report at residence. The Sparks are using a two-game dropping streak and are 2-2 since my final rankings. 4 of their final 5 video games have been on the highway.
The Skinny: I initially ranked the Sparks as excessive as No. 5 in my preliminary rankings, and this week they drop one spot over a two-week span.
Sparks star Kelsey Plum missed three consecutive video games with an ankle harm, which harm their trigger. Possible to return tonight, it is vital to notice how impactful she is for Los Angeles.
With a 4-5 report general, the Sparks went 2-2 over the previous 14 days, which resulted in wins over the Mystics and Aces, and losses to the Solar and Aces. Had Plum not gotten harm, we would have had a unique dialog.
Let’s speak in regards to the good: The Sparks trounced the Aces 101-95, because of Kelsey Plum’s 38-point efficiency. It is definitely spectacular that the Sparks beat the defending champs and took care of enterprise with out Plum in Washington, because of Nneka Ogwumike’s 20-point, 11-rebound outing.
During the last 4 video games, the Sparks completed with a -2 level differential, with a mean of -0.5 per sport. That is not horrible for a crew beneath .500, which was with out its high star.
Now, the unhealthy: Plum accounts for over 30% of the Sparks‘ offense, as she is averaging 26.8 factors on the season. It has been laborious for me to get a pulse on this crew as a consequence of inconsistencies. What I can inform you is that there was a big drop-off in offensive manufacturing in Plum’s absence. With out her, they averaged nearly 75 factors towards the Aces and Solar and failed to attain above 81 factors.
The frontcourt has been stable, consisting of Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby, and Cameron Brink. However I have to see constant manufacturing from Rae Burrell, Ariel Atkins, and Erica Wheeler. Exterior the massive three, the offensive manufacturing drops off some.
I’ve the Sparks at 11, because the protection has improved considerably, from No. 15 to No. 8 when it comes to ranking. Nonetheless, the offense ranks No. 10 over that span. Till I get a full learn on this crew, it will likely be robust to judge.
10. Washington Mystics
Final Rank: 9 (-1)2026 WNBA championship odds: +12500 (+10000 preseason)Report: 4-4Trends: 3-2 on the highway and 1-2 at residence. The Mystics have gained two of their final three video games and have gone 2-2 because the final rankings.
The Skinny: The Washington Mystics are the crew that I refuse to stop on. 4-4 on the season, they’ve a 2-2 report since my final rankings. That features two victories: a 14-point blowout over the Storm and an 18-point win over the Sky.
I do know that is not all that spectacular provided that Seattle is rebuilding and the Sky are ailing with accidents. Nonetheless, we have to discuss Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen. Arguably probably the most dynamic frontcourt duo, they mixed for 32 factors and 19 rebounds towards Chicago. In opposition to the Sparks, they recorded a mixed 38 factors and 19 rebounds.
We all know the pair has been dominant. So dominant that rookie Lauren Betts is logging simply 13.6 minutes per sport. I suppose further entrance courtroom depth is an efficient factor for an up-and-coming crew.
At No. 10, the Mystics boasted a +15 level differential, which is not unhealthy for a .500 report since my final rankings got here out. Their energy of schedule wasn’t significantly robust, which retains them within the mid-to-lower half.
I do suppose the Mystics might have gained towards Seattle and towards a Sparks crew with out Plum. Over the previous couple of weeks, the Mystics shot as much as fifth in offensive ranking (107.6), scoring 90 factors towards Chicago, together with 85 and 87 towards Seattle and LA. Most impressively, they rank among the many high 5 in defensive ranking (102.2) and NET ranking (5.4) since Could 22.
I am giving this crew grace since Sonia Citron missed Tuesday’s contest towards the Sky with a foot harm. Even with out her, the Mystics dropped 90 factors and had a well-balanced scoring assault from each the starters and bench. Plus, is Alicia Florez Getino Sydney Johnson’s new secret weapon?
9. Toronto Tempo
Final Rank: 12 ( +3 )2026 WNBA championship odds: +15000 (+15000 preseason)Report: 5-5Trends: 3-3 report on the highway and 2-2 at residence. Toronto has gained two of its final three video games and boasts a 2-2 report since my final energy rankings.
The Skinny: It is protected to say that the 2 latest WNBA enlargement groups haven’t upset. Each the Fireplace and Tempo are at .500 or above, which nobody projected. Then once more, Sandy Brondello is a two-time WNBA champion coach for a motive.
Toronto continues to carry its personal as Nyara Sabally holds down the frontcourt, as Isabelle Harrison and Temi Fágbénlé are out with accidents. 2-2 since my final rankings, Toronto misplaced to the Fireplace by 18 factors and to the Liberty by 15 factors. Whereas neither win is as robust, a win is a win, proper?
The Tempo put up 111 factors within the victory over the Sky and defeated the Storm 93-72. All season lengthy, the Tempo have been a top-four offensive crew, one which’s led by backcourt pair Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes.
When Toronto is scorching, it is scorching, particularly in relation to Mabrey’s 3-point taking pictures. This crew can rating, particularly after placing up 106, 111, 98, and 93 factors over the past 4 video games. And might we discuss Sabally’s career-high 29-point efficiency towards the Sky and her potential to stretch the ground?
I predicted the other: I assumed Toronto would excel defensively however wrestle to attain. Whereas I did not count on Brondello’s Brooklyn homecoming to end in a win, I did count on them to remain extra aggressive towards Portland.
My greatest difficulty for Toronto is protection, consistency, and well being. The crew has an ailing frontcourt, and rookie Kiki Rice is now anticipated to overlook time with a Grade 2 ankle sprain. And whereas they held the Storm to 72 factors, Portland, Chicago, and New York scored 99, 104, and 97 factors towards Toronto.
As I discussed beforehand, Mabrey and Sykes should be on to stack up wins, and we noticed this in Sykes‘ 38-point efficiency towards the Sparks. This crew has struggled towards top-tier groups, and over the past two weeks, they’ve climbed because the second-best crew on offense however the worst in protection.
Toronto is a gritty crew, a mid-level one that may hold afloat. How will accidents have an effect on them down the road? I have to see extra from the protection.
8. Indiana Fever
Final Rank: 6 (-2)2026 WNBA championship odds: +1000 (+550 preseason)Report: 5-4Trends: 1-2 on the highway, 4-2 at residence. Indiana broke a two-game dropping streak with a victory over Atlanta. They held a 2-2 report since my final rankings.
The Skinny: It has been a rocky begin for the Fever, as Caitlin Clark missed one sport with a again harm. The WNBA fined Indiana for leaving Clark off the harm report, and there is been full nonsense surrounding a brief clip of Clark arguing with head coach Stephanie White. I promise, this occurs in sports activities, and we must always look to greener pastures forward.
The Fever are one of many closely favored groups to win this season, and boast a 5-4 report. During the last two weeks, we noticed Indiana hit all-time low after Clark scored simply six factors in Portland’s 100-84 blowout victory over Indiana. Struggling back-to-back losses, the Fever suffered a 90-88 heartbreaking loss to the Valkyries.
The Fever are again on the map as they carried out a much-needed 83-71 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Not solely did Kelsey Mitchell notch 5,000 profession factors, however the protection made an announcement. As a crew, the Dream shot simply 34% from the sector and 29% from three. Clark, Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston mixed for 61 factors as Sophie Cunningham and Raven Johnson got here alive off the bench.
I need to put the Fever increased, however they held a 2-3 report over the past two weeks with a -11 level differential. Over that interval, they ranked No. 9 in offensive ranking (106.5), No. 11 in defensive ranking (106.5), and turnovers stay an issue.
The excellent news is Indiana is ready to beat high groups resembling Golden State and Atlanta. The unhealthy? They misplaced to Portland by 16 factors. If the Fireplace did not play so nicely, I’d love the Fever as much as No. 7 right here. Since Could 22, they’ve had the seventh-worst NET ranking (0), however I am not terribly alarmed by the losses.
The Fever are an above .500 crew, and I count on them to enhance within the rankings as time goes on. Indiana likes to play with tempo, and Clark must proceed to work on shot choice and on opposing protection that hunts her.
7. Portland Fireplace
Final Rank: 13 (+6)2026 WNBA championship odds: +50000 (+50000 preseason)Report: 6-5Trends: 2-2 on the highway, 4-3 at residence. Portland is above .500, though it is dropped two of its final three video games.
The Skinny: I need to give my sincerest apology to Alex Sarama and the Portland Fireplace. A lot in order that I ranked them No. 13 final week and had them at a complete beneath 9.5 wins for the 2026 WNBA season.
I am undecided if the Fireplace can sustain this momentum, however they’re 6-5 on the season and completed with a 4-2 report over the past two weeks.
I’ve the Fireplace over the Fever as a consequence of their general wins since Could 22, the energy of schedule, and the truth that they beat Indiana 101-84. As gamers are waived and signed, in some way, Portland has continued its relevance.
They garnered consideration with two victories over the Liberty, one among which got here throughout this span, and one other towards the Fever. The Fireplace are for actual, at the least now anyway. During the last two weeks, they went on a three-game successful streak towards the Tempo, Liberty, and Connecticut. Most impressively, they held a +14-point differential and defeated the Tempo and Fever by a mixed 35 factors.
A middle-of-the-road crew when it comes to offensive and defensive manufacturing, the Fireplace boasted a sixth-best 3.7 NET ranking since my final rankings. Whereas I do take a look at the general image each two weeks, they did undergo a big 20-point loss to the Dream and an 18-point loss to the Valkyries.
Portland continues to defy the chances as the most recent enlargement crew, and as Megan Gustafson mentioned it finest, these are neglected gamers which have by no means been revered. I actually respect that she mentioned that.
Led by Carla Leite, Bridget Carleton, Gustafson, and Sarah Ashlee Barker, we’ve got even seen gamers resembling Emily Engstler present out with some two-way performances that fill the field rating. They’ve signature wins over high groups, and I am a full believer till they show me in any other case.
6. Golden State Valkyries
Final Rank: 2 ( -4)2026 WNBA championship odds: +1500 (+3500 preseason)Report: 6-4Trends: 2-2 on the highway, 4-2 at residence. Golden State has dropped two of its final three following a two-game win streak. The Valkyries transfer from two to 6.The Skinny: The Valkyries are nonetheless excessive on my record, and I am an enormous believer in what Natalie Nakase has acquired happening within the Bay. 6-4 on the season, the Valkyries dropped 4 spots, and here is why.
Since my final energy rankings, Golden State has gone 3-3 with a +26-point differential. That features two straight wins over the Connecticut Solar and the Indiana Fever.
The 27-point win over Connecticut is not all that spectacular, and the Fever and Valkyries have stored their video games comparatively shut, win or lose. There is not any query Golden State additionally had a reasonably dominant affair over Portland, 95-77.
This can be a gritty crew that has a number of two-way gamers in Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, and extra. It is going to solely get more difficult from right here as Golden State completed up a four-game homestand with a 3-1 report.
The Valkyries misplaced to the Lynx by simply three factors and to the Aces by 10. Whereas they’ve had signature wins towards high groups, they can not come out victorious towards all of them. A aggressive defensive crew, Golden State has been inconsistent at occasions and has to work on defeating upper-echelon groups.
The Valkyries remained a top-three crew on the offensive finish, as they put up 97 factors towards Connecticut and 95 towards Portland. That additionally features a franchise-best 18 3-pointers on 40 makes an attempt towards the Fireplace. Defensively, they ranked ninth with a 4.8 NET ranking.
Golden State has some critical versatility and 3-point shooters in Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, Gabby Williams, Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, and so forth. Their future rankings will determine on the protection and whether or not they can provide you with wins towards high groups. Juste Jocyte made her debut, so it will likely be fascinating to see her impression shifting ahead.
5. New York Liberty
Final Rank: 3 ( -2)2026 WNBA championship odds: +260 (+260 preseason)Report: 6-4Trends: 2-1 on the highway, 4-3 at residence. New York has gained three consecutive video games and is within the midst of a six-game homestand
The Skinny: New York, New York. The Knicks are within the NBA Finals, however do not sleep on the Liberty. New York bounced again after two losses to the Portland Fireplace and completed out the previous couple of weeks with a 3-2 report.
The excellent news is that Leonie Fiebich is again within the lineup, and Satou Sabally has returned with restricted minutes. Sabrina Ionescu has performed only one sport this season as a consequence of an ankle harm and is questionable for Saturday’s contest towards the Fever.
It was a tough begin to the interval for New York, which misplaced to Azzi Fudd’s 24-point efficiency 91-76 on its residence turf at Barclays Middle. Previous to that, New York was trounced by Portland, 81-74.
It is a good huge homestand for New York, which has back-to-back wins over the struggling Mercury and defeated the Tempo in Sandy Brondello’s return to Brooklyn by 15 factors. It is an enchancment, particularly for Jonquel Jones, who exploded for 22 factors and 17 rebounds towards the Tempo. With rookie Pauline Asteir on the helm at level, we noticed a pleasant, well-balanced scoring assault from New York’s beginning 5.
All the offense cannot constantly come from 3-point flamethrower Marine Johannés, who’s taking pictures 43.8% from past the arc this season. Except for her, Breanna Stewart is almost averaging a double-double with 18.8 factors and eight.6 rebounds.
During the last two weeks, the Liberty offense has improved, rating No. 11 since my final rankings. Defensively, they stayed afloat as a top-six crew with a 2.6 NET ranking.
As gamers have returned, we have seen New York collect monstrous wins over Phoenix and Toronto. They’ve now gained three of their final 4 video games, and hopefully, they will see Ionescu within the close to future. They’ve gotten this far with no clear invoice of well being; it will likely be fascinating to see what this crew appears like at full energy.
4. Atlanta Dream
Final Rank: 42026 WNBA championship odds: +600 (+550 preseason)Report: 6-3Trends: 3-2 on the highway, 3-1 at residence. Received two of the final three video games, however misplaced essential matchups towards the Lynx and Fever.
The Skinny: Atlanta finds itself atop the standings with a 6-3 report and is 4-2 since my final energy rankings. Final month, we noticed Atlanta dominate the Wings 86-69 and barely scraped by the Mercury 82-80.
Different wins included an 86-66 victory over the Fireplace and a 16-point victory over the Connecticut Solar. The 2 losses got here towards the Lynx and Fever, two high groups within the WNBA.
Atlanta is definitely working at lower than 100% energy. Brionna Jones has but to make her debut, so Angel Reese and Madina Okot are holding down the frontcourt. Even with out Jones, a 4-2 report and a +28 level differential is pretty spectacular. Over that span, the Dream remained a top-four crew defensively and vastly improved on offense.
To not point out, Atlanta boasted the third-best NET ranking (6.5) over the past six video games.
There is not any query the Dream protection is elite: They held the Wings, Fireplace, Solar, and Mercury to 80 factors or fewer. Specifically, Dallas and Portland scored simply 66 and 69 factors. Nonetheless, I’m involved about these huge losses towards the Lynx and Fever.
My greatest difficulty is the offensive inconsistency in Atlanta. They depend on the beginning 5, however this crew has some stable key gamers on the bench. Starting from 71 to 91 factors, the Dream averaged 82.8 factors over the past six video games. Whereas they do not depend on only one participant, the crew has an excessive amount of star energy to not be the highest crew.
They boast the second-best protection, and we have but to see Jones. I like them at No. 4, for now.
3. Las Vegas Aces
Final Rank: 1 ( -2)2026 WNBA championship odds: +410 (+410 preseason)Report: 6-3Trends: 6-1 away, 0-2 at residence. The Aces have gained two straight and return residence after a three-game highway journey.
The Skinny:Â The Aces transfer down two spots, however do not panic. 6-3 on the season, Las Vegas went 2-2 over the previous couple of weeks. It began out tough following a pair of losses to the Sparks and Wings. They ultimately turned it round with a +10 margin of victories towards the Valkyries and Sparks.
The Sparks‘ win on June 2 is not all that spectacular contemplating Kelsey Plum was out for LA. And if there’s one factor that is holding true, the offense will proceed to run via A’ja Wilson, who’s the main MVP candidate at a number of sportsbooks. Scoring 20+ in 4 consecutive video games, Wilson averaged 24.5 factors towards LA, Dallas, and Golden State.
The Aces are nonetheless a top-tier crew, however there’ve been inconsistencies on either side of the ball. Though they completed up the week with a +6 level differential, they ranked No. 14 in offensive ranking. Jackie Younger went chilly as a consequence of private points (understandably), and Chennedy Carter acquired bruised up. The offense was scorching early on, because the Aces scored 95 and 91 factors towards the Sparks and Valkyries. Of their final sport, they scored simply 79 factors towards LA.
I count on the Aces to stay a high crew, however they did not have one of the best report or outing. Whereas they’re again on observe with two straight wins, well being and consistency are two main components. They’re tied for the second-best report and even beat each the Valkyries and Sparks by 10 factors on the highway. Since my final scores, they ranked No. 8 in NET ranking (1.2).
The protection additionally has to enhance. Look out for that within the close to future.
2. Dallas Wings
Final Rank: 5 ( +3)2026 WNBA championship odds: +1500 (+2500 preseason)Report: 6-3Trends: 3-1 away, 3-2 at residence. The Wings are on a three-game successful streak and have gained 4 of their final 5 video games
The Skinny: I personally thought I ranked the Wings too excessive, however seems I used to be proper. Dallas strikes up three spots after ending 3-1 since my final rankings.
Dallas is the true deal—they now have signature wins over high groups, together with a 91-76 victory over the Liberty on the highway and a 95-87 win over the Aces. Whereas they had been ousted by the Dream by 17 factors, Dallas is coming off a 23-point victory over the Seattle Storm.
It is clear that head coach Jose Fernandez is aware of what he is doing. He eased Azzi Fudd into the beginning rotation till she was comfy, and now she stays a fixture of the beginning 5 shifting ahead.
Awak Kuier will miss a while with a wrist harm, but it surely’s clear the Wings have a ton of versatility. And thoughts you, that is with Alanna Smith struggling. Jessica Shepard is incomes each cent of her payday, as we noticed her prepare dinner up a triple-double towards the Fever.
During the last 4 video games, the Wings boast a +29-point differential and rank second in defensive ranking (97.4), behind the Minnesota Lynx. Regardless of some offensive inconsistencies these days, the Wings personal the No. 1 offensive ranking (111.3) within the WNBA together with the second-best NET ranking (8.0).
There are occasions when Dallas does not seem like a high crew in any respect, whereas others, they seem like they’ll win all of it. Paige Bueckers is having an unbelievable sophomore marketing campaign, averaging 23.2 factors over the past 4 video games. Defensively, this can be a very totally different Dallas crew than we have seen up to now. During the last couple of weeks, the Wings held Seattle to 56 factors and New York to 76 factors.
The Wings have victories over the Fever, Liberty, and Aces. If they’ll defeat the Liberty on the highway, they are going to earn the second spot for this week.
1. Minnesota Lynx
Final Rank: 7 ( +6)2026 WNBA championship odds: +410 (+850 preseason)Report: 8-2Trends: 5-0 on the highway, 3-2 at residence. The Lynx have gained six straight video games, three of which have come on the highway.
The Skinny: I personally need to apologize to Cheryl Reeve and the Lynx. No Napheesa Collier? No downside. Solely 4 returning gamers? No downside. The Lynx bounce to the No. 1 spot after incomes the WNBA’s finest report at 8-2.
5-0 over the past couple of weeks, the Lynx have wins over the Sky, Dream, Mercury, and Valkyries. Except for Golden State, they have been killing groups left and proper. With wins coming by +10 or extra, the Lynx maintain a +83 level differential over the past 5 video games.
Boasting the W’s high defensive ranking (98.1), the Lynx are a high crew on either side of the ball, because of expertise and training. Rookie Olivia Miles is healthier than marketed. She’s a star. Final evening, she broke Caitlin Clark’s 3-point rookie report and earned Rookie of the Month honors in Could. On Thursday, Miles torched a stingy Dream protection for 28 factors, seven assists, and 4 rebounds. Her IQ, shot creation, potential to drive downhill, and facilitating have been second-to-none.
It seems that Natasha Howard’s return to the Land of 1000 Lakes was an amazing signing, and Courtney Williams has been thriving off-ball. Miles, Williams, Kayla McBride, and Howard have stepped up because the core 4. During the last two weeks, the Lynx have owned the highest spot on protection, offense, and NET ranking (20).
Till they arrive again right down to Earth, the Lynx completely deserve the highest spot right here.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Workers Author at Ballislife.com, in addition to Director of Ballislife Bets. Observe her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
