
Golden State Valkyries Make Roster Decision on WNBA Champion
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Golden State Valkyries Make Roster Decision on WNBA Champion
Golden State Valkyries Make Roster Decision on WNBA Champion Cecilia Zandalasini. Zandal asini will represent Italy at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, which runs from June 18-29 across venues in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Greece. The competition will determine continental supremacy and serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Italy’S squad relying heavily on ZandalAsini’’s WNBA experience. Zandalsasini was a WNBA champion with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2024) and MVP of the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.
The Golden State Valkyries snapped a four-game skid with a dominant 95-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, bolstered by Kayla Thornton’s double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, Cecilia Zandalasini’s 18 points and Veronica Burton’s 12 assists.
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That victory improved the Valkyries to a 3-5 record in their inaugural 2025 campaign.
On Sunday, the Valkyries announced the temporary suspension of forward Zandalasini’s contract to allow her to represent Italy at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, which runs from June 18-29 across venues in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Greece.
The competition will determine continental supremacy and serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Italy’s squad relying heavily on Zandalasini’s WNBA experience.
Zandalasini enters her first season with Golden State after being selected from the Minnesota Lynx roster in the December 2024 expansion draft.
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In her four appearances (two starts) this year, she’s averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 23.0 minutes per game.
A decorated international talent, Zandalasini was a WNBA champion with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2024) and MVP of the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.
She has also won multiple Turkish league and cup titles with Fenerbahçe (2019, 2020, 2021) and an Italian Supercup crown (2023).
Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) speaks to teammates.Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Zandalasini’s departure will leave a 10-point-per-game scoring void at the small-forward spot and test Golden State’s young depth.
Management has signaled that Zandalasini will rejoin the roster immediately after Italy’s EuroBasket run, but with eight games between now and the end of the month, she leaves a significant hole to fill.
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Related: Chicago Sky Coach Sends Message After Angel Reese Decision
Related: Indiana Fever Star Gets Technical Foul Against Mystics
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
WNBA 2025 roster tracker: Valkyries waive Laeticia Amihere, Kaitlyn Chen as expansion team makes final cuts
The 2025 WNBA season will tip off on Friday, which meant teams needed to finalize their rosters by Thursday. The Atlanta Dream waived former No. 6 overall pick Haley Jones after just two seasons with the club. Shyanne Sellers, Laeticia Amihere, Kaitlyn Chen, Grace Berger, Deja Kelly, Madison Scott, Diamond DeShields and Aari McDonald were also waived. The Sun break camp with 13 players, while the Sky have 13 players. No. 10 overall pick Ajša Sivka was notably absent from training camp. Two of the Sky’s other draft picks, first-round selection Hailey Van Lith and second-round choice Maddy Westbeld, have made the roster, however. As a result, her contract has been temporarily suspended, but she is expected to return to the team in time for the start of the season. The Sky have two rookies on their roster, Te-Hina Paopao and Taylor Thierry.
Perhaps the most notable cut was Haley Jones, whom the Atlanta Dream waived on Wednesday. Jones was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 draft, but had struggled in her first two seasons.
Other notable players that were waived over the last week include Shyanne Sellers (Valkyries and Dream), Laeticia Amihere (Valkyries), Kaitlyn Chen (Valkyries), Grace Berger (Lynx), Deja Kelly (Aces), Madison Scott (Wings), Diamond DeShields (Sun) and Aari McDonald (Sparks).
Here’s a quick glossary on the different types of roster contracts:
Protected veteran: These are veterans with a fully-guaranteed contract. Teams can only have a maximum of six players under such a contract.
These are veterans with a fully-guaranteed contract. Teams can only have a maximum of six players under such a contract. Protected rookie: When a team picks up the fourth-year option on a rookie-scale contract, it becomes fully guaranteed. These contracts do not count toward the limit of protected veteran contracts.
When a team picks up the fourth-year option on a rookie-scale contract, it becomes fully guaranteed. These contracts do not count toward the limit of protected veteran contracts. Unprotected: These are players without a guaranteed contract. If they are waived, they are only owed the pro-rated salary for the time they were on the team. These contracts become guaranteed at the midpoint of the season.
These are players without a guaranteed contract. If they are waived, they are only owed the pro-rated salary for the time they were on the team. These contracts become guaranteed at the midpoint of the season. Draftee: These are players who have just been drafted and signed their rookie scale contract. They do not count against the salary cap until the first day of the season if they remain on the roster.
These are players who have just been drafted and signed their rookie scale contract. They do not count against the salary cap until the first day of the season if they remain on the roster. Training camp: These are players who were invited to training camp on a non-standard contract that does not count against the salary cap until the first day of the season if they remain on the roster. In the event they make the team, the contract converts to a one-year, unprotected, minimum deal.
The Dream didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, but two rookies have made the final roster: second-round pick Te-Hina Paopao and third-round pick Taylor Thierry.
Notably, the Dream waived former No. 6 overall pick Haley Jones after just two seasons with the club. While she has struggled to make the leap to the professional level, it’s always surprising to see a team give up on such a high draft pick so soon.
In addition, the Dream waived Shyanne Sellers, whom they had picked up after she was cut by the Golden State Valkyries. It does not appear as though the former Maryland star will be on a roster on opening night.
No. 10 overall pick Ajša Sivka was notably absent from training camp. While there was some initial consideration to her coming over after EuroBasket Women 2025, the Slovenian star will not arrive until 2026.
Two of the Sky’s other draft picks, first-round selection Hailey Van Lith and second-round choice Maddy Westbeld, have made the roster, however.
It’s rebuild time in Uncasville, and outside of a few veterans, this is a very young group, highlighted by first-round picks Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers.
Leïla Lacan, a highly-rated French guard who was the team’s first-round pick last year, has made the final roster, but her contract has been temporarily suspended. As a result, the Sun will break camp with 13 players.
Player Position Experience Contract status Tina Charles Forward 13 years Protected veteran Marina Mabrey Guard 6 years Protected veteran Olivia Nelson-Ododa Center 3 years Protected rookie Lindsay Allen Guard 7 years Unprotected Jacy Sheldon Guard 1 year Unprotected Leïla Lacan Guard Rookie Draftee Rayah Marshall Center Rookie Draftee Aneesah Morrow Forward Rookie Draftee Saniya Rivers Guard Rookie Draftee Kariata Diaby Center Rookie Training camp Bria Hartley Guard 10 years
Training camp Robyn Parks Forward 1 year Training camp Haley Peters Forward 3 years Training camp
The new-look Wings entered camp with a host of rookies, led by No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. While her spot was never been in danger, the same was not true for the rest of the bunch. In the end, Nos. 12 and 27 picks, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly, made the cut, while No. 14 selection Madison Scott did not.
No. 5 overall pick Justė Jocytė did not participate in training camp and recently told Basket Europe she will arrive for the 2026 season.
The Valkyries made a number of controversial decisions during training camp, including waiving second-round pick Shyanne Sellers and former first-round pick Laeticia Amihere, who had 20 points in a preseason loss to the Sparks. Former UConn guard Kaitlyn Chen also did not make the team.
It’s clear from the final roster that the Valkyries preferred experience over potential.
The Fever only brought 15 players to camp, which indicated they were pretty comfortable with their roster and rotation heading into the season. Second-round pick Makayla Timpson was the lone rookie to make the team, which will only feature 11 players due to salary cap concerns.
The Aces waived third-round pick Harmoni Turner, as well as undrafted rookie Deja Kelly, much to the dismay of many fans after she had a strong showing during the preseason. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who was signed during free agency, has been listed as out indefinitely due to pregnancy/childbirth, so the Aces will enter the season with 13 players on the books.
All-Star guard Kelsey Plum’s arrival was the major talking point in Sparks training camp. They’ll hope that she can help end the longest playoff drought in franchise history, which stretches back to 2020.
They have now set their final roster, which includes No. 9 overall pick Sarah Ashlee Barker and second-round selection Sania Feagin.
Player Position Experience Contract status Dearica Hamby Forward 10 years Protected veteran Kelsey Plum Guard 7 years Protected veteran Azura Stevens Forward 7 years Protected veteran Julie Allemand Guard 2 years Unprotected Rae Burrell Guard 3 years Unprotected Cameron Brink Center 1 year Unprotected Rickea Jackson Forward 1 year Unprotected Mercedes Russell Center 7 years Unprotected Odyssey Sims Guard 11 years Unprotected Sarah Ashlee Barker Guard Rookie Draftee Sania Feagin Forward Rookie Draftee Emma Cannon Forward 6 years Training camp
No team invited more players to training camp than the Lynx, which was a bit surprising, but it’s hard to question Cheryl Reeve’s roster-building philosophy. While much of the team’s rotation appeared to be set heading into camp, there were some surprises.
Notably, Dorka Juhász chose to sit out of the 2025 season in order to rest after playing year-round for the last two years. In addition, No. 15 overall pick Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, a 20-year-old Russian forward, was expected by many to be a draft-and-stash candidate, but appears to have made the final roster.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was a notable absence from the Liberty’s training camp roster. She underwent knee surgery in March and will miss the season. The Liberty’s camp was more about building continuity with some of their new supporting cast members than any serious roster battles.
The Mercury were wheeling and dealing all winter and have built an extremely top-heavy roster that boasts three All-WNBA caliber players. That 13 of the 19 players who began camp were on training camp contracts tells you all you need to know.
A number of players made the Mercury roster who may be unfamiliar to WNBA fans, including Cameroonian guard Monique Akoa Makani and Nigerian forward Murjanatu Musa. The latter is still competing overseas, so her contract has been partially suspended and the Mercury will break camp with 13 players.
The Storm entered training camp without Jordan Horston or Nika Mühl, who tore their ACLs during the offseason. Just a few days into camp, Katie Lou Samuelson, whom they signed during free agency to help their spacing, went down with a torn ACL as well.
As a result of all those injuries, the Storm will break camp with only 11 players, and that includes Samuelson. No. 2 overall pick Dominique Malonga, who arrived late due to overseas commitments and missed a chunk of training camp, is on the roster.
The Mystics had a difficult training camp. They lost No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore for the season due to an ACL injury, while Aaliyah Edwards (back) and Shakira Austin (right leg) were also sidelined, though neither is expected to be out long-term.
Notably, second-round pick Lucy Olsen made the final roster, which will make Iowa Hawkeyes fans happy.
Kaitlyn Chen’s WNBA journey halted — Critics say Valkyries used her popularity
The Golden State Valkyries are facing criticism after waiving rookie guard Kaitlyn Chen. Chen made history as the first Taiwanese American selected in the WNBA Draft. She became the first player of Taiwanese descent to appear in a WNBA preseason game. The move sparked backlash online, where fans expressed frustration that the team may have profited from her presence without committing to her development.
Chen, who made history as the first Taiwanese American selected in the WNBA Draft, was chosen 30th overall by the Valkyries in April. Her selection drew widespread support from Asian American fans and basketball followers globally, who celebrated her representation and visibility on a national stage. She became the first player of Taiwanese descent to appear in a WNBA preseason game.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her debut, Chen was cut during the team’s final roster decisions ahead of their inaugural season. The move sparked backlash online, where fans expressed frustration that the team may have profited from her presence without committing to her development.
“The optics are tough,” WNBA All-Star Satou Sabally said in a social media post, acknowledging the controversy. “Even though she got the exposure she deserved, the question is whether the team truly invested in her future.”
Critics pointed out that while Chen’s jersey and image were used in promotional material, WNBA players currently do not receive revenue from merchandise sales under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. The disparity fueled accusations that the team exploited her marketability to build hype without offering long-term opportunity or compensation.
Chen, a standout at Princeton and national champion at UConn, earned praise for her leadership and high basketball IQ. Though she did not make the final roster, her brief stint with the Valkyries is being hailed by supporters as a milestone for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in professional sports.
2025 WNBA Season Preview: Assessing Every Team’s Championship Prospects
The 2025 WNBA season tips off on June 14. The league welcomes its newest team, the Golden State Valkyries. The 2025 season features a record 44 regular-season games per team. With star-studded rosters, blockbuster trades, and rising rivalries, the league’s 29th season promises more parity, drama, and standout performances than ever before. This guide evaluates each team’S championship outlook, including current odds, offseason changes, and the players most likely to shape the title race. With championship aspirations running high, every team believes they have a shot at the title. The WNBA promises a dynamic, competitive season that showcases incredible talent across all teams. The 25th season is set to be one of the most competitive and high-profile seasons in league history. It will be the first time the WNBA has had a season that features 12 12-game weekends.
This in-depth WNBA season preview evaluates each team’s championship outlook, including current odds, offseason changes, and the players most likely to shape the title race. Whether you’re tracking MVP contenders, betting futures, or just soaking in every fast break and buzzer-beater, this guide will keep you informed and ready for every storyline the 2025 season delivers.
🏆 Top Contenders
New York Liberty (+230)
The Liberty, fresh off a franchise-record 32-win season, are the favorites to clinch the title. With a core featuring Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, New York boasts depth and experience. Their balanced offense and staunch defense make them formidable opponents.
Las Vegas Aces (+350)
The two-time defending champions remain a powerhouse. Led by A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the Aces’ high-octane offense and cohesive team play keep them in the title conversation. Their championship pedigree cannot be overlooked.
Minnesota Lynx (+380)
The Lynx have retooled effectively, blending veteran leadership with young talent. Their strategic acquisitions and solid draft picks position them as serious contenders aiming to disrupt the established order.
🚀 Rising Teams
Indiana Fever (+350)
With Caitlin Clark entering her sophomore season after earning Rookie of the Year honors, the Fever are on an upward trajectory. Clark’s playmaking and scoring prowess, combined with a supportive cast, make Indiana a team to watch.
Seattle Storm (+3500)
Despite facing challenges with key injuries, the Storm’s resilience and the emergence of new talents keep them competitive. Their ability to adapt and develop players will be crucial this season.
🔄 Teams in Transition
Los Angeles Sparks (+5500)
The Sparks have undergone significant changes, including acquiring Kelsey Plum and appointing new head coach Lynne Roberts. With a mix of seasoned players and promising rookies like Cameron Brink, the Sparks aim to rebuild and return to playoff contention.
Chicago Sky
The Sky are focusing on developing their young core, including standout rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Their growth and adaptation to the professional level will be pivotal for Chicago’s success.
📉 Long Shots
Atlanta Dream (+5000)
The Dream are in a rebuilding phase, emphasizing player development and team chemistry. While immediate championship aspirations may be out of reach, their focus on growth sets the foundation for future success.
Phoenix Mercury (+1800)
The Mercury, with veterans like Brittney Griner, are looking to bounce back. Their performance will heavily depend on the health and consistency of their star players.
🔥 Key Storylines to Watch
Clark vs. Reese Rivalry
The ongoing competition between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continues to captivate fans, bringing intensity and excitement to their matchups. This budding rivalry is shaping up to define the next era of WNBA basketball.
Golden State Valkyries’ Debut
The league welcomes its newest team, the Golden State Valkyries, who have already made headlines with roster decisions and aim to make a strong first impression. Their debut season could have ripple effects throughout the league.
Expanded Season Format
The 2025 season features a record 44 regular-season games per team, providing more action and opportunities for teams to prove themselves. With more matchups, expect player workloads, rivalries, and playoff races to intensify.
As the season unfolds, the WNBA promises thrilling games, emerging stars, and compelling narratives. Fans can look forward to a dynamic and competitive season that showcases the league’s growth and the incredible talent across all 12 teams. With championship aspirations running high, every game matters—and this year, every team believes they have a shot.
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2025 WNBA predictions: Liberty repeat? Paige Bueckers ROY?
The WNBA’s 29th season begins with three games Friday. ESPN’s panel of experts says the New York Liberty are the front-runners to reach the 2025 WNBA Finals. The two-time champion Las Vegas Aces and the team that seems to have the most preseason buzz, the Indiana Fever, are also in the mix. The WNBA season kicks off with the Dallas Wings hosting the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET. The Liberty face the Aces in Saturday’s doubleheader on ABC, followed by last season’s rookie stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese facing off as Indiana hosts the Chicago Sky (3 p.M. ET) The Liberty beat the Lynx 67-62 in the deciding Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA finals in New York last year. The Aces won the title in 2022 and 2023 after falling at home in the semifinals to the Mercury Mercury. The Lynx lost to the Mystics in the 2018 Finals after being swept by the Storm in the finals of the 2018 season.
Seven months ago, the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in the deciding Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. It prompted celebration in the Big Apple for New York’s first league title — and lamentation in Minnesota. Angry about a late foul called in regulation, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve blasted the officiating, saying, “This s— was stolen from us.”
Ready for the Liberty and Lynx to try and run it back? They are the front-runners to reach the 2025 WNBA Finals, according to ESPN’s panel of experts, who are feeling Minnesota as the preseason favorite. But there are big challengers, too, including the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces and the team that seems to have the most preseason buzz, the Indiana Fever.
The WNBA’s 29th season begins with three games Friday, headed by No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers’ debut for the Dallas Wings, who host Minnesota. In Saturday’s doubleheader on ABC, we will get a look at the defending champion Liberty against the Aces (1 p.m. ET), followed by last season’s rookie stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese facing off as Indiana hosts the Chicago Sky (3 p.m. ET).
ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Katie Barnes, Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel make their predictions for which teams could contend for the title and which players could win awards.
Jump to: Playoff and award predictions
Can A’ja Wilson, left, win a fourth MVP title? Will Breanna Stewart, right, and the New York Liberty win a second straight championship? Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Will the Liberty repeat?
Michael Voepel: Maintaining that level of championship hunger is so difficult in professional sports because the challengers are so determined to stop you. The Aces were able to do it in 2023 after winning it in 2022, but it might prove difficult for the Liberty to pull it off.
Kevin Pelton: The Liberty are deserving favorites to win another title. Perimeter stopper Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will miss the entire season now that she has been placed on the suspended list, but the addition of Natasha Cloud helps fill that void, and the return of Marine Johannes should strengthen the Liberty bench. I’d put them atop the tier of three teams with the best chance to win the championship, ahead of Las Vegas and Minnesota.
Alexa Philippou: History suggests a squad other than New York will hoist the crown. There’s a reason that only one team — the Aces in 2022 and 2023 — has repeated in the past two decades. It’s incredibly difficult, and that’s the case now more than ever with so many teams stockpiling talent and in win-now mode.
I still see the Liberty in the same tier of teams Pelton outlined, along with Indiana. Perhaps it will prove advantageous that they don’t have the exact cast of characters as last season, though I wonder whether the losses of Laney-Hamilton and Kayla Thornton (expansion draft) will rear their head. The Liberty are also thin at the wing, though Rebekah Gardner, Kennedy Burke and Leonie Fiebich could make up for that.
Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
If not New York, which team is your pick to win the 2025 title?
Philippou: The Lynx were one foul call away from winning it all last season, and there is plenty of reason to believe they can return to that stage and emerge as champions this time. They have a huge advantage in returning a league-high 85.4% of their scoring production. They could be even deeper thanks to their retooled bench, especially if young players such as Diamond Miller and Alissa Pili continue to develop. The Aces and Liberty have been the first to say how losing fueled and informed their eventual championship runs; last year’s heartbreak could be what the Lynx needed to have it all come together in 2025.
Voepel: Building on Alexa’s point, there has been a pattern over the past six years of teams winning the title the season after a big disappointment. In 2019, the Mystics won after being swept by the Storm in the 2018 Finals. In 2022, the Aces won after falling at home in Game 5 of the 2021 semifinals to the Mercury. And last season, the Liberty got the title after losing in the 2023 Finals to the Aces.
We could see that play out with the Lynx this season, but they’re not the only team that would fit this trend. The Aces are also still stewing about last year, when they won only one of seven games against the Liberty between the regular season and playoffs. Plus, Jewell Loyd is hungry to prove herself with a new team.
As for Indiana, the Fever might be a year away. That would fit another pattern of teams (Seattle in 2004 and 2018) winning titles in the third season of consecutive No. 1 draft picks playing together.
With all the roster changes, what’s the one thing you are most looking forward to seeing this season?
Pelton: I can’t wait to see how Loyd fits in Las Vegas. The sign-and-trade deal that sent Kelsey Plum to the Sparks with Loyd as her replacement is by far the biggest change we’ve seen for the Aces since Becky Hammon arrived as coach and immediately led them to back-to-back WNBA titles.
Loyd has played off an MVP post player and an elite playmaking point guard before, winning championships with teammates Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in 2018 and 2020 for the Storm. Provided Loyd buys into that type of role after taking a leading one in Seattle the past two years — and sees her 3-point percentage bounce back after a seasonlong slump — Vegas shouldn’t miss a beat.
Katie Barnes: I’m looking at the other side of the trade Pelton highlighted.
Plum brings veteran and championship experience to a Sparks squad with a young core. And Plum is fiercely competitive and lives for opportunities to prove herself. While this is the first franchise she will play for that didn’t draft her, there are familiar faces who will smooth the transition, with former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby on the roster and her former college coach Mike Neighbors on the staff.
We should see the ball in Plum’s hands more in Los Angeles. The Sparks will look to her to facilitate more than she was asked to do in Vegas, and more will be demanded of her as a leader. If she meets the challenge, her impact will be considerable.
The Los Angeles Sparks acquired Kelsey Plum in a three-team trade this offseason. Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
Philippou: All the player movement into and out of Phoenix has intrigued me. It will be bizarre to see Brittney Griner playing in Atlanta and not competing in front of the X-Factor, and to watch Alyssa Thomas playing for the Mercury and not the Connecticut Sun.
Will Phoenix’s roster-building strategy work? The Mercury have one of the best trios in the league with Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper, but the team’s depth is a question. And in Atlanta, it should be fun to see how new coach Karl Smesko brings Griner and Brionna Jones together and how he tweaks his system, typically predicated on 3-point shooting, to account for those interior forces.
Kendra Andrews: I’m also zeroing in on the Mercury, who are entering a completely new era — not only without Griner, but also without Diana Taurasi. It’s easier said than done to start over, no matter how talented the free agents you landed are.
The organization has spoken highly about how well Sabally, Thomas and Copper will play next to each other, but how much time will it take to adjust? I’m curious if the Mercury will have to rely heavily on their big trio, because, as Alexa said, Phoenix lacks depth and experience otherwise.
Voepel: No WNBA team has had a more dramatic turnaround in terms of fan interest and excitement than Indiana the past two years, drafting Aliyah Boston and Clark as consecutive No. 1 picks. Adding the ageless DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham into the mix while returning Kelsey Mitchell, who went through all the franchise’s lowest moments before now getting to enjoy some of its best, makes for a team that appears to be the most talented the Fever have had in a decade. It should be a blast to watch.
What was the biggest surprise from Thursday’s final rosters?
Andrews: I’m surprised that none of Golden State’s three draftees are on the final roster, seemingly wasting three picks.
The Valkyries surprised fans when they waived 17th overall pick Shyanne Sellers, then did it again with 29th overall pick Kaitlyn Chen. Both players were quick fan favorites after throwing first pitches at San Francisco Giants games and driving jersey sales, with Chen receiving a standing ovation after her first bucket in the Valkyries’ preseason game against Los Angeles.
Even more confusing is fifth overall pick Juste Jocyte’s decision to remain in Europe.
Voepel: Even with a 13th team in Golden State adding more roster spots, WNBA fans are still agonizing over cuts. It’s hard to watch players not get a chance in what is supposed to be their rookie season, but also to see former first-round picks such as Diamond DeShields (2018) and Haley Jones, Grace Berger and Laeticia Amihere (Nos. 6-7-8 in 2023) get cut. We will see if any of them get a call to play this season, especially if teams need injury replacements.
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Who is your preseason pick to win MVP?
Pelton: As terrific as Napheesa Collier was last season, there is a reason A’ja Wilson won MVP unanimously. She put together a historic campaign to win the award for the third time in the past five seasons. There’s no reason to expect much drop-off this year as she pursues becoming the first player in WNBA history to reach four MVP trophies.
Barnes: Whether it’s fair or not, it’s possible that Wilson could be a victim of her own historic success this season. She has raised the bar for greatness, and as such, it’s a tougher mountain to climb to win MVP again. My pick is Collier, who is coming off championship disappointment in the WNBA as well as a disappointing exit from the Unrivaled playoffs. She’s on a mission, and I anticipate she will have a special season.
Andrews: I agree that Collier is entering the season with an extra chip on her shoulder and fire lit under her. I had a front-row seat to her dominance at Unrivaled, where she won the one-on-one competition and MVP award, and the zone she was in isn’t fading anytime soon. In Miami, she spoke about how losing in the WNBA Finals was still bugging her. Expect that motivation to carry over and for her to continue the incredible tear she has been on.
Voepel: Since we’re talking about chips on shoulders, Wilson has one, too — from last season, when she and Hammon thought she deserved Defensive Player of the Year to go along with MVP. Seeing the league’s general managers pick Collier as the MVP favorite this year will only fuel Wilson’s fire, and it’s a powerful fire.
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Who is your pick for MVP?
Kendra Andrews: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Katie Barnes: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Kevin Pelton: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Alexa Philippou: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Michael Voepel: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Who is your pick for Rookie of the Year?
Andrews: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Barnes: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Pelton: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Philippou: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Voepel: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Who is your pick for Defensive Player of the Year?
Andrews: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Barnes: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Pelton: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Philippou: Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Voepel: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Who is your pick for Most Improved Player?
Andrews: Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky
Barnes: Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky
Pelton: Emily Engstler, Washington Mystics
Philippou: Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky
Voepel: Kate Martin, Golden State Valkyries
Which five players will make the All-WNBA first team?
Andrews: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson
Barnes: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson
Pelton: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Satou Sabally, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson
Philippou: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson
Voepel: Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson
Which eight teams will make the playoffs?
Andrews: Atlanta, Dallas, Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York, Phoenix, Seattle
Barnes: Chicago, Dallas, Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York, Phoenix, Seattle
Pelton: Atlanta, Dallas, Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York, Phoenix, Seattle
Philippou: Atlanta, Chicago, Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York, Phoenix, Seattle
Voepel: Atlanta, Dallas, Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York, Phoenix, Seattle
Which four teams will reach the WNBA semifinals?
Andrews: Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York
Barnes: Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York
Pelton: Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York
Philippou: Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York
Voepel: Indiana, Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York
Which teams will meet in the WNBA Finals?
Andrews: Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty
Barnes: Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty
Pelton: Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty
Philippou: Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty
Voepel: Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces
Which team will win the 2025 WNBA title?
Andrews: Minnesota Lynx
Barnes: Minnesota Lynx
Pelton: New York Liberty
Philippou: Minnesota Lynx
Voepel: Minnesota Lynx
Source: https://athlonsports.com/wnba/golden-state-valkyries-make-roster-decision-wnba-champion-zandalasini