With the WNBA preseason officially underway and the regular season scheduled to tip off on May 16, fans are already buzzing with excitement. The Las Vegas Aces, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, remain a formidable force, even with some offseason changes. The New York Liberty aim to defend their championship, anchored by Breanna Stewart’s consistent excellence. Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier is hungry to bring redemption to the Minnesota Lynx following their Finals heartbreak. Rising star Caitlin Clark enters her sophomore season determined to guide the Indiana Fever deeper into playoff territory. These standout athletes headline ESPN’s preseason list of the WNBA’s top 25 players for 2025.
A’ja Wilson leads the pack without question. At 28, she delivered one of the most dominant individual campaigns in league history last season. Her record-setting 26.9 points per game shattered Diana Taurasi’s longstanding single-season mark. With impressive stats across the board — nearly 12 rebounds and over 2.5 blocks per game — Wilson earned her third MVP honor and first-team recognition on both the All-WNBA and All-Defensive squads. Her shooting efficiency and leadership make her the undisputed top player heading into the new season.
Napheesa Collier isn’t far behind. Her evolution over the past year has positioned her as a strong MVP contender and a crucial leader for the Lynx. Collier’s stat line — including nearly 10 rebounds and a league-leading defensive presence — highlights her all-around game. Her performance in the WNBA Finals, particularly in Game 5, was electric, even if her team fell just short. She followed that up by earning MVP in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, proving her consistency on multiple platforms.
Breanna Stewart continues to be a pillar for New York. She elevated her play post-All-Star break, excelling in both offensive and defensive metrics. Her presence in the paint, three-point efficiency, and clutch Finals performances were instrumental in the Liberty’s historic first championship win. Stewart’s adaptability and leadership will once again be central as the Liberty look to repeat.
Caitlin Clark, fresh off a rookie campaign that earned her first-team All-WNBA honors, is expected to make a major leap in year two. With an offseason focused on growth and new teammates joining the Fever, Clark’s already stellar playmaking and scoring abilities should become even more potent. With a deeper roster and a new system, Indiana could be poised for a breakout season with Clark at the helm.
Other notable names in the top 10 include Alyssa Thomas, who brings her versatile game to Phoenix after years with Connecticut; Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, two critical pieces in the Liberty’s championship puzzle; and Nneka Ogwumike, who brings her veteran savvy to a resurging Seattle Storm. Each player adds unique value to their squads, and their performances this year will heavily influence the playoff picture. From veterans to rising stars, this preseason list offers a compelling glimpse at the league’s elite heading into what promises to be a thrilling 2025 campaign.
