In an offseason like no other, the WNBA has seen a staggering number of coaching changes, with six teams severing ties with their head coaches since the 2024 playoffs began. This unprecedented wave of firings, coupled with the Golden State Valkyries’ historic hire of Natalie Nakase as the expansion team’s inaugural coach, has sent shockwaves through the league.
Fever’s Sides Latest to Go in Coaching Carousel
The most recent casualty of the coaching purge is Christie Sides, who was let go by the Indiana Fever despite leading the team to a playoff bid in 2024. Sides’ dismissal came as a surprise to many, given the Fever’s marked improvement and the stellar play of rookie sensation Aaliyah Clark.
According to sources close to the situation, the Fever’s management felt a change was necessary to take the team to the next level and capitalize on Clark’s immense potential. The search for Sides’ replacement is already underway, with several high-profile candidates rumored to be in the running.
Dream, Sky, Wings, Sparks, Mystics Also Make Changes
Sides is far from alone in the coaching carousel. The Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics have all parted ways with their head coaches since the end of the 2024 season:
- Atlanta Dream: Tanisha Wright out after three seasons
- Chicago Sky: Teresa Weatherspoon departs following playoff exit
- Dallas Wings: Latricia Trammell fired after two campaigns
- Los Angeles Sparks: Curt Miller first to go in September
- Washington Mystics: Eric Thibault out as GM/coach, ending Thibault era
Each team has cited different reasons for their respective coaching changes, ranging from disappointing results to a desire for a fresh perspective. However, the sheer volume of firings in such a short span is unheard of in the WNBA, leading some to speculate about deeper issues within the league.
Nakase Makes History with Valkyries
Amid the coaching upheaval, the Golden State Valkyries made history by hiring Natalie Nakase as their first-ever head coach. Nakase, a trailblazer who previously served as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, becomes the first Asian-American head coach in WNBA history.
“I’m honored and humbled to be chosen as the Valkyries’ first head coach,” Nakase said in a statement. “This is a dream come true and a huge step forward for representation in sports. I can’t wait to get started and build something special in the Bay Area.”
– Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries Head Coach
The Valkyries, who will begin play in the 2025 season, are hoping Nakase’s unique perspective and coaching acumen will help them establish a strong foundation in their inaugural campaign. The team has already generated significant buzz with its branding and the promise of bringing professional women’s basketball to the basketball-crazed Bay Area market.
What’s Next for the WNBA?
As the dust settles on this unprecedented offseason, the WNBA finds itself at a crossroads. With so many teams undergoing leadership changes and the players’ union opting out of the current collective bargaining agreement, uncertainty abounds.
Yet, there are also reasons for optimism. The influx of new coaching talent, coupled with the continued growth of the league’s star power, could usher in an exciting new era for the WNBA. As teams navigate free agency and the draft in the coming months, all eyes will be on how these coaching changes impact the league’s competitive balance and its ability to attract and retain top talent.
One thing is certain: the 2025 WNBA season will be one to watch. With so many teams sporting new looks on the sidelines and the Valkyries poised to make a splash in their debut campaign, fans can expect no shortage of drama, intrigue, and high-stakes basketball. The only question is, who will emerge from the fray to claim the league’s ultimate prize?
