As the confetti settles on the New York Liberty’s thrilling WNBA Finals victory, the league now turns its attention to a pivotal offseason that could reshape the landscape for the 2025 season and beyond. From the Liberty’s title defense to the emergence of new stars, coaching changes, and the expansion draft, here are the 10 burning questions that will define the WNBA’s future.
Can the Liberty Repeat?
Fresh off their first championship since 2000, the Liberty look primed for a dynastic run. With a core of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu all expected to return, New York has the talent to become the first repeat champion since the Las Vegas Aces in 2022-23. But with the target now firmly on their backs, can the Liberty maintain their hunger and fend off a league full of challengers?
The Encore for Caitlin Clark & Co.
After a sensational rookie season that saw her lead the Indiana Fever back to the playoffs, Caitlin Clark looks poised to take the next step into superstardom. She’ll be joined by fellow second-year standouts Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink, all of whom flashed immense potential. As this talented class continues to develop, they could soon challenge the WNBA’s established hierarchy.
Coaching Carousel
Four teams – the Sparks, Dream, Wings, and Sky – are in the market for new head coaches, while expansion franchises in Toronto and Portland will also need to fill their top job. Will we see experienced coaches like Curt Miller or Teresa Weatherspoon land in new spots, or will rising assistants finally get their shot? The coaching moves made this offseason could pay major dividends or set franchises back for years to come.
Expansion Draft Shakeup
December’s expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries is poised to shake up the league’s balance of power. Each existing team can only protect six players, meaning some established veterans and promising young talents will suddenly be available. The Valkyries have the opportunity to build a competitive roster from day one, but their selections could also create new opportunities for the players and teams they leave behind.
Taurasi’s Last Dance?
WNBA legend Diana Taurasi is at a crossroads after the Mercury’s first-round playoff exit. At age 42, retirement rumors are swirling, but Taurasi has remained mum on her future. If she does call it a career, it will mark the end of an era not just for Phoenix, but for the league as a whole. And if Taurasi returns, can she muster one last run at a fourth title?
Aces Looking to Rebound
After winning the title in 2023, the Aces took a step back this season, losing in the semifinals. Much of their core – including A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young – remains under contract, but a retooling of the supporting cast could be in order. If sharpshooting guard Kelsey Plum departs in free agency, replacing her offensive firepower will be critical for Las Vegas to return to championship contention.
Sun Setting on Connecticut’s Core?
The Sun’s six-year streak of reaching at least the semifinals is a testament to their consistency, but a second Finals defeat in three seasons has raised questions about their ability to get over the hump. With franchise icon Alyssa Thomas, former MVP Jonquel Jones, and coach Stephanie White all potentially entering free agency, Connecticut faces a fork in the road. The Sun must decide whether to run it back with their aging core or turn the page to a new era.
The Health of Napheesa Collier & Arike Ogunbowale
Two of the WNBA’s brightest young stars saw their 2024 seasons cut short by injury. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, was brilliant in the playoffs before suffering an ankle injury in Game 4 of the Finals. Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale, meanwhile, missed most of the season with a knee injury. If Collier and Ogunbowale can return to full strength, they could swing the balance of power in 2025.
Overseas Wildcards
Every year, a handful of international players make the leap to the WNBA and become instant difference-makers. Last year, it was the Liberty’s Leonie Fiebich, who went from a draft-and-stash prospect to a key contributor on a championship team. Who will be this year’s overseas sensation? With scouting and player development constantly improving, expect at least one foreign import to make a major impact in 2025.
The New Playoff Format
Beginning in 2025, the WNBA playoffs will expand to a best-of-seven format for the semifinals and Finals, with the first round becoming a best-of-three. The changes are designed to increase competitiveness and ensure that the best team wins, but they could also lead to more upsets and unpredictability. In a league where the margin between contenders is razor-thin, the new format could be a game-changer in the race for the championship.
As the WNBA enters a new era, the answers to these 10 burning questions will go a long way in shaping the league’s future. With new stars rising, old guards fading, and the balance of power constantly shifting, the only thing that’s certain is that the 2025 season will be one of the most anticipated and competitive in league history.
