In the ever-evolving landscape of the WNBA, where every game is a battle for dominance, the 2026 season has introduced a fascinating dynamic. The league's expansion and the addition of more regular-season games have created a scenario where consistency and sustained excellence are harder to come by than ever before. This season, the focus is on the teams that are truly rising to the challenge, and the ones that are struggling to find their footing. Let's take a closer look at the current power rankings and the stories behind them.
The Rise of the Golden State Valkyries
One team that has caught my eye is the Golden State Valkyries. They haven't technically risen in the rankings, but their nine-game winning streak has certainly earned them a higher place in my estimation. What makes the Valkyries so impressive is their ability to defend the paint. Kiah Stokes, their rim protector, leads the league in block percentage, rejecting 8.2 percent of opponents' 2-point shots. But it's not just Stokes; everyone on the roster plays their part in protecting the rim. Against Washington, for instance, Stokes was solid, but it was the sliding defense of Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton that created congestion and kept opponents out of the paint.
Another aspect of the Valkyries' defense that stands out is their ability to keep opponents out of transition. They concede the fewest points off turnovers, and this is a stylistic choice based on how they run their offense. They are the most isolation-heavy team in the league, and reducing the number of passes limits the number of giveaways. This is a smart strategy, and it's no coincidence that the Valkyries are leading the league in paint points allowed.
Connecticut Sun: A Strange Season
The Connecticut Sun has had a very strange season, with too much energy being spent on resurrecting the value of veterans like Brittney Griner and Kennedy Burke. While it's understandable that these players are important to the team, they aren't on the same developmental timeline as the Sun's core. However, when Connecticut wins games because of improvements from its young players, it's hard to be disappointed in the overall process. Aaliyah Edwards, for instance, has been a driving force in the Sun's first wins of the week, with 21 points on 13 shot attempts. Her jumper is going in at a high clip, and the Sun went to her in the midrange out of the pick-and-roll to close out the Fire. Edwards is scoring her most points despite playing fewer minutes than she did as a rookie.
New York Liberty: The Most Confounding Team
The New York Liberty have to be the most confounding team in the WNBA. They are 2-8 in their last 10 regular-season games, with the only wins coming against the Lynx and the Aces. This is a team with a high ceiling, but the floor is far too low for this talent level. Even with the German duo of Leonie Fiebich and Satou Sabally missing the last four and seven contests, respectively, New York is too deep to continue lollygagging through games. The rotations don't make a ton of sense right now, and the Liberty look like a team with a first-year head coach still figuring out how to construct his team's identity. This is a team with three All-Stars in their prime who want to win a title now, and it's frustrating to see them struggle.
Minnesota Lynx: The Obvious Championship Favorite
Minnesota looms as the obvious championship favorite. A title-winning head coach and a roster that has been at the top of the standings for most of the season spell a title in 2026, especially with Napheesa Collier on her way back. The Lynx remain at the top of the WNBA standings, but their defense has slipped. In the first 19 games, they allowed only one opponent to shoot 50 percent from the field; that has happened three times since. In the first 19 games, Minnesota allowed one opponent (incidentally, the same one) to shoot 40 percent from the 3-point line; that has happened four times in the seven games since. Seattle may not be winning, but the Storm just dropped 90 points on Chicago and 107 on Indiana. This youthful Seattle group is well-equipped to give Cheryl Reeve some headaches.
Game to Circle: Minnesota at Seattle
The game to circle is Minnesota at Seattle, which will be broadcast on USA Network at 10 p.m. (ET) on Monday. The Lynx remain at the top of the WNBA standings, but their defense has slipped. In the first 19 games, they allowed only one opponent to shoot 50 percent from the field; that has happened three times since. In the first 19 games, Minnesota allowed one opponent (incidentally, the same one) to shoot 40 percent from the 3-point line; that has happened four times in the seven games since. Seattle may not be winning, but the Storm just dropped 90 points on Chicago and 107 on Indiana. This youthful Seattle group is well-equipped to give Cheryl Reeve some headaches.
