Winning matters a lot, especially in the WNBA playoffs. With the league’s expansion on the horizon and potential conflicts related to the collective bargaining agreement, this season feels particularly significant.
With that in mind, let’s examine three teams that could face serious consequences if they fail to secure a postseason spot.
Las Vegas Aces
After claiming back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, the Las Vegas Aces were the favorites for a third consecutive title in 2024. Heading into the 2025 season, they were still seen as playoff contenders, aiming for that third title in four years. However, things haven’t gone as planned so far this year.
Currently, they find themselves struggling at the bottom of the playoff race, battling to keep their record balanced and fighting for every win they can get. While 3-time MVP A’ja Wilson is performing at an exceptional level, the rest of the team’s offense has had difficulty establishing a rhythm, and their defense often seems lackluster.
Unfortunately, this year is looking more like a lost cause than anyone anticipated. They don’t have their first-round draft picks for 2026 or 2027 due to previous trades. So, failing to make the playoffs means even a lottery pick in 2026 won’t provide much value. This unexpected scenario could force more drastic changes in Las Vegas.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky has hit a rough stretch since winning the championship in 2021. After drafting Camila Cardoso and Angel Reese in 2024, it seemed their fortunes were turning. They secured the third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft but traded it to Washington for Ariel Atkins—an impressive player, yet not the typical move for a team in the midst of a rebuild. The sting increased when that third pick became Sonia Citron.
This season hasn’t been easy for the Sky. When the Atkins deal was made, the Sky’s front office felt confident about competing for a playoff spot. However, Courtney Vandersloot’s ACL injury now has them looking at lottery possibilities. They also don’t possess their first-round pick for the next season, having traded it to Minnesota. So, as the Sky looks forward to potentially being in the lottery, they face the added frustration of not being able to choose whether to keep or trade that pick.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever’s situation isn’t dire in terms of their future hinging on playoff success. However, given their recent rebuilding efforts, it’s disappointing to think they might miss the playoffs entirely. With Kate Rinklerk sidelined indefinitely after suffering her third injury of the season, hopes for a successful run are not as robust as they once seemed.
Clark has proven to be a valuable player in high-pressure scenarios, and her performance during the NCAA March Madness Tournament is part of her story. Ideally, a deep playoff run would be great. It would certainly be disappointing if the season doesn’t pan out, but with some luck, she might recover in time to help the Fever stay competitive in the playoff race. While the emotional fallout of missing the postseason may sting more than a transactional blow like those faced by the Aces and Sky, it still represents a somber close to what started as a promising season.
As July turns to August, all three teams will have a lot to prove as they enter the final stretch of the 2025 regular season.
