WNBA 2026 Season Opening Insights

After several months filled with uncertainty regarding the upcoming 2026 WNBA season, it seems that initial plans are already in motion for the first week. With the recent collective bargaining agreement in place, teams are now able to allocate more funds than ever before. This financial flexibility has led to major changes in team rosters across the league.

Now, the question is: will these changes prove beneficial come the championship celebrations later this summer? With almost two weeks of games to analyze, fans are left to ponder which teams have maximized the benefits of the brief offseason. While front offices may have loosened their wallets, the early frontrunners still appear to be those familiar from past seasons.

As teams work on finding their rhythm, it’s worth noting that the season only consists of 44 games, and the competition is intense. A close look at the odds on FanDuel reveals how the public views potential championship contenders after the first week and a half of action.

Championship Odds: (+220)

The Liberty emerged with one of the league’s top offenses, with the only blemish being a narrow loss to the Portland Fire. Brianna Stewart is back in MVP form, while Marin Johannes is impressively shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc. However, the schedule ahead appears challenging. Good news is on the horizon, though, as Sabrina Ionescu and Sato Sabally have returned to practice. The Liberty clearly possess the talent to achieve success, but if they wish to claim the championship in Chris DeMarco’s inaugural season as coach, they’ll need a solid strategy.

Championship Odds: (+420)

The defending champions have made a strong start to the season, wrapping up the first week with a commendable 4-1 record. A’ja Wilson is continuing her MVP-level performance, averaging 25 points and two blocks. Additionally, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young have contributed with solid scoring and playmaking. Rookie Chennedy Carter is also making her mark by averaging 19.4 points while shooting nearly 70% from the field.

The Fever, on the other hand, has a potent offense that ranks second in the league. Yet, their defense leaves much to be desired, ranking among the bottom four in points allowed (91.8). If Aliyah Boston’s injury sidelines her for a while, they’ll definitely need someone to anchor their defensive unit.

Championship Odds: Notable Performances

Alisha Gray is putting on quite the show for the Dream with 25 points and seven rebounds per game. Rhyne Howard is still trying to find her best form, while Breonna Jones remains out with an injury. Meanwhile, Angel Reese is showing promise with 10.7 points and an impressive 12.7 rebounds. The Dream’s defense is managing to hold opponents to just 82.3 points per game, but an offensive boost will be necessary to compete with the league’s best.

Rookie Olivia Miles is stepping up for the Lynx, averaging 15.5 points with notable contributions from the team, especially in the absence of star player Napheesa Collier. The Lynx are shooting over 50% from the field, showcasing their efficiency and teamwork.

The Mercury are also shining, with standout performances from Karlea Copper (17.8 points) and Alyssa Thomas (16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds). Rookie Giovana Nogic has been a highlight, scoring 16 points and shooting at an extraordinary rate, including a remarkable 27-point game against the Sky.

Emerging Teams and Challenges

The Wings got back on track with a win against the Mystics, following some early critiques of their rookie coach. With Paige Bueckers (20 points) and Jessica Shepherd (11 points, 9.8 rebounds) leading the way, the team seems to be finding its footing.

Meanwhile, the Valkyries are riding high with the second-best net rating, aided by their consistently strong defense. Rookie sensations like Janelle Saraun are making their mark, averaging 15.7 points, although upcoming games against New York and Indiana could prove challenging.

While the Sparks have had a rough start against strong opponents, led by Kelsey Plum (who’s leading the league in scoring), they find themselves grappling with a weak defense. Their overall performance shows potential but can be inconsistent.

As the league’s youngest team, the progress of players like Sonia Citron and Kiki Iliafen signals hope for the future. The Sky have shown impressive defensive metrics early on, but losing Rikea Jackson to a season-ending injury is a significant blow that may hinder their offensive capabilities moving forward.