WNBA 2025 Season Overview
As the 2025 WNBA season unfolds, observers are noting an unprecedented level of competitiveness among the teams, with many stating that nearly five of the eight playoff contenders are capable of laying claim to the championship title. This increased parity, coupled with several key injuries impacting players across the league, has created notable complexities in deciding this year’s end-of-season honors—a task that is more challenging than it has been in recent seasons.
Voting Journey for WNBA Awards
My voting journey for the WNBA awards this year marked my fourth season participating in selecting players who excelled during the regular season. The official ballots were submitted by noon ET on September 12, 2025, and fans now await the announcement of the award winners as the playoffs progress.
MVP Selection
In the MVP category, I cast my vote for Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. Collier’s consistency and her historic achievement of becoming the first player in league history to achieve a 50-40-90 season (over 20 points per game) make her a standout choice. Only Elena Delle Donne has previously matched this statistical feat during her MVP-winning season.
However, A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces is likely to emerge as the ultimate winner. Her performance under pressure, particularly in rallying the Aces after a crushing loss to Collier’s Lynx, has resonated with voters, especially since the Aces have maintained an impeccable record since that game. Wilson’s indispensable role in the Aces’ gameplay cannot be overstated, as their overall performance significantly dips without her on the court.
Defensive Player of the Year
For the Defensive Player of the Year award, my vote went to Alanna Smith from the Lynx. Defensive prowess transcends just statistics like steals and blocks; Smith’s impactful presence and leadership on defense have been pivotal for the Lynx, particularly while Collier was sidelined with an injury. Her ability to assert control and adapt against top-tier players has been invaluable. Yet, A’ja Wilson may very well clinch this title too, given her league-leading block average and significant contributions to Aces’ defensive ratings.
Most Improved Player
In the chase for Most Improved Player, my choice is Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries. Her journey from being waived last year to stepping up as the starting point guard for a playoff team represents a remarkable transformation. Burton’s statistics reflect her growth, showcasing over 283% improvement in scoring, which ultimately solidified my vote—and she’ll likely win outright after achieving an overwhelming majority in recent selections.
Sixth Player of the Year
For the Sixth Player of the Year, I endorsed Natisha Hiedeman of the Lynx, notable for her energy and efficiency off the bench during critical junctures of the season. Nevertheless, Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream could snag this award due to her impactful play, especially after transitioning into the starting lineup when injuries struck her team.
Rookie of the Year
Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings is my pick for Rookie of the Year and is expected to win, demonstrating her exceptional talent by breaking rookie scoring records and shouldering significant responsibility for her team amidst injury setbacks.
Coach of the Year
When it comes to Coach of the Year, my ballot favored Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries, who guided her expansion team to the playoffs impressively. Her leadership not only secured a playoff berth but also positioned the Valkyries among the league’s top defensive units. While Karl Smesko of the Dream deserves praise for revamping his team’s performance, Nakase’s achievement is historically significant, as no previous expansion team has managed this feat.
All-WNBA Team Selections
Looking ahead to the All-WNBA team selections, I believe my votes accurately represent the most consistently impressive players throughout the season, while the All-Defensive teams highlight the Lynx and Dream’s strong defensive records. Meanwhile, the 2025 rookie class has demonstrated its depth, with my selections reflecting overall game impact rather than just statistics.
Conclusion
Overall, this season’s awards and team selections signal a momentous shift in WNBA dynamics, making the honors more competitive than ever before.
