WNBA Update: July Highlights
The opening days of July presented a quieter scene for the WNBA, with only a few games scheduled, yet there was no shortage of exciting developments off the court.
Expansion Plans for the WNBA
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the media at the end of June, revealing plans for the league to grow from its current roster of 15 teams to 18 over the next several years. Cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia have been earmarked for new franchises, set to join the league in 2028, 2029, and 2030, respectively. This expansion, following the upcoming additions of Toronto and Portland, signifies the league’s rising popularity and accessibility.
By expanding the number of teams, the WNBA will not only create opportunities for more players, including those from international pools and recent draft picks, but it will also introduce an expansion draft to draw talent from existing teams. While expansion is generally a positive sign for the league’s growth, the success of newcomers may vary, drawing comparisons to teams like Golden State, whose robust debut season set a high bar.
Player Transactions in the WNBA
This past week was notable for player movements in the WNBA with a mix of minor, medium, and major transactions.
- Minor Moves: Several athletes have returned to their WNBA squads as they conclude their stints overseas, with Leonie Fiebich notably rejoining the New York Liberty. Conversely, Teaira McCowan’s comeback to the Dallas Wings has been overshadowed by the team’s recent success, making her presence less impactful.
- Medium Moves: The Los Angeles Sparks made significant changes by releasing Shey Peddy and waiving Odyssey Sims, while also claiming Julie Vanloo off waivers. The timing of these moves left many surprised, particularly as Sims had been a starter before missing several games for personal reasons. Sparks’ head coach Lynne Roberts noted that the team was reintegrating players and needing to adjust the roster accordingly. The abrupt nature of these releases raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
- Major Moves: In a high-profile trade, the Las Vegas Aces secured NaLyssa Smith from Dallas in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick. While this acquisition seems beneficial for the Wings, the Aces’ decision to risk future picks in order to bolster their roster around star A’ja Wilson raises questions. The current trend of the Aces, heavily reliant on veteran players, might lead to challenges down the road, especially without a 2027 first-round pick should the plan not pan out.
Noteworthy All-Star Selections
In celebratory news, the 2025 WNBA All-Star reserve selections were announced, with kudos extending to first-time honorees Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams. Their evolution into All-Star caliber players underscores their hard work and career development. The announcement, as always, has sparked debate over players who were overlooked, including Brittney Sykes and Brionna Jones, who both made compelling cases for selection.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games
As we approach the midway point of the season, several matchups loom that fans won’t want to miss:
- Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream (Monday, July 7, 7:30 PM ET): Both teams are experiencing contrasting trends, with Atlanta struggling recently while the Valkyries have emerged as unexpected playoff contenders. Expect an exciting clash of three-point shooting prowess.
- Chicago Sky vs. Washington Mystics (Tuesday, July 8, 11:30 AM ET): The Sky are on an upswing thanks to standout player Angel Reese, while the Mystics look to break their losing streak after previously dominating Chicago.
- Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty (Tuesday, July 8, 8 PM ET): This matchup pits last year’s champions against one another, with both teams needing a victory to regain their momentum despite injury struggles. All eyes will be on A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury (Wednesday, July 9, 3:30 PM ET): Both teams have dealt with injuries, and a full-strength matchup would provide a thrilling encounter.
- Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever (Sunday, July 13, 1 PM ET): Anticipation builds for this game as fans hope to see the two latest number one draft picks, Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, finally face off, pending their health status.
With these exciting narratives unfolding, WNBA fans are in for action and intrigue as the league continues to evolve this season.
