The 2025 WNBA season is just around the corner, and if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we should expect the unexpected. From record-breaking performances to potential new franchises, the upcoming season promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll dive into five shocking WNBA predictions for 2025 that could reshape the league’s future in ways you never saw coming.
1. The WNBA Expands – With Two New Powerhouse Cities
One of the most exciting WNBA predictions for 2025 is the league’s long-awaited expansion. With the WNBA gaining traction and popularity like never before, especially with rising TV viewership, social media buzz, and sponsorship deals, fans and analysts alike believe that the WNBA is ready to introduce new teams. While this isn’t the first time expansion has been discussed, the addition of two new cities seems all but inevitable in 2025.
The frontrunners for these expansion franchises? Toronto and the Bay Area. Both regions have shown incredible support for basketball and women’s sports. Toronto has a rich basketball culture, fueled by the success of the NBA’s Raptors, while the Bay Area boasts tech moguls and corporations eager to invest in women’s sports. Expansion into these markets would boost the league’s presence, attract new sponsors, and provide more opportunities for talented players. WNBA predictions from analysts indicate that these new teams could create some interesting rivalries and offer fresh narratives.
But that’s not all. Along with the expansion, there could be adjustments to the playoff structure and format to accommodate these new teams, making the battle for the championship even more intense. A broader field could see newer stars, younger talents, and potentially surprise franchises fighting for the top spots, ensuring that no team dominates the league without a challenge.
2. Jewell Loyd’s Contract Sparks a Salary Revolution
In 2024, Jewell Loyd made headlines when she signed a record-breaking deal worth $241,984, making her the highest-paid player in WNBA history. This groundbreaking contract sent shockwaves through the league, but what’s next? One of the boldest WNBA predictions is that Loyd’s contract will set off a chain reaction, leading to an overall increase in player salaries across the board by 2025.
While the WNBA has made strides in improving salaries and working conditions, the gap between the WNBA and the NBA remains vast. However, Loyd’s contract is a clear indicator that the league is beginning to reward its top athletes more competitively. By 2025, we could see players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu securing even more lucrative deals that reflect their contributions to the league’s success.
These higher salaries could also encourage more international players to join the WNBA, further boosting the talent pool and making the competition even more fierce. Not to mention, with these rising paychecks, we might see a greater influx of sponsorships, media attention, and endorsements, helping to catapult the league to a new level of visibility. As WNBA predictions go, expect the 2025 season to witness the dawn of a new era in player compensation and league dynamics.
3. A New MVP Will Emerge from the Shadows
The WNBA has seen its fair share of MVP-caliber players over the years—legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Candace Parker, followed by current stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. However, our WNBA predictions for 2025 include the rise of a new, unexpected MVP contender who will steal the spotlight from the established names.
Imagine a breakout season from an under-the-radar player like Rhyne Howard or NaLyssa Smith. These young talents have shown flashes of brilliance, but in 2025, they could take their games to a whole new level, shocking fans and analysts alike. Rhyne Howard, for example, has the tools to become one of the league’s most dominant scorers, while NaLyssa Smith’s versatility on both ends of the court makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Another contender to watch out for is Aliyah Boston, whose defensive prowess and leadership could easily elevate her to MVP status. As more young stars step into their roles as franchise players, the competition for the MVP title in 2025 will be more intense than ever.
The unpredictability of injuries, roster changes, and player development means that virtually anyone can rise to the top. And that’s part of the beauty of the WNBA—just when you think you know who the best player is, someone else steps up and changes the narrative.
4. A Superteam Will Dominate the League
Superteams have become a fixture in both the NBA and WNBA, and 2025 could see the rise of one of the most dominant superteams in WNBA history. With more star players taking control of their destinies through free agency and trades, the creation of a “superteam” is one of the most intriguing WNBA predictions for the upcoming season.
Imagine a team that combines the star power of A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. With the WNBA’s salary cap gradually increasing, teams are getting more creative with their rosters, making it possible to stack multiple All-Stars on one team. Such a team would not only make a serious run for the championship but could potentially sweep the regular season and set records for wins, point differentials, and overall dominance.
But it wouldn’t just be about winning games—the presence of a superteam would also have a huge impact on TV ratings, merchandise sales, and overall fan engagement. While some purists might argue that superteams take away from the competitiveness of the league, there’s no denying that they attract attention and create a compelling narrative.
In 2025, we might witness a team so dominant that it changes how future rosters are constructed, forcing other franchises to up their game just to keep up.
5. Women’s Basketball Will Reach New Global Heights
The WNBA has always been at the forefront of social justice movements, pushing for equality both on and off the court. One of the more surprising WNBA predictions for 2025 is that the league will take major steps to increase its global presence, both in terms of recruiting international talent and expanding its fanbase worldwide.
In recent years, international players like Satou Sabally and Emma Meesseman have made significant contributions to the WNBA. As the league continues to scout talent from across the globe, expect an even greater influx of international stars in 2025, many of whom could go on to become household names. This will not only raise the level of competition within the WNBA but also attract more viewers from outside the United States.
Additionally, the WNBA could partner with international leagues and organizations to host exhibition games and tournaments abroad. This would be a huge step in growing the league’s brand globally, much like how the NBA has successfully expanded into markets in China, Europe, and Africa.
In 2025, we could see WNBA games played in places like Paris, Tokyo, or even Lagos, introducing the league to new audiences and setting the stage for even greater growth in the years to come.
Biggest Changes from the 2024 WNBA Season
The 2024 WNBA season introduced several transformative changes that set the stage for an even more exciting 2025 season. One of the most notable shifts was the record-breaking contract signed by Jewell Loyd, pushing player salaries to new heights and sparking discussions about player compensation league-wide. In addition, an increase in TV viewership and higher fan engagement fueled more sponsorship deals, helping grow the league’s financial structure. Rule changes regarding free agency also gave players greater flexibility, resulting in more dynamic roster shifts and team-building strategies. These developments will undoubtedly carry momentum into 2025, reshaping the league’s landscape.
Conclusion: The 2025 WNBA Season Marks a Turning Point
As we look ahead to the 2025 WNBA season, it’s clear that this year will mark a pivotal moment in the league’s evolution. From the emergence of potential new MVP candidates to the creation of superteams, 2025 promises to push the boundaries of talent, competitiveness, and fan engagement.
The league is not only gaining traction with groundbreaking contracts and rising stars but also expanding its global presence. The changes we’ve seen in 2024, including major shifts in player salaries, team structures, and fan engagement, have set the stage for a more competitive and widely followed WNBA. This transformation reflects the growing respect and attention women’s basketball is earning on the world stage.
Looking forward, it’s evident that the WNBA’s trajectory is steep, and 2025 could be the year that solidifies its place as a major force in professional sports. Whether you’re cheering for the established stars or keeping an eye on rising talents, this season is set to deliver an electrifying mix of innovation, history-making moments, and perhaps even a few surprises. The league’s rapid ascent is poised to continue, and 2025 will be a defining year that sets the course for the WNBA’s future success.
From stunning individual performances to team transformations, the 2025 season has all the elements to be unforgettable. Get ready for a year of elevated competition and ground-breaking stories that will push the WNBA to new heights. The league’s ascent shows no signs of slowing down, and this could be the season where everything changes.
