The 2024 WNBA season showcased intense competition, with several teams striving to improve their standings. As we look ahead to 2025, five WNBA teams stand out as ones to watch as they battle for improvement: the Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and Atlanta Dream. Each of these teams faced challenges in 2024 but has the potential to rise in the upcoming season.
5 Teams With the Worst WNBA Record
1. Los Angeles Sparks
2024 Season Recap and Standout Performances
The Los Angeles Sparks’ 2024 season was one of considerable challenge, culminating in an 8-32 record. This disappointing finish left the team at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their glory days as a franchise. However, there were glimmers of hope in the performances of players like Dearica Hamby and rookie Cameron Brink. Hamby remained a steady presence on both ends of the court, showcasing her defensive acumen and ability to contribute offensively. Meanwhile, Brink, despite her season being marred by injuries, displayed the potential to be a cornerstone for the team’s future.
The Sparks faced formidable opposition in their schedule, which often exposed the team’s lack of depth and cohesion. Yet, they managed to pull off a few memorable games, including a narrow victory over a top-seeded team, hinting at what could be achieved with more consistent performances and a healthier roster.
Challenges to Overcome
The Sparks struggled with several issues in 2024:
- Injuries: The absence of key players like Brink during critical stretches significantly hindered the team’s competitiveness.
- Coaching Instability: Curt Miller’s departure mid-season left a void in leadership, impacting the team’s strategies and morale.
- Roster Gaps: Beyond the standout players, the Sparks lacked the bench strength to sustain performances across a long and grueling season.
Path Forward for the Sparks
To make a leap in 2025, the Sparks need to focus on the following:
- Coaching Stability: Hiring a visionary coach who can instill a strong identity and nurture the younger talent is critical.
- Player Development: Emphasizing the growth of emerging players like Rae Burrell can help strengthen the team’s core.
- Roster Revamp: Leveraging the draft and free agency to acquire versatile players who can contribute immediately will address depth concerns.
2. Dallas Wings
2024 Season Recap and Key Players
The Dallas Wings concluded their 2024 campaign with a 9-31 record, falling short of expectations. Despite the team’s struggles, stars like Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally continued to shine. Ogunbowale’s offensive prowess made her one of the league’s most prolific scorers, while Sabally demonstrated her all-around abilities, consistently contributing in rebounds, points, and assists.
The Wings’ season was marked by flashes of brilliance, including a thrilling overtime victory against a playoff contender. However, defensive lapses and inconsistency plagued the team, leading to many close losses.
Challenges in 2024
Several factors contributed to the Wings’ disappointing season:
- Defensive Inefficiencies: Allowing over 92 points per game put the team at a constant disadvantage.
- Coaching Transition: The departure of Latricia Trammell created instability, with players struggling to adapt to a new system.
- Injury Setbacks: Critical injuries disrupted team chemistry and led to an uneven rotation.
Strategies for a Turnaround
The Wings can focus on these strategies for 2025:
- Drafting a Game-Changer: With the No. 1 overall pick, selecting a transformative player like Paige Bueckers could shift the team’s trajectory.
- Defensive Overhaul: Prioritizing defensive schemes and hiring a specialist coach can mitigate their greatest weakness.
- Health Initiatives: Implementing advanced fitness programs will help maintain player availability.
3. Chicago Sky
2024 Season Recap and Bright Spots
The Chicago Sky finished the 2024 season with a 13-27 record. Among the brighter spots was Angel Reese, whose rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. Reese notched several double-doubles and provided hope for the Sky’s future. Kamilla Cardoso also offered steady performances, despite battling through injuries that limited her appearances.
The Sky showcased grit in games where they fought back from large deficits, demonstrating a never-say-die attitude under new head coach Tyler Marsh.
Obstacles in 2024
The Sky’s season was hindered by:
- Offensive Struggles: Averaging only 77.4 points per game, the team often found it challenging to close out games.
- Injury Woes: Recurring injuries to key players disrupted momentum.
- Adjustment to New Leadership: The transition to Marsh’s coaching style required time, which impacted the team’s early-season performances.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Key strategies for the Sky include:
- Offensive Creativity: Introducing innovative offensive schemes to better utilize players like Reese and Cardoso.
- Enhanced Roster Depth: Adding reliable bench players through the draft and free agency.
- Team Unity: Fostering cohesion under Marsh’s leadership to build a unified and resilient squad.
4. Washington Mystics
2024 Season Recap and Star Performers
The Washington Mystics closed the 2024 season with a 14-26 record. Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins were the team’s anchors, providing leadership and consistent scoring. Cloud’s court vision and playmaking were instrumental in keeping the Mystics competitive, while Atkins delivered clutch performances in key moments.
The Mystics showed flashes of excellence, including a surprising upset victory against a top-seeded opponent. However, their inconsistency proved costly, particularly in tight games.
Hurdles in 2024
The Mystics faced the following challenges:
- Fluctuating Performances: A lack of consistency prevented the team from stringing together winning streaks.
- Injury Troubles: Key players missed significant time due to injuries, affecting rotations and game plans.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Allowing over 82 points per game underscored their defensive struggles.
Path to Improvement
For a better 2025, the Mystics should:
- Bolster Defensive Schemes: Strengthening their defensive approach will make them more competitive in close games.
- Expand Bench Depth: Acquiring players who can contribute immediately off the bench will improve overall team dynamics.
- Focus on Player Health: Preventative measures and better health management can keep key players on the court.
5. Atlanta Dream
2024 Season Recap and Standouts
The Atlanta Dream ended the 2024 season with a 15-25 record. Rhyne Howard led the team in scoring, continuing to establish herself as one of the league’s premier talents. Cheyenne Parker provided a dominant inside presence, contributing in both scoring and rebounds.
The Dream showed potential in bursts, including a stretch where they won five of seven games. However, inconsistency and defensive issues ultimately derailed their season.
Key Challenges in 2024
The Dream’s struggles were rooted in:
- Inconsistency: Fluctuating performances hindered their ability to build momentum.
- Defensive Deficiencies: Allowing 83.1 points per game highlighted their need for improvement on the defensive end.
- Over-Reliance on Stars: A heavy dependence on Howard and Parker made the team predictable.
Strategies for Success
For the Dream to rise in 2025, they should:
- Diversify the Offense: Expanding scoring options beyond Howard and Parker will make the team harder to defend.
- Strengthen Defensive Focus: Prioritizing defensive drills and hiring a defensive-minded assistant coach could help address their weaknesses.
- Cultivate Young Talent: Developing players like Aari McDonald can provide depth and ensure long-term growth.
Scouting Talent at the Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League
One of the most exciting developments for these struggling WNBA teams is the emergence of the Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League. Set to showcase some of the best-untapped talents in the sport, this league offers a unique opportunity for WNBA teams to scout players who may have slipped through the cracks of traditional recruitment pipelines. Teams like the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream, in particular, could benefit from exploring this talent pool to bolster their rosters. With skilled players eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage, the Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League could serve as a game-changing platform for WNBA teams looking to rebuild and strengthen their lineups.
Player Salaries: The Top Earners on Each Team
Understanding player salaries gives insight into the financial priorities and star power of each franchise. For instance, the Indiana Fever’s standout, Aliyah Boston, is on a rookie-scale deal, earning less than many veterans, though her impact on the court far exceeds her pay. Meanwhile, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream is among the higher-paid younger stars, reflecting her growing influence in the league. On average, top WNBA players earn between $200,000 to $250,000 annually, with some superstars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson approaching the league maximum salary of $234,936. These figures highlight the importance of effective roster management; teams must balance investing in star talent while ensuring there’s enough room in the budget to build depth and versatility across their squads.
The Rapid Growth of the WNBA
Over the past few years, the WNBA has experienced significant growth, both in popularity and financial success. The league’s expansion has been fueled by increased viewership, rising player salaries, and greater corporate sponsorships. Television ratings for the WNBA Finals and playoffs reached new heights in 2024, showcasing the growing interest in women’s basketball. Social media engagement and digital content consumption have also surged, with fans connecting with players and teams on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
The introduction of innovative broadcasting strategies, such as streaming games on platforms like Amazon Prime and Twitter, has helped the league reach younger, tech-savvy audiences. Merchandise sales, particularly for jerseys of standout players like Breanna Stewart, Rhyne Howard, and A’ja Wilson, have also skyrocketed. The league’s partnership with major brands like Nike and AT&T has further elevated its profile, making the WNBA a household name.
This rapid growth reflects not only the league’s commitment to excellence but also the shifting attitudes toward women’s sports. With the rising talent pool and increasing visibility, the WNBA is carving a unique space in the sports world, and its trajectory suggests even greater achievements in the near future.
Will the WNBA Add More Teams?
As the WNBA continues to grow, discussions about league expansion have become more prominent. Fans, analysts, and players alike have expressed interest in seeing more teams added to the league, which would provide opportunities for talented players who currently struggle to secure roster spots due to the limited number of teams.
Potential Expansion Cities
While the WNBA has not officially announced expansion plans, several cities have emerged as frontrunners based on market size, fan interest, and basketball infrastructure:
- San Francisco Bay Area
- With a strong basketball culture and tech-savvy audience, the Bay Area could be a prime location for a new WNBA team. The region is already home to successful franchises like the Golden State Warriors, and a WNBA team could tap into this passionate fan base.
- Toronto, Canada
- Expanding into Canada would make the WNBA an international league and capitalize on the country’s growing interest in basketball. The success of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA demonstrates the city’s capacity to support professional basketball.
- Portland, Oregon
- Portland has a rich history with women’s basketball, having previously hosted the Portland Fire from 2000 to 2002. The city’s loyal sports fans and supportive community make it a strong candidate for expansion.
- Nashville, Tennessee
- As a growing hub for sports and entertainment, Nashville offers a promising market for a WNBA team. The city’s love for basketball and its rapidly expanding population make it a viable option.
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Another city with a strong basketball tradition, Charlotte previously hosted the Charlotte Sting, one of the original WNBA teams. The region’s basketball culture and support for the Charlotte Hornets indicate potential success for a WNBA revival.
Benefits of Expansion
Adding more teams would not only increase the league’s competitiveness but also provide more opportunities for emerging talent from college and international leagues. Expansion could also help the WNBA establish a stronger national and international presence, further solidifying its position as a premier professional sports league.
While no official timeline has been set for expansion, the league’s continued growth and rising demand from fans suggest that new teams could be added within the next few years, ushering in an exciting new era for the WNBA.
