The WNBA begins the second half of its schedule Tuesday, with three groups rising because the most definitely to contend for the championship: the Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury.
The most important query at a league degree might be answered off the court docket: Can the WNBA and the gamers’ affiliation attain a collective bargaining settlement this calendar 12 months — or no less than by January? With the enlargement draft for the Portland Hearth and Toronto Tempo, plus an unlimited free company interval coming in 2026, having a CBA in place prior to later is vital.
Gamers put the labor negotiations within the highlight over the weekend in Indianapolis, discussing the CBA throughout each media availability and carrying T-shirts that learn “Pay Us What You Owe Us” at Saturday’s All-Star Sport. The gamers appear targeted on courting public opinion and have robust help amongst followers, although it might not affect how the WNBA and its possession strategy negotiations.
To date, conversations have gone as anticipated; neither facet has put all of its playing cards on the desk but. We might be monitoring how a lot nearer the 2 sides can get this summer time and into the autumn.
There are additionally questions dealing with each crew following the All-Star break, so let’s run via the most important for every because the again half of the season begins.
Earlier rating: 1
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (July 22), vs. LV (July 25), vs. ATL (July 27)
Will the offense be sufficient to maintain the Lynx for a championship run? They’ve the second-best scoring common within the WNBA (84.7 PPG) whereas holding opponents to a league-low 75 PPG. In brief, each their offense and protection have been very dependable, however coach Cheryl Reeve seemingly has concern for the potential vulnerability of the offense — particularly if foes go all-in collapsing on MVP favourite Napheesa Collier.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Earlier rating: 3
Subsequent seven days: vs. IND (July 22), vs. PHO (July 25), vs. LA (July 26), @DAL (July 28)
Can the Liberty overtake the Lynx for first place? The 2 groups nonetheless have all 4 regular-season conferences left, beginning July 30 at Minnesota.
Monday introduced a whole lot of excellent news for the defending champions: Heart Jonquel Jones is predicted again for Tuesday’s recreation towards Indiana, whereas Belgian ahead Emma Meesseman has dedicated to becoming a member of the Liberty in her return to the WNBA. New York might be probably the most formidable frontcourt within the league.
Earlier rating: 2
Subsequent seven days: vs. ATL (July 23), @ NY (July 25), @ WAS (July 27)
Will Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper come again robust from accidents? Sabally has performed in 18 of the Mercury’s 22 video games; Copper has performed in simply six. Even so, Phoenix is sitting in third place within the standings, led by All-Star Alyssa Thomas. Thomas is used to carrying a heavy load, however the Mercury want Sabally and Copper again with a purpose to make a run on the championship.
Earlier rating: 4
Subsequent seven days: @ NY (July 22), vs. LV (July 24), @ CHI (July 27)
How a lot of the season’s second half will Caitlin Clark have the ability to play? She has been dominated out for Tuesday, which can mark the eleventh regular-season recreation she’s missed this 12 months. She was additionally sidelined for the Commissioner’s Cup closing on July 1 and the All-Star Sport. She is just 23 with a few years forward, so if her groin harm requires important relaxation, it is potential the Fever might take a conservative strategy and sit her indefinitely.
Earlier rating: 8
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (July 22), @ CHI (July 25), @ WAS (July 26), @ CON (July 28)
Can ahead Ezi Magbegor present extra offense? At 8.1 PPG, she’s at her lowest scoring common of the previous 4 seasons. Since becoming a member of the WNBA in 2020, she has by no means completed a season taking pictures worse than 50% from the sector; she’s at 49.0% proper now. Going 4 of 23 from behind the arc hasn’t helped. Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams and Erica Wheeler are every averaging in double figures, however the Storm are eighth in scoring common (80.9 PPG). Magbegor being extra of an offensive risk might assist.
Earlier rating: 5
Subsequent seven days: vs LA (July 22), vs. SEA (July 26), vs. PHO (July 27)
Can rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen end the season’s second half robust? Each had been All-Stars and have been a giant a part of the Mystics’ recreation plan, however they’ve been enjoying because the begin of final school season with out a lot of a break — all WNBA rookies should get via the fatigue they will expertise within the second a part of the season. We’ll be watching to see how effectively the Nos. 3-4 picks deal with that.
Earlier rating: 6
Subsequent seven days: @ LV (July 22), @ PHO (July 23), @ MIN (July 27)
Will Rhyne Howard be as efficient when she returns? She has had an excellent season, main the Dream in assists (4.5 APG) and steals (1.6 SPG), whereas clocking in at second in scoring (16.5 PPG). However no timetable was set for Howard’s return when she was injured (knee) in a loss at Indiana on July 11 — Atlanta solely mentioned on July 14 that she could be out for the remainder of the month. She sat out the All-Star Sport in Indianapolis.
Earlier rating: 9
Subsequent seven days: vs. ATL (July 22), @ IND (July 24), @ MIN (July 25), @ DAL (July 27)
Can ahead NaLyssa Smith take some stress off A’ja Wilson inside? The beginning guard trio of Jackie Younger, Chelsea Grey and Jewell Loyd has not been fairly as productive as Younger, Grey and Kelsey Plum had been from 2021 to ’24. They’re nonetheless a very good group once they’re enjoying at their finest, however Wilson — who’s in rivalry for a fourth MVP award — might use some extra assist inside. The Aces traded for Smith on the finish of June and would profit from her enhancing her 6.8 PPG scoring common.
Earlier rating: 7
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (July 25), @ CON (July 27)
Can Golden State snap out of its July funk? The enlargement Valkyries had a very good June with a 7-4 run, nevertheless it’s been more durable sledding since: They’re 1-5 in July, and their schedule is not going to assist with 5 of their subsequent six video games on the street.
Earlier rating: 11
Subsequent seven days: @ WAS (July 22), @ CON (July 24), @ NY (July 26)
Will Cameron Brink play earlier than the season ends? The No. 2 decide within the 2024 draft was making an affect as a rookie till her season was lower brief with a knee harm she sustained final June. With Kelsey Plum (20.1), Dearica Hamby (17.2), Azura Stevens (14.7) and Rickea Jackson (13.1) averaging in double-figure scoring, the Sparks have a very good core, however getting Brink again might assist them make a playoff run.
Earlier rating: 10
Subsequent seven days: @ MIN (July 22), vs. SEA (July 24), vs. IND (July 27)
Can Angel Reese maintain her offensive surge? She is averaging 14.0 factors this season, however in eight video games since June 24, that mark rises to 19.1 PPG. She has additionally shot higher than 50% in 5 of these video games — a formidable stretch for the second-year ahead.
Earlier rating: 12
Subsequent seven days: @ SEA (July 22), @ GS (July 25), vs. LV (July 27), vs. NY (July 28)
How a lot progress can the rookie guards make? Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly have been one of the best a part of watching the in any other case disappointing Wings. One can assume a number of the veterans will not be again in Dallas subsequent season, however this guard trio will. Their power and hustle will be one of many foundations for a new-look Wings crew in 2026. How they play the remainder of this season will assist decide that.
Earlier rating: 13
Subsequent seven days: vs. LA (July 24), vs. GS (July 27), vs. SEA (July 28)
Will the Solar generate any momentum for 2026? It has been a extremely tough season for Connecticut, which misplaced all 5 starters from 2024 together with coach Stephanie White. It is arduous to name this a rebuilding 12 months; it is extra of a “simply get via it” 12 months with the hope that there might be methods to enhance for subsequent season. However proper now, the Solar are on tempo to win simply 5 video games, as they’ve only one victory every in Might, June and July.