The WNBA's 30th season features exciting storylines, including the Dallas Wings' new duo of Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark's return from injury, and Angel Reese's trade to the Atlanta Dream. Fans are eager to see how these developments impact the league.
Key points
WNBA celebrates its 30th season with significant storylines.
Dallas Wings feature Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers as a new duo.
Caitlin Clark returns to the Indiana Fever after injuries.
Angel Reese's trade to the Atlanta Dream strengthens their roster.
Players have signed million-dollar contracts for the first time.
The Dallas Wings enter the season with the two most recent No 1 draft picks in Azzi Fudd, center, and Paige Bueckers.Photograph: Melanie Fidler/NBAE/Getty Images
The Dallas Wings enter the season with the two most recent No 1 draft picks in Azzi Fudd, center, and Paige Bueckers.Photograph: Melanie Fidler/NBAE/Getty Images
(Photograph: Melanie Fidler/NBAE/Getty Images)
Iâve been obsessed with basketball for as long as I can remember (and have played it since I was five). Now, I cover the sport full-time. I co-wrote a book on the history of womenâs hoops, Court Queens, and host the Audacy podcast The Womenâs Hoops Show. I grew up a Sacramento Monarchs fan, and proudly own the signature sneakers of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Aâja Wilson. (Angel Reese, youâre next.) The WNBA is celebrating its historic 30th season this year, and Iâll be here every Tuesday covering the past, present and future of the game in this newsletter. Think of it as my exclusive WNBA diary, filling you in on the 4-1-1 of my favorite league. I canât wait.
Related: âIâm getting my mama a new houseâ: what happens when a huge pay boost changes WNBA playersâ lives?
As someone who celebrated my 30th birthday ahead of the league (not telling how long ahead), I can confidently say itâs a big deal. I, too, aimed to make more money and prioritize stability over hustle; WNBA players have signed million-dollar contracts for the first time, thanks . Some players, such as âs , saw a 1,389% pay increase ($75,556 to $1.1m in her new three-year deal). In your 30s, you truly know your worth and come into your own. Itâs fun to see the league mirror that, too.
After months of the WNBA and the Players Association playing a cruel game of will-they-wonât-they, the anticipation for the 2026 season is through the roof. And the storylines are spicy. Here are five you should keep your eye on:
Q&A
What are the key storylines for the WNBA's 30th season?
Key storylines include the reunion of Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers on the Dallas Wings, Caitlin Clark's return from injury with the Indiana Fever, and Angel Reese's trade to the Atlanta Dream.
How did the Dallas Wings perform last season and what changes have they made?
The Dallas Wings finished last season with only 10 wins but have made significant changes, including selecting Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick and hiring a new head coach.
What impact could Caitlin Clark have on the Indiana Fever this season?
Caitlin Clark's return from injury could significantly boost the Indiana Fever's performance, as they made it to the playoffs last year without her.
What does Angel Reese's trade to the Atlanta Dream mean for the team's chances?
Angel Reese's addition to the Atlanta Dream, alongside other All-Stars, enhances their playoff prospects after a strong previous season.
Related Articles
Sports
Triple derrota española para abrir boca
Marca·
Sports
Saints are one of the NFL's youngest teams after 2026 draft
After the 2026 draft, the Saints are now one of the NFL's youngest teams.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Everton Lead The Race For âŹ25M Defender: Will He Solve Their Defensive Problem?
Everton is leading the charge to sign âŹ25M defender Federico Gatti from Juventus.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
MHSAA approves seeding for district, regional rounds of prep football playoffs
MHSAA introduces new seeding model for high school football playoffs
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
See AHSAA 2026 softball statewide regional pairings
AHSAA 2026 softball regional pairings are set! Tournaments start May 11.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Feature
Los Angeles Clippers Mock Pacers as Draft Lottery Luck Hangs in the Balance
Clippers Have Fun Mocking Pacers as Draft Lottery Approaches
The Dallas Wings smartly selected UConnâs Azzi Fudd with the No 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft last month. It reunites the 2025 NCAA national championship duo of Fudd and reigning rookie of the year Paige Bueckers on a team with a new head coach, a new roster and a new identity. Bueckers quickly nipped the idea that her and Fuddâs personal relationship would be a distraction and shut down any future questions about it, saying, âItâs nobodyâs business but our ownâ. On the court, the Wings finished last season with an abysmal 10 wins, but they made big changes this offseason, and Dallas fans should have much more to cheer about this summer.
**2) Clark, from the logo**
This week, the Indiana Feverâs Caitlin Clark will play her first regular-season game since last July. Last year, she played just 13 games because of nagging groin and ankle injuries. But sheâs back, and weâll all get to hear the glorious game call of âClark steps back, for three!â The Fever made it to the second round of the playoffs *without* Clark and other major players last year. At full strength, they could be a title contender.
**3) Barbieâs Atlanta Dreamhouse**
Angel Reeseâs trade from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream was one of the biggest moves of the offseason. It just wasnât working for the Barbie in Chi-town. Reese, alongside a trio of All-Stars in Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones in the ATL, is a perfect fit (not unlike the dress she wore to the Met Gala last night). The Dream finished third in the standings after a historic season and were only a few possessions away from the second round of the playoffs. Adding a machine-like rebounder in Reese to this three-point-loving system elevates their post-season odds.
**4) Hollywood in Sin City**
Chennedy âHollywoodâ Carter was last with the Sky for the 2024 season, where she averaged 17.5 points and 26 minutes a game. Despite being one of the leagueâs most explosive guards, she went unsigned in 2025 (but averaged more than 30 points while playing abroad in China and Mexico). Seeing her join forces with the reigning champs, the Las Vegas Aces, was *not* on my bingo card. But now that itâs a reality, I donât think Iâve loved the idea of anything more. Carter has said sheâs matured in her time away from the WNBA, and said, âSo far, this is the best decision Iâve ever made in my life.â The best team in the league (theyâve won three of the last four titles) with the best player on the planet (four-time MVP Wilson), now have one of the speediest scorers in womenâs basketball. Whew.
**5) The MVT, Most Valuable Team**
In only their second season in the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries take the crown (again) as the most valued franchise. The Bay Area team has a whopping $850m evaluation, according to Sportico. They sold out all 22 games at Chase Center in their inaugural season, set the all-time WNBA attendance record (an 18,064 average) and sold out 12,000 season tickets for 2026 prompting a waitlist. The Liberty are second place at $600m, and the Fever in third at $560m. The average team worth jumped 59% from 2025; just two years ago, the Aces were the highest team on the list at $140m. If you listen closely, you can hear the âwomenâs sports donât make moneyâ trolls falling to their knees in agony.
**đïž This weekâs canât-miss matchups**
***Dallas Wings v*** ***Indiana Fever***
Saturday 9 May, 1 pm Eastern Time, ABC
*Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd* *and Aliyah Boston â the previous four No. 1 draft picks face off on opening weekend. Do we need to say anything else?!*
***Phoenix Mercury v Las Vegas Aces***
Saturday 9 May, 3.30 pm Eastern Time, ABC
*A rematch of last yearâs finals* *between* *reigning MVP Aâja Wilson and MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas.*
**đž Best media day looks**
***Aâja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces:*** Two years ago, she rocked silver hair to match the new Aces jerseys. Last season, it was a pink wig to coordinate with the launch of her signature sneaker, AâOne. This year, a fiery red wig to twin with the AâTwo âRed Rosesâ debut sneaker.
***Flauâjae Johnson, Seattle Storm:*** For her first media day, the Seattle rookie strikes a pose as fierce as her new âCategory 4 Stormâ nickname.
***Li Yueru, Dallas Wings:*** Li and her sweet Westie pup, Leyi, stole the show at the Wingsâ media day. Where do I sign the petition for every player to bring their dog for a photoshoot?!
*This is an extract from WNBA 30, where Jordan Robinson covers the biggest stories in the league on and off the court each week. Subscribe for free here. Who do you think will have a breakout season and why? Email wnba30@theguardian.com, and we may feature it in the next edition.*
