Key Players That Can Make or Break Each WNBA Team Ahead Of The 2026 Season

Image Credits: IMAGN ©Image Credits: IMAGN

The tumultuous offseason is in the rearview now as the confetti prepares for the 30th season of the WNBA. The strategy rooms are busy drawing out maps for the upcoming few months as every team tips off their season with one generic dream that every franchise should have- the coveted WNBA title. Now, basketball is, of course, a team sport, and it can only be won when five players contribute. But is that so simple? Possibly not.

Because we’ve seen over the years that there are certain players who, by themselves, can pull off a team in a single season. Just like a 41-year-old LeBron James is pulling an injury-laden LA Lakers team through the playoffs, there are players who can do the same role for their teams as well when the need arises for them. Without much delay, let’s get to the crux of it and identify the players from each franchise who can decide the team’s fate in the 2026 season.

Las Vegas Aces

First off, let’s talk about the champions- the Aces, who are curating a dynasty of their own in the WNBA. To be honest, there isn’t much to think about in this regard, as most would have already guessed that their season-determining player will be A’ja Wilson, and if anybody has any doubts in this regard, they might be living under a rock in the last few years.

23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals were Wilson’s numbers last year in the regular season that literally carried the Aces from being 12-13 at one point in time in the season to concluding it 30-14. That’s the level of impact a meaningful season for Wilson can have for the Aces. But just like every Batman needs a Robin, Wilson needs support around her as well, and to be exact, she has two in this regard- Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.

Like Wilson, Gray and Young have been seasoned campaigners for a few years now. They have won three WNBA titles in the last four years, and as they set their sights on a historic fourth, the trio will yet again be their make-or-break players.

New York Liberty

With a star-studded roster, there can’t be a single player who can determine Liberty’s success this season. They did a pretty good job in the free agency, retaining their Big Three with ease. And naturally, the trio will eventually determine the team’s bottom line this season. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones are all experienced campaigners and even tasted Championship success together in 2024.

Jun 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) looks on against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

All of them scored over 12 points per game last year, with Stewart leading the charts in 18.3. Besides that, name any metric you can from the season, and you’ll find that the Big Three have already established their stamp on it. Another popular opinion in this regard might be Satou Sabally. who, in her own right, can get in the conversation.

Fresh off a stint with the Phoenix Mercury last year, Sabally is buzzing with individual success (16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds last season). Additionally, she isn’t just a regular forward who scores and rebounds; she also possesses impeccable scoring ability (over 41% from the field in her career), like a guard, and if she can sync well with the team’s Big Three, the team will be one to reckon with in the coming season.

Indiana Fever

The first name that anybody can possibly think of for the Fever is Caitlin Clark. Now, many can argue that even without CC, the franchise reached the playoffs last season. Yes, that’s a valid argument. But if you can look at the impact that Clark creates just by being on the court, it doesn’t have a substitute in the Fever team. In most instances, she will be Fever’s ball handler and will, from time to time, launch those three-pointers from the half-court, making her hard to stop when she gets going.

Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston are the other two vital cogs for the Indiana Fever team. Mitchell (20.2 points in 2025 with over 45% from the field), similar to Clark (16.6 points last season) will shoulder the backcourt for the team. On the other hand, Boston will bring that physical presence and dominance on the boards for Fever, giving the team an edge in possessions at times and even bulldozing opponents herself.

Minnesota Lynx

In Lynx, you largely can’t look beyond Napheesa Collier. For most seasons in the last few years, Collier has been the Lynx’s crown jewel. Of course, she is the team’s primary scorer, averaging over 20 points per game with ease this season. But not to forget, she contributes equally with rebounds, leading the team last season with an average of 6.8.

But the major caveat is that Collier will miss the first few Lynx games while recovering from ankle surgery. In her absence, especially and even in stretches of the season, Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride will have to shoulder a bit of responsibility as well, and were allies of Collier last season. Besides these players, their rookie Olivia Miles can also be an interesting prospect to watch out for the Lynx in the upcoming year.

Atlanta Dream

For many years, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray have been the cornerstones of the Atlanta Dream franchise. Even last season, the duo did most of the heavy lifting in the team’s run to the playoffs, combining for around 36 points per game in the season. For all money, they will yet again be the deciding factors for the team, but the twist is they aren’t alone this year, as the team will have the services of Angel Reese in the frontcourt.

Apr 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the first half of a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Reese’s trade in the early phases of free agency caused a great stir in the community. It isn’t just because of how her association with the Chicago Sky ended, but also because of how seamlessly Reese would fit into the franchise. Now, it’s well known that the Reese, a two-time WNBA Rebounding leader, brings a strong frontcourt presence, and that’s exactly what the Dream wanted.

With Gray and Howard overlooking the perimeters, and Reese taking care of the boards, the trio can by themselves be the decisive factors of the team.

Dallas Wings

At Dallas, there is a bit of tussling between Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Now, Ogunbowale is, of course, the veteran who has guided the team for years now. And rightly so, a decorated career with Wings, boasting around 19.9 ppg and 4.0 assists in her career, is enough to add weight to her side of the debate. But Bueckers is the new sheriff in Dallas, and her numbers from last year (19.2 ppg) and her WNBA Rookie of the Year-winning season also echo a similar sentiment.

But for the Wings, you can’t even count out players like Aziaha Jame, or defensively standout players like Alanna Smith, or even their No.1 draft pick, Azzi Fudd, because they all, in their own right, have been proven game-winners in the past.

Los Angeles Sparks

For the LA Sparks, their ceiling depends on a single player- Kelsey Plum. Coming off a successful individual run with the team, boasting over 19 points per game, Plum will be the go-to player for the franchise yet again. The Sparks haven’t had a great run in the last few years and have missed playoff runs quite consistently, and Plum will look to change it this season.

On top of Plum, the Sparks will also see the homecoming of Nneka Ogwumike, after serving a stint with the Seattle Storm. Undoubtedly, the veteran duo will be one to reckon with in the coming season. The 35-year-old is coming off a steller season with the Sparks, scoring 18.3 points per game in the regular season. She has also showcased impressive form amid her return to the Sparks, scoring 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in the only preseason game she played against the Portland Fire.

They have lost some veterans in Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens, diminishing the team’s depth. But Dearica Hamby (18.4 points per game last season) is still on the team and will be an able aide to Plum going into the season.

Seattle Storm

For Storm, their fate in the season depends on the young players. For instance, Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor will be the team’s major trump cards. Malonga and Magbegor are quite experienced and will have to take the reins of the team after the departures of veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith.

They played a majorly supportive role last season, scoring around 7 points each, with Magbegor also leading the team in blocks. But subsequently, their role will be immensely greater this season, where they will have to call the shots on the court at times. Their rookies- Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam will also be vital in this regard as well. Johnson has already showcased flashes of what she can do in the preseason games, scoring a team-high 20 points against the Portland Fire.

Connecticut Sun

Brittney Griner might be 35 years old, but she will still be bossing the court for the Sun this season. It’s true that her minutes were limited with the Atlanta Dream last season, but the sheer class she brings has no alternative. And her 16 points in the preseason game against a star-studded NY Liberty team just adds weight to the fact that her scoring prowess hasn’t left her.

In Sun, she might again come alive and score over 15 points per game in the season. With Griner, Aaliyah Edwards, too, will play a part in her own way with her fierce shooting (47.3% career wise) and all-around game on the court.

Chicago Sky

After Angel Reese’s departure, the Chicago Sky were in search of a franchise player they could rely on to deliver. And that search brought them to Skylar Diggins-Smith, a veteran who has proved her mettle time and again, with a career that boasts 16.4 ppg and 5.3 assists. It might be a new start for Diggins-Smith, but for a player like her, it won’t take long to translate her prowess on the court.

Rickea Jackson and Courtney Vandersloot are among the other players whose performances can decide Sky’s fate. But there’s another name as well, who also happens to be their latest free agent signing, Natasha Cloud. Coming off a season with the NY Liberty, Cloud is a dependable backcourt player who averaged over 10 points and 5 assists per game last season, and she can just pick up where she left off with the Sky.

Washington Mystics

Having lost players like Brittney Sykes, the Mystics will rely heavily on Shakira Austin this season. Austin has already solidified her footing as a formidable forward, scoring 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds last season. Besides that, Austin will be supported majorly by a young core, including Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic, and Cotie McMahon, who are coming off impressive collegiate seasons.

Phoenix Mercury

DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Cooper will be the go-to players for the Mercury in the season. Both of them are quite experienced and have proved their mettle time and again. Last season, both scored over 10 points per game, and this season, the team’s offensive output will rest on their shoulders. Alyssa Thomas and Sami Whitcomb will also provide immense depth to their roster and will definitely have a say in their season ceiling.

Golden State Valkyries

ForValkyries, they have a major veteran in Gabby Williams at their disposal, whom they roped in during free agency. Williams, having played for the Seattle Storm for the last four years and for the Chicago Sky for three years prior to that, is immensely experienced and will be a go-to player for the Valkyries this season. Besides that, the team will also have Veronica Burton at its disposal, who led the team in scoring last season, averaging just over 11 points per game. Other players who can make a major impact for the Valkyries in the season include Kaitlyn Chen and Tiffany Hayes.

Toronto Tempo

Being a new team, the Toronto Tempo have an array of talents who will have a say on how their debut season goes. Marina Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes both scored over 14 points per game last season and will bring the same sort of form this season as well. Nyara Sabally and Temi Fagbenie will also bring a substantial depth to the roster and will add to Mabrey and Sykes’ veteran presence on the court.

Portland Fire

Bridget Carleton will be one of the major players who will shoulder the responsibility of fire in the season. Having played for the Minnesota Lynx over the last few years, Carleton has vast experience, and, as a result, the Fire’s output will be on one shoulder. Besides Carleton, the Fire will also have the services of Megan Gustafson and Carla Leite in the 2026 season.

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