The 2026 WNBA season kicks off with heightened anticipation and competitive power rankings. Key teams to watch include the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Phoenix Mercury as they vie for the championship.
The 2026 WNBA season is officially here.
On Friday, the league opens its 30th season with more teams, more talent and perhaps more excitement than ever. As the action unfolds, there are several questions that will arise, including who will win it all. Will the Las Vegas Aces earn their fourth championship in five seasons? Can the New York Liberty or the Phoenix Mercury make it back to the WNBA Finals? Or will a new team add its name to the history books?
The answers to those questions remain a mystery, but the rosters for each team might provide some insight into who has the best chance to win a title. Here are USA TODAY'S power rankings with projected starters, most surprising cuts and final rosters:
2025 record: 30-14 (WNBA Finals champions)
Projected starting five: Chelsea Gray, G, 5-11; Jackie Young, G, 6-0; A'ja Wilson, C, 6-3; Stephanie Talbot, F, 6-2; NaLyssa Smith, F, 6-4
N/A
The Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Phoenix Mercury are among the teams favored to compete for the championship.
The Las Vegas Aces have won three championships in the last four seasons.
Team rosters, projected starters, and surprising cuts are key factors influencing the 2026 WNBA power rankings.
The 2026 WNBA season officially starts on Friday, marking the league's 30th season.
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Roster
2025 record: 27-17 (lost in first round)
Projected starting five: Sabrina Ionescu, G, 5-11; Breanna Stewart, F, 6-4; Jonquel Jones, C, 6-6; Leonie Fiebich, F, 6-4; Satou Sabally, F, 6-4
Most surprising cut: F Anneli Maley. Shey had a decent preseason, averaging 13 points on 48% shooting, 6.5 rebounds across two games.
Roster
2025 record: 24-20 (lost in the semifinals)
Projected starting five: Caitlin Clark, G, 6-0; Kelsey Mitchell, G, 5-8; Lexie Hull, G, 6-2; Monique Billings, F, 6-4; Aliyah Boston, F/C, 6-5
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
*Developmental player
2025 record: 30-14 (lost in first round of playoffs)
Projected starting five: Allisha Gray, G, 6-0; Jordin Canada, G, 5-6; Rhyne Howard, G, 6-2; Angel Reese, F, 6-4; Brionna Jones, F, 6-3
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
2025 record: 27-17 (WNBA Finals runner-up)
Projected starting five: Monique Akoa Makani, G, 5-11; Natasha Mack, F-C, 6-4; Kahleah Copper, G/F, 6-1; Alyssa Thomas, F, 6-2; DeWanna Bonner, G/F, 6-4
Most surprising cut: F Chloe Bibby; Phoenix traded for Bibby on May 6, but waived her one day later.
Roster
*Developmental player^ Contract suspended
2025 record: 34-10 (lost in the semifinals)
Projected starting five: Olivia Miles, G, 5-10; Courtney Williams, G, 5-8; Kayla McBride, G, 5-11; Natasha Howard, F, 6-2; Napheesa Collier, F, 6-1
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
2025 record: 21-23 (missed the playoffs)
Projected starting five: Kelsey Plum, G, 5-8; Ariel Atkins, G, 5-10; Dearica Hamby, F, 6-3; Nneka Ogwumike, F, 6-2; Rae Burrell, G/F, 6-2
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
2025 record: 10-34 (missed the playoffs)
Projected starting five: Paige Bueckers, G, 6-0; Arike Ogunbowale, G, 5-8; Azzi Fudd, G, 5-11; Alanna Smith, F, 6-4; Jessica Shepard, F, 6-4
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
*Developmental player
2025 record: 23-21 (lost in the first round)
Projected starting five: Veronica Burton, G, 5-9; Gabby Williams, F, 5-11; Kayla Thornton, F, 6-1; Janelle Salaün, F, 6-2; Kiah Stokes, C, 6-3
Most surprising cut: G Kate Martin. She was one of the Valkyries top picks in its 2024 expansion draft, but Martin had inconsistent production in her lone season in Golden State.
Roster
*Developmental player** Out indefinitely/Pregnancy^ Contract suspended
2025 record: 10-34 (missed the playoffs)
Projected starting five: Skylar Diggins, G, 5-9; Dijonai Carrington, G, 5-11; Rickea Jackson, F, 6-2; Azurá Stevens, F, 6-6; Kamilla Cardoso, C, 6-7
Most surprising cut: G Hailey Van Lith. She looked promising in preseason after a tough rookie season, but Chicago waived the former TCU guard and later signed veteran Natasha Cloud.
Roster
*Developmental player
**2025 record:**16-28 (missed the playoffs)
Projected starting five: Georgia Amoore, G, 5-6; Sonia Citron, G, 6-1; Michaela Onyenwere, F, 6-0; Kiki Iriafen, F, 6-3; Shakira Austin, C, 6-5
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
*Developmental player
2025 record: Expansion franchise
Projected starting five: Julie Allemand, G, 5-10; Marina Mabrey, G, 6-1; Brittney Sykes, G/F, 5-11; Nyara Sabally, F, 6-5; Temi Fágbénlé, C, 6-5
Most surprising cut: G Aaliyah Nye. She was drafted in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft by the Tempo on April 3.
Roster
*Developmental player
2025 record: 23-21 (lost in the first round)
Projected starting five: Natisha Hiedeman, G, 5-8; Lexie Brown, G, 5-9; Flau'jae Johnson, G, 5-10; Ezi Magbegor, F/C, 6-4; Dominique Malonga, C, 6-6
Most surprising cut: G Taina Mair. Seattle waived Mair after drafting her No. 14 overall in the 2026 draft. She later returned on a developmental contract.
Roster
*Developmental player^Contract suspended
2025 record: (missed the playoffs)
Projected starting five: Leila Lacan, G, 5-11; Saniya Rivers, G 6-1; 6-3; Brittney Griner, C, 6-9; Aneesah Morrow, F, 6-1; Kennedy Burke, G/F, 6-1
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
*Developmental player^Contract suspended
2025 record: Expansion team
**Projected starting five:**Nyadiew Puoch, F, 6-3; Carla Leite, G 5-9; Bridget Carleton, F, 6-2; Haley Jones G/F, 6-1; Luisa Geiselsöder, C 6-4
Most surprising cut: N/A
Roster
^Contract suspended
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Season-opening WNBA power rankings: Starting lineups, cuts and rosters