As WNBA training camps kick off across the league this Sunday, 15 teams are gearing up for the 30th season, with rosters still evolving after a busy free agency and draft period. The regular season tips off on May 8, featuring a 44-game slate that promises intense competition. Among the biggest storylines is the trade of star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, a move that could reshape both franchises as they head into camp.
The Dream, who finished the 2025 season with a 30-14 record and tied for second place before losing 2-1 in the first round of the playoffs to Indiana, open their season on May 10 at Minnesota at 7 p.m. ET. Their projected starting lineup includes Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones and the newly acquired Reese. Under first-year coach Karl Smesko, Atlanta transformed into an offensive powerhouse last year, boosting their scoring average from 77.0 points per game in 2024 to 84.4 in 2025 while leading the league in rebounding at 36.6 per game. Reese, who has topped the league in rebounds in her first two professional seasons with averages of 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds last year, fits seamlessly into this up-tempo style. "Reese can also see this trade to Atlanta as a fresh start after not making the playoffs with the Chicago Sky," said ESPN's Michael Voepel. He added that joining veterans who gelled well last season should aid her development.
For the Sky, who tied for last place at 10-34 in 2025 and open at Portland on May 9 at 9 p.m. ET, the loss of Reese leaves a void, but additions like forwards Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens from the Los Angeles Sparks could fill it. Their projected starters are Rachel Banham, Kamilla Cardoso, Skylar Diggins, Jackson and Stevens. Jackson, 25 and obtained via trade, brings scoring versatility with 65 three-pointers last season, while Stevens, 30 and signed as a free agent, posted career highs after starting every game for the Sparks. Together, they combined for 27.5 points and 11.2 rebounds in 2025. Stevens, who played three seasons with Chicago from 2020 to 2022, returns with evolved skills. Voepel noted it will be intriguing to see them pair with third-year center Cardoso and veteran point guard Diggins, who tied for third in the league with 6.0 assists per game last season.
The Connecticut Sun face a bittersweet transition, finishing 11-33 in 2025 without reaching the playoffs and opening at New York on May 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Their projected lineup features Kennedy Burke, Brittney Griner, Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers. This marks the franchise's final season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston and rebranding as the Comets in 2027, prompting a "Sunset Season" campaign to celebrate their history. The move has stirred mixed feelings among fans due to its contentious rollout. ESPN's Alexa Philippou highlighted the youth movement, with 12 players on the roster having two or fewer years of experience and only three veterans—Shey Peddy, Burke and Griner—with more than four. As Houston prepares to build around this talent, the focus remains on on-court progress in Uncasville this summer.
In Dallas, the Wings aim to rebound from a 10-34 last-place finish in 2025, opening at Indiana on May 9 at 1 p.m. ET with a projected lineup of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith. After a dismal rookie pro season for Bueckers, who went from UConn's near-perfect record to double the losses, the team fired coach Chris Koclanes after one year. Free agency brought Smith, Shepard and veteran Alysha Clark, while they drafted Fudd, Bueckers' college teammate, at No. 1 for shooting help. Bueckers celebrated Smith's signing on Instagram, shouting, "I can't believe this is my life! Smiling through it all. We was in the trenches!" Under new coach Jose Fernandez, the key will be meshing the backcourt of Bueckers, Fudd and Ogunbowale, who re-signed for two years after struggling in a new role last season. Philippou questioned how quickly this group can gel to push for playoffs.
The Golden State Valkyries, entering their second season after a historic inaugural year of 23-21 and a first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, open at Seattle on May 10 at 10 p.m. ET. Projected starters include Veronica Burton, Iliana Rupert, Janelle Salaun, Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams. They made history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs, boasting an All-Star in Thornton, Most Improved Player Burton and Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. Free agency added defensive-minded Williams but saw key losses, with Thornton returning from a knee injury that sidelined her for the second half of 2025. Rookie Marta Suarez adds talent, but ESPN's Kendra Andrews asked how they surpass last year's success now that expectations are higher and they're no longer unknowns.
Indiana Fever, who went 24-20 in 2025 and lost 3-2 in the semifinals to Las Vegas, host Dallas on May 9 at 1 p.m. ET. Their lineup projects Monique Billings, Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell. Despite injuries to Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald and Chloe Bibby derailing their season, the core of Clark, Mitchell and Boston endures, with Cunningham and Hull back. Additions include 6-foot-4 Billings to replace Natasha Howard, versatile Myisha Hines-Allen, guard Tyasha Harris and first-round pick Raven Johnson for defense. Mitchell's career-high 20.2 points per game and Boston's three straight All-Star nods set high bars. With Clark healthy and coach Stephanie White in her second year, ESPN's Kareem Copeland said the goal is clear: "The goal is to win a title. Period."
Defending champions Las Vegas Aces, who won the 2025 title with a 30-14 record, open versus Phoenix on May 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Projected starters are Kierstan Bell, Chelsea Gray, NaLyssa Smith, A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Free agency was steady, retaining the "big four" of Wilson, Young, Gray and Jewell Loyd—23 All-Star selections and 13 championships combined. Wilson inked the largest contract in WNBA history, a three-year, $5 million supermax, after her record fourth MVP. Shams Charania reported, "Wilson is staying with Aces on $5 million deal." With Smith, Bell and Dana Evans returning, the Aces have won three of the last four titles and reached four of the past six Finals. Copeland noted Wilson's peak form positions her to extend the dynasty and claim status as the league's greatest player.
The Los Angeles Sparks, 21-23 in 2025 and missing the playoffs, host Las Vegas on May 10 at 6 p.m. ET. Their projected lineup: Ariel Atkins, Rae Burrell, Dearica Hamby, Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike. Acquiring 10-time All-Star Ogwumike, who returns after 12 seasons with LA from 2012-2023, headlines their push to end a five-year postseason drought. The 35-year-old averaged 18.3 points on 51.9% shooting and 7.0 rebounds in 30 minutes last season with Seattle, aiding their playoff run against the Aces. Trades brought Atkins and Erica Wheeler, pairing with Hamby, Plum and Cameron Brink. Andrews emphasized Ogwumike's role, saying it's not all on her but her version from last year would thrill the Sparks as they skip rebuilding for experience.
Minnesota Lynx, who led the league at 34-10 in 2025 but lost 3-1 in the semifinals to Phoenix, open versus Atlanta on May 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Projected starters: Natasha Howard, Dorka Juhasz, Kayla McBride, Olivia Miles and Courtney Williams. Star Napheesa Collier's ankle surgeries could sideline her until June or later, up to six months. Losing Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard in free agency leaves only McBride and Williams from last year's starters. No. 2 pick Miles, a true point guard, faces immediate pressure, while frontcourt additions from overseas raise questions. Voepel stressed camp's importance in identifying inside leaders without Collier, who averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds last season.
New York Liberty, tied for fourth at 27-17 in 2025 and losing 2-1 in the first round to Phoenix, host Connecticut on May 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Lineup: Leonie Fiebich, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Satou Sabally and Breanna Stewart. They shocked the league by firing coach Sandy Brondello a year after the 2024 title, with GM Jonathan Kolb saying, "We need to nail this [next hire]. If we're going to make a bold decision like this, our players deserve to get the best." New coach Chris DeMarco, a longtime Warriors assistant, brings excitement. The big three of Ionescu, Stewart and Jones returns, joined by Sabally on a two-year deal and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton post-injury. Philippou pondered if DeMarco can maximize this talent for another championship run.
Phoenix Mercury, also 27-17 in 2025 but swept 4-0 in the Finals by Las Vegas, open at Las Vegas on May 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Projected: Monique Akoa Makani, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Alyssa Thomas and Sami Whitcomb. They reached the Finals after beating New York and Minnesota, but lost scorer Satou Sabally (16.3 points per game), who suffered a concussion in Game 3 and moved on. Six starters from last year return, plus DeWanna Bonner, but no direct replacement for Sabally—draft picks are overseas teens not playing this season. Undrafted invitees like Maryland's Yarden Garzon offer options, but Voepel said production must come by committee.
The Portland Trail Blazers' WNBA expansion team debuts this season, hosting Chicago on May 9 at 9 p.m. ET with a projected lineup of Bridget Carleton, Luisa Geiselsoder, Haley Jones, Carla Leite and Sug Sutton. Coach Alex Sarama introduces a Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) training method, focusing on adaptability through small-sided games with rule tweaks, unlike traditional drills. Popular in European basketball and used by NBA stars like Victor Wembanyama, it's new to the WNBA. The article cuts off here, but it signals an innovative start for the franchise.
These camps mark the rookies' first practices with teammates, where undrafted invitees could earn spots and veterans vie for larger roles. Chemistry building will be crucial amid injuries, trades and transitions like the Sun's relocation. As the season nears, teams like the Aces aim to sustain dominance, while others like the Wings and Sparks chase resurgence. The league's evolution, with new training methods in Portland and youth infusions everywhere, sets the stage for a competitive 2026.
With free agency stabilizing rosters and the draft injecting fresh talent, the WNBA enters a pivotal year. Fans can expect high-stakes openers, from Atlanta's road test in Minnesota to Las Vegas defending at home against Phoenix. Preseason games will reveal early insights, but camp outcomes could define contenders and surprises alike.