WNBA Power Rankings: May 2025
Greg Kajewski- 13 hours ago
- 7 min read
The 2025 WNBA season is off to an exciting start, with early performances reshaping team rankings. Here’s what you need to know:
- Minnesota Lynx: Dominating with a 2-0 start, led by Napheesa Collier's 28.5 PPG and Jessica Shepard's impactful return.
- New York Liberty: The defending champions remain strong, with Breanna Stewart and Natasha Cloud powering their season opener win over the Aces.
- Indiana Fever: Rookie Caitlin Clark shines with a triple-double debut, pushing the Fever to No. 3 in the rankings.
- Washington Mystics: Surprising preseason expectations, Brittney Sykes and rookie Sonia Citron lead the team to a 2-0 record.
- Phoenix Mercury: Despite key injuries, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas step up for a strong season opener.
The rankings reflect team chemistry, efficiency, and standout player performances. Upcoming games will test these early leaders as the season unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates!
Leading Teams: May 2025
Minnesota Lynx: Depth Drives Early Success
The Minnesota Lynx have kicked off the season with a strong 2-0 start, showcasing their impressive roster depth and efficiency. Napheesa Collier has been unstoppable, averaging 28.5 points per game. Her standout performance in the season opener, where she scored 34 points, tied the WNBA record for most points in a season opener. Adding to their strength, Jessica Shepard's return after missing last season due to prioritization rules has bolstered the team's lineup. The Lynx's early success is evident in their sharp shooting and effective playmaking.
"Courtney Williams states: It's her year to go get it. All she's got to do is just keep doing what she's doing. Our team success, we're successful as Phee is. As long as she comes out and do Phee things, she should be getting what she deserves, and that's that MVP straight up."
As the Lynx continue to refine their depth, the New York Liberty are already setting the tone for a determined title defense.
New York Liberty: Defending Their Crown
The New York Liberty are building on the momentum of their 2024 championship win. In their opener against the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart led the charge with 25 points, while newcomer Natasha Cloud made an immediate impact with 22 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and two blocks. The Liberty's teamwork was on full display, with 27 assists on 35 made baskets and a dominant 56 points in the paint. Their continued dominance over the Aces, boasting a 7-1 record against them since the start of 2024, highlights their determination to remain at the top.
While the Liberty focus on defending their title, the Indiana Fever are turning heads with the energy and talent of their rookie star.
Indiana Fever: Clark Sparks a New Era
The Indiana Fever are making waves thanks to the dynamic playmaking of their rookie, Clark. Building on their offensive success from last season - where they led the league with a 45.6% field goal percentage and ranked third in scoring at 85.0 points per game - the Fever are emerging as serious contenders. Their climb to the No. 3 spot in the power rankings signals a major shift, positioning them as a team to watch in the 2025 season.
Surprise Teams and Challengers
Washington Mystics: Early Success
The Washington Mystics have quickly become one of the standout stories of the 2025 WNBA season. With a youthful roster, they’ve started strong, securing a 2-0 record.
Veteran guard Brittney Sykes has been pivotal in their early success, averaging an impressive 24.5 points per game in wins against Atlanta (94-90) and Connecticut (90-85). The team showcased resilience by overcoming a 15-point deficit against the Sun.
"Those are our bookends. They just do all the right things; they carry themselves the right way. And so if we have them two, then I feel like we can try to navigate all the challenges that are coming our way."– Sydney Johnson, Mystics Head Coach
Head coach Sydney Johnson has leaned into an aggressive transition offense, which has paid off. Rookie Sonia Citron has been on fire, shooting 64.7% from the field while averaging 17 points per game. Meanwhile, Kiki Iriafen has added solid numbers with 15.5 points and 9 rebounds per game, anchoring the team’s interior presence. Their strong start positions them well for the challenging schedule ahead.
As the Mystics surprise fans, other teams are navigating their own hurdles.
Phoenix Mercury: Injury Management
The Phoenix Mercury have shown remarkable adaptability, even as injuries have hit key players. They’ve been without 2024’s leading scorer Kahleah Copper, sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to knee surgery, and Natasha Mack, who’s out for 2-3 weeks with a back injury. Despite these setbacks, the Mercury opened their season with a dominant performance.
"I think life is a game of adjustments. And that's the beauty of sports. People don't care about injuries. The games just keep coming. I feel really bad for Kah, she had a great camp. I feel unfortunate for our team. … But this is what it is, and we can't be afraid of it. We got to embrace it."– Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix Mercury Head Coach
Satou Sabally made a statement in her debut, dropping 27 points, while the team controlled the boards with a 38-29 rebounding advantage against Seattle. Rookie Monique Akoa Makani contributed a stellar +24 plus-minus, and veteran Kathryn Westbeld added 9 points, providing the depth needed to compensate for injuries. Alyssa Thomas also stepped up to take on point guard responsibilities, showcasing her versatility. This season highlights the Mercury’s determination and their ability to adjust under pressure.
2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 0 Highlights!
Ranking System Explained
The WNBA Power Rankings for May 2025 rely on a mix of statistical analysis, advanced metrics, and current game data to create a structured and objective way to evaluate teams.
Key Stats and Analysis
Several crucial performance indicators shape these rankings. At the core is the Basketball Power Index (BPI), which evaluates game-by-game efficiency, strength of schedule, rest days, and venue impact. Another cornerstone is Dean Oliver's Four Factors - shooting efficiency, turnover percentage, offensive rebounding, and free throw rate.
Take the Lynx, for example: their impressive 76.4% assist rate and their opponents’ field-goal percentage of just 41.0% showcase how both offensive and defensive metrics influence rankings. Additionally, the Model-Estimated Value (MEV) measures team productivity relative to their opponents while factoring in game pace. This explains why teams like the Washington Mystics have risen in the rankings, even when preseason expectations suggested otherwise.
The statistical foundation is further enriched by market data, which ensures the rankings reflect not only on-court performance but also current betting trends.
BettorEdge Market Data
Market data adds another layer to the rankings, incorporating betting trends and specific team performance indicators.
Performance Metric | Analysis Focus |
Net Rating | Overall team effectiveness |
Assist Percentage | Team chemistry and ball movement |
Defensive Rating | Ability to limit opponents |
True Shooting % | Scoring efficiency across all shots |
Team-specific trends also play a role. For instance, the Seattle Storm's struggles with three-point shooting (just 29% last season) have influenced their position in the current rankings. This nuanced approach explains why teams with similar win-loss records might rank differently.
"Data allows us to set clear, measurable goals for our players, which in turn helps them focus their training and track their progress." – Becky Hammon, Renowned coach
The system places a strong emphasis on recent performance but doesn’t ignore historical context. Teams showing notable improvements or declines in key metrics see their rankings shift accordingly, creating a dynamic and responsive evaluation process.
Betting Guide and Next Games
Using this week's power rankings as a foundation, here’s a closer look at how current trends could shape upcoming WNBA game outcomes.
Key Games This Week
The Minnesota Lynx are set to challenge the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their early-season momentum. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty hit the road for back-to-back games against Chicago and Indiana. The Indiana Fever have a packed schedule, with three games on tap, including two against Atlanta and a Saturday matchup against New York.
Key Matchup | Notable Stats | Impact Factor |
Lynx vs Wings | 50.4% FG, 27 APG | Bueckers' homecoming |
Liberty at Fever | Stewart: 25 PPG | Clash of championship hopes |
Mercury vs Sparks | Sabally: 27 PPG debut | Copper's absence looms large |
These games not only promise excitement but also offer valuable insights for shaping betting strategies.
BettorEdge Betting Tips
Mid-level road favorites (spreads between -3 and -6.5 points) have performed well, posting a 62-41 ATS record (60.2%) since July 2022. Additionally, underdogs that hold opponents to 68 points or fewer have shown strong returns, with a 55-36-2 ATS record (60.4%) over the past four seasons.
Several factors, such as trades, draft picks, and coaching changes, continue to influence betting odds. Here are three key strategies to consider:
- Rest Advantages: Teams playing on shorter rest often thrive on the road. Since 2021, road teams with 3+ fewer days of rest than their opponents have gone 34-17-2 ATS (66.7%). This trend could favor the Washington Mystics during their three-game road trip.
- Player Props: Injuries on the Mercury roster open up opportunities to bet on standout performances from players like Sabally and Thomas.
- Winning Streaks and Underdogs: Teams on winning streaks tend to struggle as underdogs, with a 26-44-1 ATS record (37.1%). This is worth considering for matchups involving the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm.
Keep these factors in mind as you navigate this week's games to make more informed betting decisions.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, several key developments could shake up the power rankings. The Phoenix Mercury face a critical test with Kahleah Copper out for 4–6 weeks, while the Los Angeles Sparks eagerly anticipate Cameron Brink's return in June.
Rookies are already making a splash. Sonia Citron's efficient 17-point game on 65% shooting and Caitlin Clark's incredible triple-double debut (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) have energized the Indiana Fever. These standout performances have dramatically improved the Fever's championship odds, moving them from +2,500 to +300. With so much changing, mid-season adjustments are bound to play a pivotal role, as outlined in the table below.
Team Movement Factors | Impact | Timeframe |
Copper Injury (Mercury) | High | 4–6 weeks |
Brink Return (Sparks) | Medium | June 2025 |
Clark Effect (Fever) | High | Ongoing |
Mack Injury (Mercury) | Medium | 2–3 weeks |
"Our futures have definitely been influenced by the popularity of the Fever/Clark... Contrary to last season, we think the Fever have a legitimate chance at the title. So, we are taking a bit more proactive action to mitigate our liabilities on them." - Hannah Luther, BetMGM Trader
As the season builds on its strong opening, keep an eye on the Minnesota Lynx and their consistent play, as well as the New York Liberty as they refine their three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics have shown early signs of staying power in the league's upper tier. With rotations tightening and players returning from injuries, the middle of the rankings is expected to see plenty of movement.
FAQs
How have the Minnesota Lynx built such a strong start to the 2025 WNBA season, and what impact does Napheesa Collier have on the team?
The Minnesota Lynx have started the 2025 WNBA season strong, boasting a 2-0 record that highlights their depth and team chemistry. With their entire starting lineup returning from last season, the Lynx have built on their solid foundation, delivering standout performances across the board. In their first two games, they shot an impressive 50.4% from the field and dished out 27 assists per game, showcasing their efficient and selfless style of play. The return of Jessica Shepard, who missed last season due to prioritization rules, has further strengthened their roster.
Napheesa Collier has been a driving force behind the Lynx's success, racking up 57 points in the first two games. Renowned for her scoring ability and defensive skills, Collier remains the backbone of the team on both ends of the court. Her leadership and steady performance are crucial as the Lynx set their sights on a championship run this season.
What has driven the Indiana Fever's early success, and how has Caitlin Clark influenced their performance?
Indiana Fever's Electrifying Start to the 2025 Season
The Indiana Fever have kicked off their 2025 season with a bang, showcasing their dominance in a commanding 93-58 victory over the Chicago Sky. This standout performance, highlighted by rookie Caitlin Clark's incredible triple-double, has propelled the team to the No. 3 spot in the WNBA power rankings. Early on, it’s clear the Fever are positioning themselves as a team to watch this season.
Caitlin Clark has quickly become the heartbeat of the team. With her knack for delivering game-changing performances, she’s already making waves in the league. A prime example? Her recent 27-point, 11-assist showcase against the Atlanta Dream. Clark’s combination of leadership, scoring, and playmaking has not only energized her teammates but also cemented her as one of the league's most exciting rising stars.
How are the Phoenix Mercury staying competitive despite injuries to key players?
The Phoenix Mercury are facing a tough start to the season as they deal with injuries to two key players, Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack. Copper is expected to miss 4–6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery, while Mack will be out for 2–3 weeks with a back injury. Despite these challenges, the team kicked off their season with an impressive 81–59 victory over the Seattle Storm.
Newcomers Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas made an immediate impact, scoring 27 and 20 points, respectively. Their performances highlighted the team's depth and ability to adjust under pressure. The Mercury are leaning into a team-first strategy, emphasizing the collective effort of their roster as they work to stay competitive and seamlessly integrate their new players into the lineup.
