The 2025 WNBA season is here, and it’s quickly becoming apparent that this could go down as one of the most outstanding seasons in the history of the league.
Brianna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and the defending champion Liberty team aim to build on their historic achievement of clinching New York’s maiden Finals win against Napheesa Collier and the Lynx.
A’ja Wilson and her team, the Aces, aim to get their revenge on New York for eliminating them from the playoffs. Additionally, we shouldn’t overlook Caitlin Clark with the Fever, who secured playoff spots last year following Indiana’s record of 13-27 the previous season.
Clark is favored to secure the WNBA MVP title this season due largely to her popularity among fans and substantial annual gambling interest. Will the sophomore sensation manage to claim the trophy, or could Wilson, Stewart, Collier, or some other standout athlete snatch it away instead? Additionally, will Paige Bueckers, who’s tipped for Rookie of the Year honors with the Wings, emulate Clark’s success as one of the top performers in their inaugural season within the league?
This season comes with numerous queries, and The Sporting News is ready to offer some insights—perhaps even some informed speculations. Below are the probabilities along with our official forecasts, projections, and top recommendations for wagering on the 2025 WNBA season.
Odds and forecasts for the 2025 WNBA season
All odds courtesy of
BetMGM
online sportsbook.
MVP: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces (+210)
Wilson has claimed two out of the last three WNBA MVP awards—and three out of the past five—if she remains fit, she’s the top choice to take home another MVP soon. As the iconic figure for the league and undoubtedly the most commanding athlete, the Aces’ star makes Las Vegas a strong candidate to reclaim their position as champions, aiming for their third title in four years.
Following her third-place finish in the MVP voting for 2023, Wilson had an explosive performance last season. The towering 6-foot-4 star recorded averages of 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, leading to a unanimous selection as the MVP. Her ability to dominate games sets her apart from others, making her the indispensable cornerstone for every top team in the league.
The Aces must rely on Wilson’s outstanding performance once more in 2025, particularly following their defeat against the Liberty in New York during last year’s playoffs. Securing home-court advantage will be vital for Las Vegas this season, especially considering how evenly matched teams have become across the league due to emerging talents such as Clark, Bueckers, and Angel Reese.
MVP underdog pick: Caitlin Clark, Fever (+195)
You won’t get much value betting on Clark, who plays for a Fever team that finished with an even record of 20-20 and remains uncertain. The sole reason BetMGM set such brief odds for her is because she poses a risk to the sportsbook.
Most of the minimum-viable-player (MVP) bettors have placed their bets on Clark to claim victory—so should she unexpectedly clinch the award, the bookmakers could face significant losses. By reducing her chances, BetMGM has minimized the potential payout they’d owe if she ends up winning. This adjustment makes Clark appear as the clear frontrunner for the prize, even though she came in considerably behind during last year’s voting where she ranked fourth.
Actually, Clark is likely to secure the award only if she delivers an exceptionally remarkable season, leads the Fever to significantly improve their performance, and simultaneously, Wilson, Collier, and Stewart experience declines in their statistical outputs. This scenario involves too many unpredictable factors when considering betting on a 23-year-old for MVP.
Rookie of the Year: Dominique Malonga, Storm (+400)
Entering the 2025 WNBA season, Paige Bueckers is heavily favored at -295 odds to claim Rookie of the Year honors, which isn’t unexpected given her comprehensive skill set and ability to elevate teammates’ performance. Notably, over the last 17 years, the top draft choice has secured 12 Rookie of the Year awards. Nevertheless, -295 remains
way
Too energized, and we appreciate the value of our second choice, Dominique Malonga.
The French sensation has the potential to become the Wemby of the WNBA due to her 6-foot-6 stature and distinctive blend of size, talent, and international playing experience. She stands out as an exceptionally athletic player capable of dominating the game on both offense and defense. If Bueckers struggles during her initial professional season, this athlete might quickly ascend to the top of the MVP betting charts.
Defensive Player of the Year: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces (+195)
Last year, Collier secured the DPOY title with averages of 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest; however, we doubt Wilson will finish as the runner-up consecutively. As the defensive cornerstone for the Aces, Wilson logged impressive figures of 2.6 blocks and 1.8 steals per game yet surprisingly missed out on the Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite possibly seeing slightly lower statistics this season, she could still claim the honor due to last year’s controversial oversight.
In both 2022 and 2023, Wilson secured this accolade not only because of her impressive defensive statistics but also due to her exceptional leadership, communication skills, defense at the perimeter, shot-blocking ability, and prowess in grabbing rebounds. She embodies all these qualities perfectly, making her undoubtedly the top contender mentioned on the list predicting Defensive Player of the Year winners yet again.
A potential under-the-radar Defensive Player of the Year candidate is Cameron Brink from the Sparks, with odds at +2500.
Brink possesses remarkable qualities for a novice athlete, coupled with her height of 6-4 inches and a wingspan extending to 6-8 inches, which makes her a compelling dark-horse candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Last season, during her debut year with the Sparks, she managed an average of 2.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per match, suggesting that even minor improvement might secure her this accolade and bring substantial returns to those who placed their bets on her.
Most Improved Player: Kate Martin, Valkyries (+1500)
Martin went from one of the glue-girls of the Las Vegas Aces to one of the Valkyries’ key expansion-draft picks. She can now become the leader of a young squad, and she will benefit from her rapport with Golden State head coach and former Aces assistant Natalie Nakase. MIP used to be jokingly considered an Aces award, so don’t be surprised if a former Las Vegas player takes it down in her first stint away from Sin City.
Best Progressing Player dark horse: Jacy Sheldon, Wings (+5000)
In 2024, Sheldon had a disappointing beginning to her WNBA journey with Dallas, which was struggling as well. However, with Paige Bueckers joining the lineup, Sheldon might significantly improve upon her rookie stats of averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Her skills show promise, particularly when bolstered by increased self-assurance and better court distribution. Investing in Sheldon seems akin to taking a chance on a lottery ticket.
Sixth Player of the Year: Sophie Cunningham, Fever (+1000)
In 2024, Cunningham put forth a compelling argument for the Sixth Player of the Year Award, averaging 8.4 points per game over 19 matches coming off the bench. Her performance highlighted her adaptability, scoring ability, effectiveness, and leadership within the supporting roster of an Indianapolis-based squad that saw significant improvement compared to the prior season. Provided she starts fewer than several games in 2025, Cunningham appears well-positioned to be a leading candidate for this accolade.
Coach of the Year: Sandy Brondello, Liberty (+700)
Last year, Brondello warranted greater recognition, so it wouldn’t be shocking if she claims victory this time. With the Liberty securing their maiden title, her chances have improved significantly. Being at the helm of the top squad in the WNBA undoubtedly plays into her favor during these awards considerations, and as of 2025, New York remains among the elite teams.
WNBA playoff predictions 2024
-
New York Liberty
-
Las Vegas Aces
-
Minnesota Lynx
-
Phoenix Mercury
-
Indiana Fever
-
Seattle Storm
-
Atlanta Dream
-
Dallas Wings
-
Los Angeles Sparks
-
Chicago Sky
-
Connecticut Sun
-
Golden State Valkyrie
-
Washington Mystics
Although Minnesota enjoyed an impressive streak in 2024, we anticipate that the two longstanding dominant teams—the current champion Liberty and the Aces steered by A’ja Wilson—will reclaim their positions at the top of the rankings by the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The Sun will experience the most significant decline, moving from an annual contender to a leading tanker. Phoenix, along with cities like Indiana, Atlanta, and Dallas, will see substantial improvements thanks to new signings and draft selections. Although the Sparks and Sky will have their share of strong performances, they will continue to struggle in establishing themselves as serious playoff contenders.
WNBA Finals odds
|
Team |
Odds |
| Liberty | +230 |
| Aces | +300 |
| Fever | +320 |
| Lynx | +350 |
| Mercury | +1200 |
| Dream | +5000 |
| Sparks | +6000 |
| Storm | +6600 |
| Sky | +8000 |
| Mystics | +10000 |
| Wings | +10000 |
| Sun | +12500 |
| Valkyries | +20000 |
WNBA Finals forecast: Aces triumph over Liberty
This pairing would create the most compelling narrative and offer the WNBA a star-filled title match-up. Following the Liberty’s elimination of Las Vegas in 2024, A’ja Wilson and her team will be eager to seek revenge against their adversaries when they meet again.
A number of squads enhanced their rosters during the 2024-25 offseason, yet these two clubs remain unparalleled in terms of overall talent, boasting superior offensive skills and crucial defensive stops. Expect this season’s WNBA Finals to deliver another thrilling matchup, with Las Vegas expected to secure its third championship in four years, further cementing their status among the elite franchises in sporting history.
