After nearly a month-long break, the WNBA is back in action! The 2024 season resumes following the All-Star Game and Olympic break, where Team USA secured its eighth consecutive gold medal, Dallas’ Satou Sabally returned from injury to showcase her star power for Germany, and Australia’s Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, and Sami Whitcomb overcame the absence of Bec Allen to clinch the bronze.
While many of the league’s stars were in Paris representing their countries, standout rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese took the time to rest and recover after a grueling spring that saw them transition quickly from the NCAA Tournament to the WNBA.
As the final month of the 2024 WNBA season kicks off, here are some of the biggest storylines to watch.
The Rookie of the Year Race: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese
The race for Rookie of the Year has become one of the most captivating storylines of the season, with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese emerging as the clear front-runners. These two rookies aren’t just standing out among their peers—they’re making waves across the entire league.
Clark, who leads the league in assists per game, and Reese, who dominates in offensive rebounds and is second in total rebounds per game, have each showcased elite skills that have seamlessly translated to the professional level. Their impact has been immediate and profound.
Beyond the individual statistics, both rookies have played crucial roles in their teams’ success. Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky are both currently in playoff contention. If the season ended today, both would secure postseason spots—a significant turnaround for their respective franchises, thanks in large part to these dynamic rookies.
At the moment, Clark has the edge in scoring and a slight advantage in efficiency, making her the favorite for Rookie of the Year honors. However, with a month left in the season, Reese has the opportunity to close the gap and make her case as the league’s top rookie.
The Las Vegas Aces’ Quest for a Three-Peat
The Las Vegas Aces solidified their place in WNBA history by winning back-to-back championships in 2023. Now, they’re aiming to achieve a rare three-peat, a feat accomplished only once before in the league’s history.
However, the Aces have faced challenges this season. After a 6-6 start, a stark contrast to their 11-1 record to open the 2023 season, the team has battled fatigue and the absence of key player Chelsea Gray. Coming out of the break with a 16-8 record, the Aces, led by MVP favorite A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Gray, are looking to regain their championship form as the playoffs approach.
New York Liberty’s Pursuit of the Top Spot
The New York Liberty have been the dominant force of the 2024 season, despite dealing with injuries and the fatigue that comes with international play. As the season resumes, the Liberty hold a 2.5-game lead atop the standings, positioning themselves for a potential playoff run that could secure home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Led by gold medalists Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, along with stars Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Courtney Vandersloot, the Liberty are not only eyeing the top seed but also aiming to capture the franchise’s first WNBA championship after falling just short in 2023.
The Playoff Push: High Stakes in the Final Stretch
The final stretch of the WNBA season promises to be intense, with teams jostling for playoff positioning. Only two games separate the second and fifth seeds, meaning that the Las Vegas Aces could use their momentum to climb into the top three and potentially avoid facing the top-seeded Liberty until the finals.
The battle for playoff spots extends beyond the top teams. Phoenix, Indiana, and Chicago are all poised to make the postseason, setting the stage for exciting playoff debuts for rookies like Clark and Reese. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury, with their championship pedigree, could prove to be a formidable lower seed.
Current WNBA Standings (As of Olympic Break)
| Seed | Team | Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Liberty | 21-4 | — |
| 2 | Connecticut Sun | 18-6 | 2.5 |
| 3 | Minnesota Lynx | 17-8 | 4 |
| 4 | Seattle Storm | 17-8 | 4 |
| 5 | Las Vegas Aces | 16-8 | 4.5 |
| 6 | Phoenix Mercury | 13-12 | 8 |
| 7 | Indiana Fever | 11-15 | 10.5 |
| 8 | Chicago Sky | 10-14 | 10.5 |
| 9 | Atlanta Dream | 7-17 | 13.5 |
| 10 | Los Angeles Sparks | 6-18 | 14.5 |
| 11 | Washington Mystics | 6-19 | 15 |
| 12 | Dallas Wings | 6-19 | 15 |
With just over a month left in the regular season, every game counts as teams fight for playoff positioning and individual accolades. As the action heats up, the 2024 WNBA season is set for an electrifying finish.
