Successful is what it’s all about, and to win, it’s essential make the WNBA playoffs. And with additional league growth on the horizon and a possible CBA dispute on the road, all the things feels greater stakes this season.
Bearing that in thoughts, let’s take an in depth take a look at three groups that might face severe penalties in the event that they fall in need of making the postseason.
Las Vegas Aces
After successful back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, the Las Vegas Aces had been favorites to win three in a row in 2024. A mix of fatigue and elevated competitors from different groups noticed the Aces eradicated within the semifinals final season, however issues didn’t appear too dangerous. Going into the 2025 season, the Aces had been nonetheless projected to be a prime group, a lock for the playoffs, and in rivalry to win their third title in 4 seasons. But, nothing has gone to plan for Vegas to date this 12 months.
They’re lingering on the backside of the playoff race, struggling to take care of a fair report and battling for each win they do get. 3x MVP A’ja Wilson is taking part in phenomenally, after all, however their different offensive choices can’t get into scoring rhythm, and their protection lacks effort most nights.
Their off 12 months isn’t simply an off 12 months, although. Because of trades already made, Las Vegas doesn’t personal its first-round draft picks for 2026 or 2027. So, in the event that they fail to make the playoffs, they won’t even be rewarded with a lottery decide in 2026. In the event that they find yourself blowing up their group and nonetheless not doing properly subsequent season, they wouldn’t have their decide the next 12 months, both. Secure to say this situation was not anticipated, and will result in extra seismic adjustments than beforehand anticipated within the desert.
Chicago Sky
Chicago has been in a tough patch after successful their championship in 2021. It appeared like issues had been heading again in the proper path after they drafted each Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese in 2024, and lots of thought they had been on the trail to a full rebuild. They had been awarded the No. 3 total decide within the 2025 WNBA Draft this 12 months after which… traded it away to Washington. In return, they acquired Ariel Atkins, an amazing participant, but the transfer was not the kind of win-now push a “rebuilding” group would often make. It burned slightly extra when that No. 3 decide changed into Sonia Citron, who has performed so properly for the Mystics that she took a visit to the All-Star Sport as a Rookie.
The Sky haven’t been stacking wins this season both. On the time of the commerce for Atkins, Sky entrance workplace members had been assured on this group’s means to be within the playoffs. Just a few weeks into the season, Courtney Vandersloot tore her ACL, they usually now sit within the lottery. But, they don’t even personal their first-round decide for subsequent season, both. That was traded away to Minnesota, which means that the Sky appear to be they’re headed for the lottery this season, however won’t even have the prospect to determine in the event that they wish to hold or commerce the decide.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever’s state of affairs isn’t dire within the sense that the way forward for their group is determined by them making the playoffs. But, it could be slightly disappointing to have them miss the playoffs fully, given how a lot they’ve rebuilt previously few years. But, as Caitlin Clark continues to be out indefinitely together with her third damage within the common season alone, the hopes for the Fever’s success this season aren’t as stable as they as soon as had been.
Clark is a participant who thrives in high-pressure video games, and her runs within the NCAA March Insanity tournaments are such an enormous a part of her historical past. Seeing her make a deep playoff run is inevitable, and it’s going to be enjoyable. Certain, there might be disappointment if it doesn’t occur this season, however the hope absolutely is that she will heal up in time AND her Fever group can keep afloat whereas she is out to remain in a playoff place. Whereas the repercussions of the Fever lacking the playoffs can be extra emotional than transactional (just like the Aces and Sky), it’s nonetheless price noting that it could qualify as a tragic ending to an initially promising season.
As July leads into August, it’s go time for all three of those groups as we head into the ultimate third of the 2025 common season.
