The WNBA Enters the Second Half: Analysis and Perspectives
The WNBA begins the second half of its schedule this Tuesday, with an eye on the teams that are emerging as championship contenders. Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, and Phoenix Mercury lead the race, but there’s much more at stake. Off the court, one of the main questions is whether the league and the players’ association will reach a collective bargaining agreement this year, or at least by January. With the expansion draft for Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, and the 2026 free agency approaching, an early agreement is crucial. The players have put labor negotiations in the spotlight, discussing the issue in every media encounter and wearing shirts with the slogan “Pay us what we are owed” at the All-Star Game. Fan support is strong, although the impact on negotiations between the WNBA and its owners remains to be seen. The conversations have followed their expected course, with neither side showing all their cards. We will be watching to see how close the parties get this summer and in the fall. After the All-Star break, each team faces specific challenges. We analyze the most important ones for each, as the season resumes.Teams Analysis
1. Minnesota Lynx
Will the Lynx’s offense be able to maintain its pace to fight for the championship? Averaging 84.7 points per game, they are the second-highest scoring team, while limiting their opponents to 75 points. Coach Cheryl Reeve may have concerns about offensive vulnerability, especially if rivals focus on slowing down the MVP [Napheesa Collier](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/3917450/napheesa-collier) .
2. New York Liberty
Will the Liberty be able to surpass the Lynx for first place? The two teams still have four head-to-head matchups in the regular season, starting July 30 in Minnesota.
Monday brought good news for the defending champions: the return of center [Jonquel Jones](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/2999101/jonquel-jones) is expected for Tuesday’s game against Indiana, while Belgian forward [Emma Meesseman](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/3027368/emma-meesseman) has confirmed her return to the Liberty.
3. Phoenix Mercury
Will [Satou Sabally](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/4281929/satou-sabally) and [Kahleah Copper](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/2998938/kahleah-copper) return strongly after their injuries? Sabally has played in 18 of the Mercury’s 22 games, while Copper has only participated in six. Despite this, Phoenix is in third place, led by All-Star [Alyssa Thomas](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/2529140/alyssa-thomas). The Mercury needs the return of Sabally and Copper to aspire to the championship.4. Indiana Fever
How much will [Caitlin Clark](https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/_/id/4433403/caitlin-clark) be able to play in the second half of the season? She was already ruled out for Tuesday, which will mark the eleventh regular season game she misses this year. If her groin injury requires prolonged rest, the Fever could take a conservative approach.
5. Seattle Storm
Will Ezi Magbegor be able to contribute more on offense? With 8.1 points per game, she has her lowest average in the last four seasons. Magbegor’s offensive improvement could be key for the team.6. Washington Mystics
Will rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen be able to finish the second half of the season strong? Both have been All-Stars and key pieces for the Mystics, but fatigue could be a factor.
7. Atlanta Dream
Will Rhyne Howard be as effective upon her return? Howard has had a good season, leading the Dream in assists and steals, and being the second-highest scorer. However, there is no date for her return after a knee injury.
8. Las Vegas Aces
Will NaLyssa Smith be able to relieve the pressure on A’ja Wilson in the paint? The Aces need more help in the interior game, and Smith could be key to that.
9. Golden State Valkyries
Will the Valkyries be able to reverse their bad streak from July? The expansion team performed well in June, but has struggled since then.
10. Los Angeles Sparks
Will Cameron Brink play before the end of the season? The number 2 pick of the 2024 draft suffered a knee injury that sidelined her. With a good core of players, Brink’s return could be key to playoff qualification.11. Chicago Sky
Will Angel Reese be able to maintain her offensive streak? Reese is averaging 14.0 points this season, but in the last eight games that figure rises to 19.1 points.12. Dallas Wings
How much progress can the rookies make? Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, and JJ Quinerly have been the highlight of a disappointing Wings. Their energy and effort could be the foundation of a renewed team in 2026.13. Connecticut Sun
Will the Sun generate any momentum for 2026? It’s been a difficult season for Connecticut, which lost its five starters from 2024. The team is on track to win only five games.
