2024 WNBA Power Rankings: Fever surging up standings
The 2024 WNBA season is back in action following the Olympic break. There are plenty of competitive teams already making statements with the regular season underway once again. However, some teams are still trying to find their rhythm.
Without further ado, here are our updated 2024 post-Olympics WNBA Power Rankings.
1. New York Liberty
The Liberty are the best team in the WNBA right now. New York recently took care of business against the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces. It was an impressive effort that worked as a statement of sorts. The Liberty understand that the Aces have won back-to-back championships, but New York is ready to make their own championship run.
Breanna Stewart, who won the 2023 WNBA MVP Award, has continued to play well in 2024. Sabrina Ionescu, meanwhile, is establishing an MVP case of her own this season. This is a Liberty team with plenty of talent, depth and confidence right now.
2. Connecticut Sun
The Sun were recently upset by the Atlanta Dream. Nevertheless, the Sun are still among the best teams in the WNBA.
There is an argument to be made for placing Connecticut at the No. 3 spot in the power rankings, but they have displayed enough potential to remain No. 2 overall for now. DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas have led the Sun so far in 2024. Marina Mabrey, who was acquired before the WNBA All-Star Game, will help matters as well.
The Sun could challenge the Liberty in the Eastern Conference during the postseason.
3. Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx may have what it takes to upset the Aces and reach the WNBA Finals. Minnesota currently holds a 1.5 game lead over Las Vegas in the Western Conference. Napheesa Collier has enjoyed a tremendous campaign, while Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith have also played well.
Minnesota's depth makes them an especially intriguing team. The Lynx should be able to match up with any team in the WNBA.
4. Las Vegas Aces
The Aces have not dominated the competition like we have seen over the past couple of seasons. Still, any WNBA fan knows better than to count this team out.
A'ja Wilson recently explained how the Aces know every opponent brings a little something extra when playing against them. After all, they have won two championships in a row. Wilson, who is on track to win the WNBA MVP Award, said Las Vegas needs to enter each game with the right mindset. If they take any plays off, other teams will capitalize.
It would not be surprising to see Las Vegas make another championship run in 2024. With that being said, teams like the Lynx and Seattle Storm are poised to seriously challenge them in the Western Conference.
5. Seattle Storm
Seattle is two games behind Minnesota in the Western Conference. The Storm have been overlooked at times this year, but they are playing at a high level.
Jewell Lloyd is one of the best players in the WNBA. Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith have played at high levels as well. The Storm's all-around talent makes them a threat in the postseason conversation.
There is no denying the fact that making a deep playoff run in the Western Conference will be an immense challenge given the presences of the Aces and Lynx. Seattle should not be ruled out, though.
6. Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark continues to steal headlines as Indiana is 2-0 so far following the Olympic break. Indiana features no shortage of potential with Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell also playing well.
Again, the Liberty and Sun are the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Indiana is likely still a year or two away from seriously contending for a championship. However, the Fever are probably going to make a postseason appearance in 2024 barring a late season collapse.
Anything can happen once a team clinches a postseason spot.
7. Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix has some games where they look like true contenders. In other contests, though, the Mercury don't even appear to be a postseason team. Inconsistency has been a concern for Phoenix.
The good news is that veterans such as Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi understand what it takes to navigate their way to the playoffs. Phoenix's veteran leadership will prove to be of the utmost importance. In the end, though, the Mercury need to find a way to develop more consistency.
8. Chicago Sky
In similar fashion to Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese has emerged as one of the most popular players in the WNBA. Reese is currently trying to lead Chicago to the postseason. The Sky are just 1-2 since the Olympic break came to an end, however.
Chicago can still get back on track. They project to be a potential playoff team as well. The Sky have a difficult schedule over their next two games, though, as they will play against the Sun and Aces.
9. Atlanta Dream
The Dream are only a game and a half behind the Sky in the Eastern Conference. Perhaps they will finish the season strong and earn a postseason spot.
Atlanta is not exactly ready to compete for a championship, but the future is bright for the Dream. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray have found ways to give the Dream opportunities to win games throughout the 2024 campaign.
The Dream will be one of the more interesting teams to follow as the season winds down.
10. Dallas Wings
The Wings are finally getting healthy. Arike Ogunbowale has enjoyed another incredible season, but Dallas' previous injury concerns led to a forgettable first half of the year. Satou Sabally and other injured Wings players are back in the rotation, though, so Dallas may be able to make some noise down the stretch.
The Wings need to play an all-around better brand of defense. They can compete with a number of teams offensively. If the Wings' defense improves and the return of injured players provides a spark, the Wings will have an opportunity to sneak into the postseason.
11. Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks are another team that is battling injury trouble. Los Angeles is in last place in the Western Conference as of this story's writing.
LA will need to play at an especially high level to defy the odds given their injury concerns. Dearica Hamby has played well but she needs more help in order for the Sparks to make a postseason push.
12. Washington Mystics
The Mystics are in last place in the Eastern Conference. It has been a difficult 2024 season for Washington.
Ariel Atkins has quietly had a strong season. Overall, though, Washington has not played up to their expectations.