Way-Too-Early WNBA Power Rankings: Where do Valkyries start in first look at 2027? — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Golden State Valkyries open the rankings at No. 1 after a 32-12 title season, with championship players Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes and Kaila Charles already under contract for 2027.
- Atlanta Dream rank second after a 30-14 runner-up finish; all five starters are under contract for 2027, and the club will move into State Farm Arena full time.
- Las Vegas Aces rank third after being swept in the semifinals by Golden State; A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray are signed for 2027, while Jackie Young is a free agent after six seasons in their core trio.
- Washington Mystics take No. 4 after a 28-16 season and first-round loss to Atlanta, with ESPN pointing to Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron plus their playoff experience.
- Indiana Fever rank fifth after 28-16; president Kelly Krauskopf and GM Amber Cox are not returning, and the biggest roster question is whether nine-season guard Kelsey Mitchell stays to join Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
- Minnesota Lynx rank seventh despite a 33-11 record, with Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles and key players Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard and Nia Brodie signed for 2027 while Napheesa Collier is a free agent.
- Portland Fire sit 12th at 17-27; after losing seven of their last nine, the teams they beat were eventual finalists Atlanta and Golden State, while Carla Leite led the club with 16.1 points and 6.3 assists.
Why it matters: Golden State’s four contracted championship players give the No. 1 team roster continuity, while Atlanta’s five starters under contract and full-time State Farm Arena tenure address the runner-up’s roster and venue uncertainties. Free agency, trades and April’s draft are the remaining variables before ESPN revisits the order.
Ask SkimNews
