WNBA Kicks Off 30th Season, Aces Favored to Repeat
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- WNBA opens its 30th season on Friday with three games—Connecticut at New York, Washington at Toronto, and Golden State at Seattle—and continues Saturday with an ABC doubleheader.
- Las Vegas Aces keep their star quartet (A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd) and add bench players Chennedy Carter, Stephanie Talbot, and Brianna Turner to chase a repeat title.
- ESPN analysts Alexa Philippou, Michael Voepel, and Kareem Copeland all predict the Aces will repeat, highlighting the team's hunger, veteran leadership, and health of its core.
- Coach Becky Hammon remains at the helm, praised for her chemistry‑building and the squad's reliance on staying injury‑free to sustain championship aspirations.
Why it matters: The Aces' repeat run could lift league ratings and sponsor payouts, while fans gain a marquee storyline; any injury to the core quartet would jeopardize the championship bid and hurt TV ad revenue.
