3 Teams that could be the next Fever as WNBA explodes in popularity 

Few WNBA players have created as much buzz as Caitlin Clark did in her rookie season. After a successful college career, Clark brought her own fanbase to the WNBA, attracting many new viewers. 

Her presence quickly made the Fever a must-watch team, even if they were not able to put up much of a fight in the playoffs. Indiana secured a playoff spot but was swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round. 

It might be the last time that happens in the Caitlin Clark era, though. With two franchise players like Clark and Aliyah Boston already on the team, the Fever are gearing up to reach the next level and treat their fanbase to some thrilling playoff action. 

Even without Clark playing, the 2024 WNBA playoffs attracted a record-setting viewership, and the league will only continue to become more popular. This is an incredibly exciting time in women’s basketball. Several teams should be able to follow the Indiana Fever’s trajectory, as people pay more and more attention to the WNBA. 

The Los Angeles Sparks could see a boost in popularity soon

The Los Angeles Sparks struggled in the 2024 season, winning only eight games, despite a career season from Derica Hamby. Los Angeles is still rebuilding, and Cameron Brink played only 15 games, so it was not much of a surprise to see them at the bottom of the standings. 

Nevertheless, the Sparks could see a boost in popularity soon. Brink is an enticing young player and a unique defensive talent. She is a future star and already has quite the fanbase despite how little she played in her rookie season. 

On top of that, the Sparks also have Rickea Jackson, who ended the season as the team’s second-leading scorer and a potential future star. If everything goes well, the Sparks already have two interesting young players in place to build around, but they will also get another high lottery pick in this year’s draft again. 

The 2025 WNBA draft class is incredibly talented and features several players projected to be future WNBA stars. No prospect will cause more excitement than Paige Bueckers, and the Sparks have a good chance to actually win the lottery. 

If they get to add Bueckers to the mix alongside Brink and Jackson, the team’s popularity will explode. 

The Golden State Valkyries should have a lot of eyes on them

Fans have been waiting for a WNBA expansion for a while. Now, the Golden State Valkyries are finally joining the league, and while we do not even know yet what the roster will look like, excitement around the new team is high. The logo, team colors, and first images of the training facilities created quite a buzz on social media. 

The Valkyries may not be very competitive at first but they could quickly amass a fanbase. Everyone will be curious to see how the expansion team does and how some players on the roster will develop. Golden State will get the chance to steal a healthy mix of veterans and interesting young talent from other teams in the league in the expansion draft on December 6. 

Teams get to protect six players each but will still have to watch someone walk away. The Minnesota Lynx, for example, might end up losing Alissa Pili to the Valkyries. Pili was a high pick in the 2024 Draft and could really benefit from playing on a less competitive team. 

On top of that, the Valkyries will also get to pick fifth in the 2025 WNBA Draft. That pick will likely bring a big name with its very own fanbase to the Valkyries. 

The Dallas Wings could make some noise next season 

The Dallas Wings have been struggling with injuries that prevented the team from reaching its full potential. Despite having star players like Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, the Wings missed the playoffs and currently have the second-best odds to win the 2025 WNBA Draft lottery. 

While Sabally might explore free agency and find a new team, the Wings have a realistic chance to land another future star to pair with Ogunbowale. They could even win the lottery and get Paige Bueckers. 

Ogunbowale is already one of the most dynamic and exciting scorers to watch in the WNBA. She can easily put up 30 points and treat fans to exciting shots reminiscent of Kyrie Irving. As the league continues to grow in popularity, so will Ogunbowale. 

Adding a current college star to the team will get people to pay more attention to the Wings and get Ogunbowale the attention she deserves.