The Indiana Fever have officially entered contender territory. After signing DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard in free agency, adding Sophie Cunningham via trade, and hiring Stephanie White as their new head coach, the Fever are a much-improved team.
Indiana obviously wants to try and win a championship in the 2025 season. If everyone stays healthy and the players build chemistry quickly, the Fever have a solid chance to go on a deep playoff run.
There are plenty of other strong teams in the WNBA, though, and every game could end up making a difference. Everyone knows that the Fever will have to watch out for the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Las Vegas Aces. Those are the other top teams in the league, and the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, and Atlanta Dream also have solid rosters.
However, there are also some underdogs the Fever should not overlook as they chase a championship.
3. Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks were the worst team in the 2024 season, winning only eight games. Since then, a lot has changed, however. Cameron Brink is recovering from her ACL tear, Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson got to work on their game in Unrivaled, and Kelsey Plum joined the team.
With Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby, the Sparks now have two All-Stars. They also have a bunch of young players ready for break-out seasons. While they may not have enough to keep pace with some of the better teams in the league, the Sparks could hand out some significant losses and provide a challenge for teams like the Fever.
2. Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky seem to be on track to do what the Fever did last season—show off their talented young players, win a bunch of games, and attract big names in free agency. Angel Reese, who showed out in Unrivaled, and Kamilla Cardoso have a season of WNBA experience under their belts now, Courtney Vandersloot will put them in the best position to succeed, and Ariel Atkins will add some important firepower and defense on the wing.
The Sky do not look like one of the top teams in the league but will compete for a playoff spot, and the Fever should not underestimate them, especially considering the attention the Fever’s games against the Sky will get.
1. Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings had a tough season and offseason, winning only nine games and losing two of their three best players in the winter. Losing Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard in free agency was a big blow, but there is a silver lining for the Wings.
First of all, they added some interesting players this offseason, most notably former lottery pick NaLyssa Smith, defensive standout DiJonai Carrington, and Ty Harris, who is a legitimate 3-point threat. Secondly, the Wings have the first pick in the draft and will very likely add UConn star Paige Bueckers.
With those players around Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings are better set up than expected. Dallas should be a fun, young team in the 2025 season and not an opponent the Fever should take lightly.