5 Takeaways from WNBA Opening Weekend 2025

The 2025 WNBA season just tipped off, and opening weekend already felt like a playoff preview. Physical matchups, star power everywhere, and no empty seats in sight.

We got our first look at the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest franchise, playing in front of a sold-out Chase Center. It was a glimpse into what Portland will be stepping into next year: big stages, bigger expectations, and a league that’s as competitive as it has ever been.

In short, opening weekend gave us a feel for the current state of the WNBA and what new teams like the Valkyries (and soon, Portland) are up against.

Whether you’re a longtime W fan or just getting ready to rep the home team in 2026, here are five takeaways from WNBA opening weekend 2025 that matter right now.

1. Caitlin Clark Is Thriving With Real Talent Around Her

Caitlin Clark came into this season with as much hype and attention as anyone in the league's history. One of the biggest lingering questions was, how would playing on a deeper, far more talented Indiana roster impact her play and production?

Would she be forced to play a smaller role next to stars like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, DeWanna Bonner, and Natasha Howard?

So far, the answer is a resounding no.

It's looking like it is and always will be the Caitlin Clark show... as it should be.                 

Clark was everywhere in the season opener and easily notched a triple-double. She ran the floor with her usual swagger, made crisp reads, and could have easily snagged five or more additional assists if teammates had converted on a handful of missed close-range shots.

In short, she is not being minimized by the talent around her. She is being amplified by it. It's obvious, even after one game, that the Fever are serious championship contenders this season.

2. Angel Reese Needs a Running Mate in Chicago

Angel Reese picked up right where she left off. She only played 25 minutes and grabbed 17 rebounds. She is obviously comfortable bringing the ball up the floor and even effortlessly drilled one from long range. She has the potential to be a real force in the league this season, but if she's going to dominate like I think she can, she needs help.

Courtney Vandersloot or Ariel Atkins seem like the most obvious choices, but both were relatively quiet on Saturday afternoon against the Indiana Fever. It's worth noting that the game was largely out of hand in the second half, so it may not be a great indication of what the Sky's rotation will really look like this season.

My first impression is that second-year center Kamilla Cardoso does not seem to be the answer, and the rest of the roster is largely a question mark. Chicago may have a long season as it finds its footing with a young core and a new coach.

3. A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier Are Still the Ones to Beat

Wilson and Collier were the preseason MVP favorites for an obvious reason. They both starred in their respective season openers, and I don't see them slowing down any time soon. Collier was one possession away from leading her team to the WNBA title last season, and there is absolutely no reason to believe she can't get her team back into the finals again this season. 

There are a few more questions in Las Vegas this season. Wilson looks like her usual dominant self, but the rest of the Aces looked solidly outmatched by the New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon. The score was technically close at times, but those numbers were deceiving. The Liberty were in control from the tip, and the better team won. 

How Jewel Lloyd will fit in with Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray will be a huge storyline to watch this season. First impression? Lloyd was relatively quiet with just five points in her Aces debut, but it is too soon to panic. 

4. Paige Bueckers Will Need Time, Just Like Caitlin Clark Did

Brueckers had a strong start, let's be clear. She scored in double digits and looked relatively comfortable running point for the Dallas Wings. Her offensive prowess has never been in question. She found her spots without much issue, like she always has.

But like every rookie before her, Bueckers is already starting to struggle with the league's speed and physicality. In this weekend's game, she was exposed numerous times on the defensive end against Collier.

Make no mistake, Bueckers will be a superstar in the W, but she'll take a bit of time to find her sea legs. The Wings roster is also arguably less talented than the one Clark had with the Fever in her first season, so it is a safe bet to assume Bueckers and the Wings will take their fair share of licks this season. 

5. The Records Will Continue To Fall

The 2024-2025 WNBA season was record-breaking in every possible way. Wilson broke the single-season scoring record, Clark broke the single-season assist record, and Reese set a new record for rebounds per game. But outside of these on-court achievements, the W experienced exponential growth in viewership and attendance. All early signs suggest we are in for another year of records being shattered. 

The Golden State Valkyries played their first game in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,064 roaring fans eager to get a glimpse of the new team. The Valkyries set a record for the highest attendance for any team in its season opener... but I for one am confident Portland can shatter those numbers with our 2026 opener at the Moda Center.

Merchandise sales and TV viewership will only continue to grow due to increased exposure and the star power that fills the rosters this season. We've got intriguing storylines on every roster, and the competition and talent are at an all-time high. I have little doubt that every record set last season will be broken this year. 

Final Thoughts: Portland and Toronto Will Take Some Lumps

My final thoughts after opening weekend bring me back to thoughts of what to expect with Portland's inaugural season next year.

I do not think anyone was expecting the Valkyries to come out and dominate in their franchise opening. Still, they weren't just a little rocky: they looked seriously outmatched against a Sparks team that will likely finish in the middle of the league this season. It is more than likely the Valkyries will be the worst team in the league this year. Not that the Valkyries are historically terrible... the league is just so strong at present that the new kids on the block are destined to have some trouble finding their footing.

Which means Portland and Toronto might both be in for some bumpy seasons next year. The winningest teams always have the best team chemistry and champion-seasoned players. Portland is going to be a powerhouse in the league, but this weekend was a reminder to fans (like myself) that we'll need to be patient -  championship-readiness can take some time.