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WNBA Power Rankings 2026: How Are The Top 10 Teams Shaping Up In Week 1?
A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray (Photo by Imagn Images)
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WNBA Power Rankings 2026: How Are The Top 10 Teams Shaping Up In Week 1?

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The first week of the WNBA 2026 season had been very exciting for fans, with two teams yet to record a win and two teams yet to lose a game. Check out the power ranking of the teams after the first week of the season.

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After a strong ‘debate’ on the CBA terms, the 2026 season finally got underway on time. Fans were excited to have the players on the court. There had been many mega shakeups in the WNBA, with former champion Nneka Ogwumike joining the Los Angeles Sparks and Satou Sabally strengthening the New York Liberty team’s chances in the season.

But after the first season, there were a few surprise winners in the games, and here’s how the top 10 teams fared in the first week of the season.

Indiana Fever Team
Indiana Fever Team (Photo by Imagn Images)

WNBA Power Ranking After First Week Action

Established powerhouses like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces dominate early conversations, and the top 10 is defined by teams that made massive off-season roster and culture upgrades, setting themselves apart from the start. Earlier, the top five sides were on the contender list, but now the range has widened to the top 10.

Golden State Valkyries

As an expansion team, the Valkyries have shocked many by holding their own, even taking down seasoned opponents like the Storm. Their 3-point efficiency (41% in their opener) and impressive, balanced play show that they are not content with a “building year,” but are immediate competitive threats.

The team holds a 2-1 record at the moment, but it may move into the postseason with similar control and composure in the season.

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Chicago Sky

Despite losing some depth to expansion, the Sky have maintained a solid, defensive-minded identity. Their ability to rebuild quickly on the fly, with high-intensity coaching, keeps them competitive. They have focused on high-energy play to remain in the top 10 discussions.

Although the team is undefeated so far this season with a 2-0 record, they have yet to face a top opponent, which would test their competence. The positive side, though, is Rickea Jackson’s performance, who set a unique franchise record.

Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks are a major climber after securing top-available free agents, most notably Nneka Ogwumike. They are operating with a renewed sense of urgency. Their veteran presence is designed to build a culture of winning from the start, making them a very tough out in early-season matchups.

The side lost both opening games, but is slowly getting into the rhythm and will be competing for the playoffs once again. The losses were against the Aces and Fever, tough matchups early in the season.

Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury are looking for a redemption season, focusing on integrating their veteran pieces into a faster-paced system. They are prioritizing shot-making, and early signs show that their new offensive scheme is clicking, putting them in the mix for a solid playoff spot.

The team won the opening game against the Aces, setting the tone for the title, but back-to-back losses put the side in 12th position in the standings and could improve as the season progresses.

Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota is holding steady as a consistent top-tier threat. Their ability to manage the expansion draft—losing pieces but keeping a strong core—has left them largely intact. They are relying on their disciplined style of play, which has served them well in the opening days of the 2026 season.

The team won one game and lost one, but would be happy with rookie Olivia Miles’s performance. Courtney Williams is also ready to give her role to Olivia Miles.

Dallas Wings

The Wings made significant moves to address their frontcourt, specifically by adding players to bolster their interior scoring. With the maturation of their guard play, they are a dangerous matchup. Their focus on structural improvements rather than just temporary fixes has them trending upward.

Wings won the opening game against the Fever, showing their intentions for the season, but struggled to overcome the Dream. With Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogwumike finding perfect support in the 2026 season, the side could make a deep playoff run.

Indiana Fever

The Fever have transformed from a rising team into a bona fide powerhouse, largely on the back of a mature Caitlin Clark, who is showing even higher upside in 2026. With early explosive results, the Fever are rapidly proving that their off-season roster adjustments were exactly what they needed to enter the title conversation.

The side did well in the opening game against the Wings, though they lost by three points, but their response in the game against the Sparks highlights their championship credentials.

Atlanta Dream

Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard
Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard (Photo by Imagn Images)

The Dream is a team with immense “high interest” this season, having shored up their defensive presence and finding a better balance between their veteran leadership and young talent. They are playing with high intensity, aiming to turn last year’s potential into this year’s top-four finish.

The addition of Angel Reese certainly put the team in the top three rankings and could be dark horses for the championship, too. The side won both opening games and looks unstoppable at the moment.

New York Liberty

Entering Week 1, the Liberty remain one of the teams to beat, backed by a dominant opening performance that saw them dismantle the Sun. They have retained their core championship chemistry while adding depth that makes them overwhelmingly potent on both ends of the floor. Their chemistry and offensive efficiency are unmatched early on.

The Portland fire stunned the Liberty in the recent game, though it is important to note that the side is still playing without its two megastars.

Las Vegas Aces

The Aces are firing on all cylinders, returning a veteran core that includes Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd. Though they were relatively quiet at the draft, they didn’t need to be; they are “running it back” with an emphasis on winning immediately. A’ja Wilson’s continued MVP-level dominance makes them a safe bet for top-two placement.

The Opening loss was once again a shock for many, especially after the sweep in the WNBA Finals, but the team stepped up to their championship level and is on a two-game winning run at the moment.

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