The WNBA teams with the most to prove in 2026

Sabreena and Annie take a closer look at the league’s middle tier—teams with something to prove. They evaluate the future outlook of the Minnesota Lynx, explore whether the Golden State Valkyries can find success again in year two, and consider what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks. We also dive into the pressure facing the Chicago Sky amid roster changes, and the challenges confronting Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury. Finally, we’ll tell you where to set your screens! No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ 00:00 Intro 02:32 Dream take down Sky, 87–78 08:27 Tempo vs. Storm preseason matchup featured 61 fouls 09:26 What should be expected from middle-of-the-pack teams? 11:58 Will Minnesota consider tanking? 14:47 Minnesota’s future outlook  17:12 How will Golden State build on their success? 19:44 Who will be tasked with creating offense for Golden State? 26:40 Examining the LA Sparks 29:23 What is the expectation for Cameron Brink? 31:46 Who will lead LA’s offense? 34:27 What’s the expectation for LA? 38:27 Chicago’s pressure to win 41:20 Exploring the identity of Chicago 45:41 Who will Chicago rely on to score? 52:01 Can Phoenix win a championship with Aylssa Thomas? 58:13 A’ja Wilson joins the host committee for the 2026 met gala Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7239181/2026/04/29/angel-reese-chicago-sky-atlanta-dream-preseason/ by Annie Costabile https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7242329/2026/04/29/angel-reese-atlanta-dream-chicago-sky/ by Annie Costabile Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [https://www.instagram.com/tanooffseason] -TikTok: @no_offseason [https://www.tiktok.com/@no_offseason] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS Thumbnail: Christian Petersen / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images