Future Power Rankings: Best WNBA Teams in 5 Years

Ben and Sabreena dig into the details behind another big reporting project: Future Power Rankings in the WNBA. How might WNBA teams stack up against each other in five years? Which franchises are poised to be the most successful? Ben and Sabreena share the methodology behind it all – from weighting players and coaches to draft picks and facilities – and give a window into the W’s future. Plus, thoughts on the Portland Fire announcement and some truly strange league rules around players wearing hats on the sidelines. REFERENCES: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6498649/2025/07/17/wnba-franchises-brighest-futures-ranked/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6496986/2025/07/15/caitlin-clark-groin-injury-fever-sun/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6494576/2025/07/15/natasha-cloud-wnba-fine-warning-hat-sideline/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6498250/2025/07/17/wnba-franchise-best-worst-run-franchise-anonymous-poll/ 00:00 - Intro 00:29 - The Portland Fire are Back 03:29 - Hat Fines in the WNBA 06:11 - Future Power Rankings: Methodology 12:59 - The Top Five Teams in Five Years 20:27 - The Teams that May Drop Way Down #wnba #expansion #allstarweekend Thumbnail: Michael Gonzales, Boston Globe via Getty Images Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com. You can also find us on socials: -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1