WNBA power rankings: Best 2026 offseason additions, including Angel Reese
Meghan L. HallChampionships aren't won during the offseason, but adding the right pieces can help.
The Atlanta Dream sent shockwaves through WNBA circles by trading for Angel Reese and her acquisition wasn't the only splash of action-packed offseason. The Las Vegas Aces added Chennedy Carter and multiple teams doled out million-dollar contracts to newcomers.
Who are the best offseason acquisitions for each team? USA TODAY breaks it all down in this week's WNBA power rankings.
The Minnesota Lynx take over the top spot as multiple teams move up and down the rankings. The Connecticut Sun continue to sit at No. 15 in USA TODAY Sports power rankings, released every Tuesday this season.
Note: All records and stats are through games played on Monday, June 1.
1. Minnesota Lynx (7-2)
Previous rank: 5 (⬆4)
Top acquisition: F Natasha Howard
Without Napheesa Collier, who continues to rehab from ankle surgery, Howard has stepped in and become the team's leading scorer (17.3 ppg). Minnesota is riding a four-game win streak, and during that same period, Howard has put up two 20-point performances, including 26 points on 73.3% shooting, 14 rebounds and five assists on May 23 against the Chicago Sky.
2. Atlanta Dream (5-2)
Previous rank: 2 (⬌)
Top acquisition: F Angel Reese
Reese's integration into the Dream's system has been pretty seamless. The Dream forward is second in the WNBA in rebounds per game (11.0) and has four double-doubles this season. She also recently reached 900 rebounds in 71 games, the fastest in WNBA history.
3. Dallas Wings (6-3)
Previous rank: 6 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: F Jessica Shepard
Shepard is currently averaging career highs in points (13.0), rebounds (11.4) and assists (6.5) per game. She leads the league in rebounds per game and has already notched two triple-doubles this season, including a sensational 22 points on 61.5% from the floor, 20 rebounds and 10 assists against Las Vegas to close out May
4. Las Vegas Aces (5-3)
Previous rank: 1 (⬇3)
Top acquisition: G Chennedy Carter
Perhaps no one has a bigger jumpstart on the early Sixth Player of the Year race than Carter, who has four 20-point games off the bench for the Aces. She is averaging 17.5 points per game, firmly second in scoring for the Aces behind A'ja Wilson.
5. Golden State Valkyries (5-3)
Previous rank: 4 (⬇1)
Top acquisition: F Gabby Williams
Williams is a connector on both ends of the floor, and she's more than proven it in her first season with the Valkyries. Guard Veronica Burton and Williams are evolving into a nice one-two punch. In her last three games, Williams is averaging 18 points per matchup, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.5 steals.
6. Portland Fire (6-4)
Previous rank: 10 (⬆4)
Top acquisition: G Carla Leite
Leite has shown zero fear and delivered in big moments. Whether it's the dagger shot over the New York Liberty or driving directly to the cup against Caitlin Clark, Leite is ready for the challenge. After spending a season in Golden State, Leite has found her footing with Portland while averaging career-best numbers in points (15.9), assists (5.0) and field goal percentage (48.1).
7. New York Liberty (5-4)
Previous rank: 7 (⬌)
Top acquisition: G Marine Johannès
Johannès rejoined the team this offseason and hasn't missed a beat. She's filled in fairly well for Sabrina Ionescu, who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. Known for her electric 3-point baskets, Johannès leads the league in total shots behind the arc with 29.
8. Toronto Tempo (5-4)
Previous rank: 11 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: G Brittney Sykes
Sykes is having an early breakout for the Tempo as she settles in with her new franchise. She's averaging a career-high 19.9 points a game and has only had one game where she scored less than 10. The best matchup of her Toronto tenure came against the Sparks on May 17, where she scored 38 points and tallied three steals and one block.
9. Indiana Fever (4-4)
Previous rank: 3 (⬇6)
Top acquisition: F Monique Billings
Billings hasn't quite reached the double-digit scoring the Fever likely need her to average. However, she's shown flashes of what she can do, including being disruptive on both ends of the floor. Her best stat lines have been two near-double-doubles, including 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks against the Mystics on May 15.
10. Los Angeles Sparks (4-4)
Previous rank: 8 (⬇2)
Top acquisition: F Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike returning to Los Angeles has paid dividends for the Sparks. She's been a welcome extra scoring presence in LA's lineup and is shooting an efficient 53.2% from the field, while averaging close to 16 points and seven rebounds per game.
11. Washington Mystics (3-4)
Previous rank: 14 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: F Michaela Onyenwere
Onyenwere has played three games for Washington due to injury, so the verdict is still out on her overall impact. However, at 26, she's one of the foremost veterans on the team and such a young squad will need that experience down the stretch. In her three games, Onyenwere is averaging roughly eight points, including 14 points on 50% shooting against Seattle on May 27.
12. Chicago Sky (3-5)
Previous rank: 9 (⬇3)
Top acquisition: F Rickea Jackson
Jackson isn't playing anymore this season after suffering an ACL tear. However, her impact on the Sky is undeniable. Since Jackson exited the lineup, Chicago has yet to win a game. She was averaging a team-high 18 points per game, while putting up 1.8 blocks per contest, tied for the team lead with center Kamilla Cardoso.
13. Seattle Storm (3-7)
Previous rank: 11 (⬇2)
Top acquisition: G Natisha Hiedeman
Hiedeman is having one of the best starts to her career as she leads a young Seattle team. The former Lynx guard, who has now transitioned into a starter for the Storm, is averaging a career-best 13.6 points and 4.1 assists per matchup.
14. Phoenix Mercury (2-8)
Previous rank: 13 (⬇1)
Top acquisition: G Jovana Nogić
The Mercury are the lone exception to this week's power rankings, as every other key addition has been a veteran. It's nearly impossible not to notice the historic tear Nogić has been on. She introduced herself to the league with a 19-point debut and kept going with 27 points against Chicago on May 15. With 25 made 3-pointers this season and 13.3 points per matchup, she leads all rookies in made shots behind the line and is second in rookie scoring.
15. Connecticut Sun (2-8)
Previous rank: 15 (⬌)
Top acquisition: C Brittney Griner
Griner has been the Sun's best offseason acquisition. The Sun center leads a youthful Connecticut team in scoring (13.5 ppg) and is tied for second in minutes (24.3). At 35 years old, she is still writing her name in the record books and recently became the 18th player in WNBA history to score 6,000 career points.