Early Assessments of WNBA’s Impactful Offseason Moves in 2025

CHICAGO — The 2025 WNBA season has begun with surprises just two weeks in, as new team rosters show promise and challenges. A busy offseason has reshaped the league, with notable player movements making waves.

Among the standout trades, Kelsey Plum’s move to the Los Angeles Sparks has garnered attention. The dynamic guard, averaging 25.2 points per game, ranks second in the league and has ignited the Sparks’ offense, demonstrating her playmaking skills with 5.5 assists per game. Despite the team’s struggles, Plum’s individual performance has sparked MVP discussions.

Meanwhile, Natasha Cloud’s transfer to the New York Liberty is proving beneficial. She scored 22 points and tallied 9 assists in her first game with the defending champions. Cloud has quickly become a key contributor, providing defensively and as a scoring option, allowing the Liberty to remain undefeated at 4-0.

Satou Sabally has emerged as a critical player for the Phoenix Mercury, averaging 19.8 points per game. Her performance has helped the Mercury to a 4-1 record, their best start since 2014. The addition of Alyssa Thomas has further energized the squad, with improvements in both scoring and defense.

However, not all transitions have been smooth. The Chicago Sky, featuring veterans Courtney Vandersloot and ATKP, have struggled, remaining winless after five games. The team’s recent gameplay shows improvement, but they must rally to recover from a disappointing start.

The league continues to evolve, with each team vying for a playoff position. As teams assess the impacts of their offseason moves, it’s clear that player acquisitions have set the stage for an exciting season ahead.