The first week of the WNBA season has already changed the league landscape, and also our preseason 2026 WNBA power rankings.
The New York Liberty have replaced the Las Vegas Aces atop our latest WNBA power rankings after posting the league’s best offense and highest Net Rating through the opening stretch of games.
Meanwhile, the early surprises are coming from the middle of the pack.
The Chicago Sky and Golden State Valkyries have climbed quickly thanks to strong defensive play, rebounding, and disciplined basketball, while the expansion Toronto Tempo already looks far more competitive than expected.
On the other side, injuries and defensive struggles are beginning to drag teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks down the rankings despite high preseason expectations.
Here’s our updated 2026 WNBA power rankings entering the second week of the 2026 season.
What’s on tap this week
Several games this week could dramatically reshape next week’s 2026 WNBA power rankings, especially with multiple contenders, surprise teams, and struggling preseason favorites facing early-season tests.
The biggest matchup of the week comes Thursday when the surging Golden State Valkyries visit the No. 1 ranked New York Liberty. Golden State has quietly become one of the league’s most disciplined teams, but this will be their first true measuring-stick game against an elite offense.
The Chicago Sky also have a huge opportunity to continue their climb up the rankings with home games against the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx. Chicago’s rebounding and defense have been among the league’s biggest surprises, while Minnesota desperately needs wins to stop sliding after a shaky start without Napheesa Collier.
Expansion teams will remain in focus all week. The Toronto Tempo face difficult road games against the Phoenix Mercury and Lynx, while the Portland Fire could climb out of the bottom tier with wins over the Connecticut Sun and Toronto.
The Liberty close the week Sunday against the Wings in another game that could affect the top of the rankings if Dallas’ young offense continues improving behind its rookie core.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks may be running out of time to stabilize their defense with road games looming against both Phoenix and Las Vegas. Another poor defensive week could send them tumbling even further down the rankings.
