The Paris Olympics may be over, but the 2024 WNBA season resumes this Thursday, marking the start of a thrilling two-month stretch. The regular season's competitive edge will give way to an exciting playoff race, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Individual performances have been outstanding this year, with Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson leading the charge in a season that could go down as one of the best in league history. Unsurprisingly, Wilson retains her spot as the No. 1 player in ESPN's top 25 WNBA player rankings, now updated for the (unofficial) first half of the season.
This list sees the arrival of two Rookie of the Year contenders: Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky's Angel Reese. Both earned coveted WNBA All-Star bids, marking the first time since 2014 that a pair of rookies achieved this distinction. Other notable newcomers to the rankings include Los Angeles Sparks' Dearica Hamby, Minnesota Lynx's Kayla McBride and Sky's Chennedy Carter.
The ranking boasts 10 of the 12 Olympians who secured gold in the women's 5-on-5 basketball event, two Olympic bronze medalists in the 3x3 competition, one 5-on-5 bronze medalist, and all 12 members of the Team WNBA that triumphed over the Olympic squad in the 2024 All-Star Game.
To be eligible for the rankings, players had to appear in over half of their team's games. This unfortunately excluded Chelsea Gray, who returned to the Aces late in June following a foot injury. However, she might make an appearance in future rankings later this season. Another absent player was Satou Sabally, a 2023 All-WNBA selection who represented Germany at the Olympics and missed the start of the season for the Dallas Wings while recovering from a shoulder injury.
Here's how ESPN's Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel ranked the top 25 players in the WNBA:
1. A'ja Wilson | Center | 6-foot-4
2024 stats: 27.2 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 2.9 BPG
Preseason ranking: 1
Wilson is having a phenomenal season. She enters the post-Olympic period leading the league in scoring, rebounding, blocks, Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and win shares. While the Aces have encountered some challenges and currently sit in fifth place, Wilson has been consistently brilliant and is aiming for her third MVP award. *-- Michael Voepel*
2. Breanna Stewart | Forward | 6-foot-4
2024 stats: 19.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.0 SPG
Preseason ranking: 2
After a disappointing 2023 playoff run, Stewart has yet to reach her MVP standard, despite guiding the Liberty to the league's best record. Her usage rate (25%) is the lowest of her career, and her scoring efficiency has dipped from the past two seasons. Ahead of her 30th birthday, this could be the first sign of Stewart transitioning out of her prime. Her decline can be traced back to a 3-point slump that began in the postseason. Stewart shot just 18% from beyond the arc in May before improving to 33% in June. However, her 2-point percentage (54%) is her best since 2018. *-- Kevin Pelton*
3. Napheesa Collier | Forward | 6-foot-1
2024 stats: 20.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 SPG
Preseason ranking: 5
Collier has been sidelined since July 4th due to plantar fasciitis. However, her presence on the court was instrumental in Minnesota winning the Commissioner's Cup championship and emerging as a surprise WNBA title contender. Collier and Wilson are the only two players in the league averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, but beyond the stats, Collier shines with her incredible work ethic and ability to make crucial winning plays. *-- Alexa Philippou*
4. Alyssa Thomas | Forward | 6-foot-2
2024 stats: 11.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 7.6 APG
Preseason ranking: 3
Thomas continues to drive the Sun towards contention by embodying her trademark versatility. She is the only player in the league's top five in both rebounds and assists, and she remains one of the best defenders in the world. Her scoring average is down from her 2023 MVP runner-up season, which can be attributed to the increased role of DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris in Connecticut's revamped backcourt. *-- Philippou*
5. Jonquel Jones | Forward | 6-foot-6
2024 stats: 15.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Preseason ranking: 4
Jones' first season with the Liberty had a rocky start due to her recovery from a foot injury. That's now a distant memory, given her dominant performance this summer, a key factor in New York's league-leading record. Her impressive season includes career-high shooting percentages of 55.5% from the field (including a 39.2% clip on 4.1 3-point attempts per game) and 3.5 assists per contest, a new personal best. *-- Philippou*
6. Jewell Loyd | Guard | 5-foot-11
2024 stats: 20.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.1 APG
Preseason ranking: 9
Despite the addition of veteran All-Stars, Loyd's efficiency hasn't seen the anticipated boost. After leading the WNBA with 24.7 points per game, her average has dropped to 20.1 this season, and her TS% is a career-low .496. This can partly be attributed to a season-long 3-point slump. Loyd hasn't shot this poorly on 3s (26%) since her rookie campaign. However, Loyd's shots remain some of the league's most challenging, according to Second Spectrum tracking. Only Arike Ogunbowale has a lower quantified shot quality based on location, type of shots and distance to nearby defenders. *-- Pelton*
7. Diana Taurasi | Guard | 6-foot-0
2024 stats: 16.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.5 APG
Preseason ranking: 13
Taurasi's longevity and continued presence as a game-changing veteran keep her firmly within the top 25. The Mercury have struggled to keep up with the league leaders, but Taurasi remains a threat both offensively and defensively. She is a true legend who continues to inspire fans and players alike. *-- Voepel
8. Skylar Diggins-Smith | Guard | 5-foot-9
2024 stats: 17.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.7 APG
Preseason ranking: 21
The Storm have seen a significant improvement with the addition of Diggins-Smith, who has brought her trademark energy and playmaking ability to Seattle. She has helped guide the team into contention for home-court advantage in the playoffs. *-- Pelton*
9. Brittney Griner | Center | 6-foot-9
2024 stats: 18.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
Preseason ranking: 11
Injuries have limited Griner to just 15 of the Mercury's 25 games so far. However, when healthy, she's played at her usual high level for Phoenix. The Mercury are aiming for a rebound after missing the playoffs last year. Griner, who recently won her third Olympic gold medal with the U.S. team, will be crucial in their playoff push. *-- Voepel*
10. Courtney Vandersloot | Guard | 5-foot-8
2024 stats: 12.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.3 RPG
Preseason ranking: 6
While Vandersloot has been sidelined with an injury, she remains a valuable asset for the Liberty. Her passing vision and ability to control the tempo make her one of the league's best point guards. *-- Pelton*
11. Kelsey Plum | Guard | 5-foot-8
2024 stats: 18.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 86% FTs
Preseason ranking: 8
Playing a significant part of the first half without Chelsea Gray alongside her in the Las Vegas backcourt, Plum's efficiency hasn't matched her previous two seasons. Her true shooting percentage (TS%) has dipped from .620 to .553, her lowest since 2019. Plum's accuracy falling from a career-high 55% in 2023 to 47% is a concern, but there's no reason to believe her 36% 3-point shooting is anything but a fluke. In eight July games, Plum shot 42% on 3s. *-- Pelton*
12. Jackie Young | Guard | 6-foot
2024 stats: 18.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.5 APG
Preseason ranking: 7
Young has achieved career highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists. While her 3-point percentage hasn't reached last season's levels, she's still making a similar number of 3-pointers per game (2.1). Young has also become one of the WNBA's top perimeter defenders. *-- Voepel*
13. Sabrina Ionescu | Guard | 5-foot-11
2024 stats: 19.8 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.4 RPG
Preseason ranking: 12
Ionescu's development in recent years, including this past offseason, has been exciting to watch. While her 3-point shooting was her strength last season, this year much of her productivity has come from inside the arc. She's added a floater to her skill set and improved her ability to drive to the basket. Ionescu's increasingly well-rounded game solidifies her position as one of the league's best guards. *-- Philippou*
14. Marine Johannes | Guard | 5-foot-10
2024 stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG
Preseason ranking: 23
Johannes has continued to impress since joining the New York Liberty. She's become a crucial part of the team's success, proving to be a capable scorer and playmaker. *-- Pelton*
15. Dearica Hamby | Forward | 6-foot-3
2024 stats: 19.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.4 SPG
Preseason ranking: NR
Hamby's preseason goal was to earn MVP votes, and with her performance in the first half, that's certainly a possibility. The Sparks have struggled this season and are likely to miss the playoffs, but Hamby's brilliance and consistency, including 52% shooting and a 40.4% clip from 3, have been a bright spot. Her 13 double-doubles in 2024 are only behind Angel Reese's 17 and Wilson's 15. *-- Philippou*
16. Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | 6-foot-2
2024 stats: 17.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 41% 3s
Preseason ranking: 10
While Ogwumike's jersey changed after 12 seasons in Los Angeles, her All-Star level of play hasn't wavered. Her 17.4 points per game are the fifth highest of her surefire Hall of Fame career, and she's still scoring efficiently thanks in large part to her 41% accuracy on 3sâher career best on more than 30 attempts. As expected, the addition of Ogwumike and fellow veteran Skylar Diggins-Smith has lifted Seattle from the lottery to contention for home-court advantage in the WNBA playoffs. *-- Pelton*
17. Ezi Magbegor | Center | 6-foot-4
2024 stats: 13.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 BPG
Preseason ranking: 22
Magbegor has been a dominant force on the defensive end, leading the WNBA in blocks per game for a significant portion of the season. While she has fallen behind two-time Defensive Player of the Year A'ja Wilson, she still anchors the WNBA's third-best defense on a per-possession basis. Magbegor's offensive contributions haven't been ignored either, with her scoring average (13.0 points per game) dropping by less than a point despite the addition of Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith. Magbegor capped off her impressive season by helping Australia secure a bronze medal at the Olympics. *-- Pelton*
18. Brittney Sykes | Guard | 5-foot-10
2024 stats: 13.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.3 APG
Preseason ranking: 25
Sykes has been a consistent contributor for the Atlanta Dream, providing solid scoring and playmaking skills. She's a valuable asset on both ends of the court and has played an important role in the Dream's efforts to contend. *-- Philippou*
19. Arike Ogunbowale | Guard | 5-foot-8
2024 stats: 22.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.2 APG
Preseason ranking: 15
Ogunbowale's scoring average is the second-best of her career, and her 2.7 steals average is a career high and leads the WNBA. She was MVP of the WNBA All-Star Game. However, the Wings, struggling with a 6-19 record, are tied for last place with Washington. With forward Satou Sabally expected to return to Dallas after her Olympic stint with Germany, the Wings have a steep climb ahead to make the playoffs. *-- Voepel*
20. Rhyne Howard | Guard | 6-foot-2
2024 stats: 15.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.4 APG
Preseason ranking: 16
An ankle injury limited Howard to just 14 of the Dream's 24 games so far. The Dream struggled during her absence, going 1-9. At 7-17 overall, they'll need to make up ground to be in the playoff conversation. Howard's bronze medal performance with the 3x3 women's team at the Olympics will hopefully give her the confidence she needs to return to form as the season resumes. *-- Voepel*
21. Caitlin Clark | Guard | 6-foot
2024 stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.2 APG
Preseason ranking: NR
Rookies weren't included in the preseason ranking of the top 25 WNBA players. But after watching Clark's phenomenal rookie season, it's clear she deserves a spot on this list. The Fever have gone 10-7 since a rough 1-8 start and are currently in playoff contention. Clark leads all rookies in scoring and is 13th overall. She also leads the league in assists and has handled the enormous pressure with remarkable poise. *-- Voepel*
22. Chelsea Gray | Guard | 5-foot-9
2024 stats: 14.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.4 APG
Preseason ranking: NR
Gray's return to the Aces after missing the start of the season due to a foot injury was a welcome sight for the reigning champions. She's seamlessly integrated back into the team's offense and is proving to be a vital contributor to their success. *-- Pelton*
23. Chennedy Carter | Guard | 5-foot-9
2024 stats: 13.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.7 APG
Preseason ranking: NR
Carter has made a strong return to the WNBA after a one-year hiatus. She's established herself as a key player for the Chicago Sky, showcasing her explosive scoring ability and athleticism. *-- Philippou*
24. Tiffany Mitchell | Guard | 5-foot-8
2024 stats: 16.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.8 APG
Preseason ranking: 24
After six seasons with the Fever without reaching the playoffs, Mitchell has thrived alongside the team's young stars, including Clark and Boston. She joined those two on the WNBA All-Star team in July. While her scoring and assist numbers have slightly declined with Clark in the starting lineup, Mitchell remains capable of generating scoring runs by driving to the basket and hitting clutch 3-pointers. *-- Voepel*
25. Katie Lou Samuelson | Guard | 6-foot-3
2024 stats: 13.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG
Preseason ranking: NR
Samuelson has been a consistent scorer for the New York Liberty, proving to be a reliable option off the bench. Her 3-point shooting ability adds an extra dimension to the team's offense. *-- Pelton*
Also considered: DiJonai Carrington, Alanna Smith, Natasha Howard, Diana Taurasi
This midseason ranking showcases the exceptional talent and depth in the WNBA. As the season unfolds, there will likely be more thrilling performances and captivating storylines to follow. The battle for playoff spots is sure to be intense, with several teams vying for a chance to hoist the championship trophy. The WNBA continues to demonstrate its commitment to showcasing the best women's basketball in the world, with these incredible players at the forefront of the league's success.