The opening week of the WNBA has already served up surprises across the country, with the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream sitting unbeaten while the Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun struggle out of the gate. Players from Caitlin Clark to Kelsey Plum have been central figures in early storylines, and places like Crypto.com Arena and the Moda Center have delivered the kind of theater fans expect. This piece takes a look at early winners and losers, roster shakeups that paid off, and the teams that need answers fast.
The Chicago Sky are the early headline. A complete offseason reset looked risky on paper, but the Sky are off to a promising 2-0 start thanks to smart additions and a new identity. Rickea Jackson has provided instant scoring punch, Skylar Diggins is orchestrating the offense like she’s in midseason form, and Kamilla Cardoso has been a steady presence inside. Those pieces plus Jacy Sheldon, Natasha Cloud, and rookie Gabriela Jaquez have the Sky looking far more cohesive than many expected.
The Los Angeles Sparks look every bit the question mark they felt like in preseason. Talent is not the problem in Los Angeles — Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, and Dearica Hamby give the Sparks star power, and Ariel Atkins, Rae Burrell, and Cameron Brink round out depth. What is the problem is rhythm and execution; back-to-back losses, including a lopsided defeat to the Las Vegas Aces, have exposed early chemistry gaps. If the Sparks want to avoid a long slide, they need better defensive consistency and cleaner ball movement right away.
The Portland Fire showed why expansion franchises can still grab attention fast. Portland’s 1-1 start includes a buzzer-beating win that felt like a team-defining moment, with Sarah Ashlee Barker delivering the dramatic finish. The Moda Center was electric for that victory, and players like Carla Leite and Bridget Carleton have stepped up in big moments. Head coach Alex Samara appears to be building something that could surprise opponents if the pieces continue to gel.
The Connecticut Sun have been a harsh reminder that rebuilding takes time. Starting the season 0-3 will raise eyebrows, but the Sun are dealing with roster turnover and the absence of point guard Leila Lacan, which complicates early chemistry. Two blowouts against top teams like the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces showed how thin margins can be between competitive and overwhelmed. Connecticut’s closer game with the Seattle Storm offered hope, but the Sun need more steady play to climb back toward relevance.
Surprises are everywhere, and the Indiana Fever are one of them. Indiana’s ability to hang with strong teams and pull off key victories has already turned heads across the league. Caitlin Clark’s presence amplifies attention on the Fever, and supporting pieces have begun to hold up their end in clutch moments. A tightening rotation and confident role players could make the Fever a dangerous midseason opponent if the rookie continues to grow.
Rickea Jackson tonight 🔥
• 18 points
• 5 rebounds
• 5 assists
• 2 blocks pic.twitter.com/EwXZLtlXYf— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 14, 2026
Depth gaps are exposing contenders and pretenders alike. Early results show that even teams with star power can struggle if the bench doesn’t contribute meaningful minutes. Matchups against deeper clubs like Las Vegas and the Liberty have highlighted how crucial bench scoring and defensive rebounds are to closing games. Coaches who can find reliable second-unit options will set their teams up to survive injuries and rough stretches.
Defense is separating the top teams from the rest. Chicago’s improved defensive conversations and Portland’s timely stops in pressure moments illustrate that contests are being won on that end of the floor. Teams that defend the three-point line well and secure defensive rebounds are limiting second-chance points and forcing tougher offensive reads. Expect defensive adjustments to become a major theme as coaches tweak rotations over the next couple of weeks.
Coaching moves and roster tweaks already look consequential. Offseason trades, draft additions, and free-agent signings are showing early returns, both positive and negative. Some front offices got creative and it’s paying dividends, while others who held steady are watching competitors leap ahead. The next stretch of games will tell whether early momentum becomes sustained success or a fleeting splash.
Fan energy is back, and the arenas show it. Whether it’s the charged atmosphere at the Moda Center or the bright lights at Crypto.com Arena, home crowds have made the opening week feel important. Those environments can swing tight games and give teams a lift when they need it most. For players and coaches, harnessing that energy will be a daily challenge and a potential advantage.
Expect the standings to keep shuffling. One week is only the start, but the early patterns are clear: some rebuilt teams are trending up, some established clubs need fixes, and a few expansion and mid-market squads are ready to surprise. With so many storylines — from breakout talents to coaching chess matches — the WNBA’s early chaos promises a lively season ahead.
