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We finally get to watch hoopers hoop at the highest level this week! The 2024 WNBA season officially kicks off on Tuesday, May 14. The best part about opening week is every team has a clean slate. Yes, last year’s final results play a factor, but teams have reloaded and rebuilt with the offseason’s free agency frenzy and a loaded ‘24 draft class.  

Each week, I’ll break down my (personal) power rankings. Here are three big takeaways as we head into Week 1 of the WNBA season:  

Top Tier

The off-season efforts made league-wide are with hopes of stopping Las Vegas. No surprise here, but the Aces still reign supreme in the number-one spot. The All-Star cast—led by 2023 Finals MVP A’ja Wilson—returns for the back-to-back champions, and they have their eyes on the first three-peat since the Houston Comets did it from 1997 to 1999. In the first week of gameplay, they take on their West Coast foes, Phoenix and Los Angeles. 

Early Injuries 

A few teams are starting May looking like the headbandage emoji. Dallas is projected to be without Satou Sabally because of a shoulder injury until after the Olympic break in mid-August. Sabally, who earned last season’s Most Improved Player Award, averaged 18.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Positive: Dallas will play the New York Liberty four times and the Aces twice when Sabally is projected to return to the team. 

The Atlanta Dream hopes to get Jordin Canada back for their opening-week matchups. Phoenix’s Brittney Griner was seen in a boot and scooter during the Mercury’s preseason game against the Sparks. Chicago will be without their top-3 draft pick Kamilla Cardoso for the first 4-6 weeks of the season. Indiana’s starting lineup could be missing All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, too. 

Preseason Impressions

I know, I know, it’s only preseason. But it was hard to ignore Chicago Sky’s near-50-point win over the New York Liberty earlier this month. Marina Mabrey knocked down four 3’s for 20 points over the Finals runner-ups. Less than 24 hours after walking the Met Gala red carpet, Angel Reese added 13 points in 19 minutes. The Sky’s roster looks so different from last season—only three active players have returned, plus Isabelle Harrison, who is back from a season-ending injury. Still, they look ready to run through a brick wall for new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. The vibes seem immaculate in the Chi, and their upside has potential.

Week 1 Power Rankings

1. Las Vegas Aces

2. New York Liberty

3. Connecticut Sun

4. Seattle Storm

5. Atlanta Dream

6. Minnesota Lynx 

7. Dallas Wings 

8. Phoenix Mercury

9. Indiana Fever

10. Chicago Sky 

11. Los Angeles Sparks

12. Washington Mystics

WNBA reporter Jordan Robinson writes columns on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter at @HeyJordanR. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.