2024 WNBA Season Betting Preview
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Sarah Fobes
Following a record-breaking Women’s March Madness, interest in women’s basketball has never been higher, underscoring the significance of investing time, resources, and attention into the women’s game.
Here’s what’s been happening since the conclusion of the 2023 WNBA season, along with some compelling storylines to watch out for as the new season unfolds, a closer look at each of the teams and how the Futures board looks for this WNBA season.
Star Rookies and the Clark Effect
There’s a huge spotlight on this year’s highly anticipated rookie class, featuring standout talents like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever (from Iowa), Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky (from LSU), and Cameron Brink of the LA Sparks (from Stanford). Expectations are not only high for these newcomers to make an immediate impact at the professional level, but to help propel the popularity of the league to new heights.
With nearly every Indiana Fever game slated for national television broadcast this season, the “Caitlin Clark effect” is undeniable. As the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, Clark’s talent has completely elevated the visibility of women’s basketball.
Candace Parker Retires
After an illustrious 16-year career, three championships, and two MVP awards, Candace Parker bid farewell to the court in April. However, Parker isn’t slowing down as she takes on a new role as the President of Adidas Women’s Basketball.
“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it,” Parker said on her Instagram. “The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
League Improvement and Expansion
Responding to player feedback and prioritizing player safety and comfort, the WNBA has implemented a full-time charter flight program, investing $25 million per year to ensure players can travel privately between games throughout the season.
Exciting news for the WNBA as the league expands to 13 teams for the upcoming season, with ambitious plans to reach 16 teams by 2028. The addition of a Golden State franchise in 2025, as well as a Toronto team in the pipeline for 2026 – music to the ears of Canadian fans.
As the current CBA approaches its expiration, the WNBA Players’ Association (WNBPA) is gearing up for renegotiation talks. With a history of championing player-centric agreements, these negotiations present an opportunity to further advance player rights, including pay structures, pregnancy protection, revenue sharing, and more.
WNBA Team Previews
Eastern Conference
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun are poised to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference after finishing strong in the previous season. Led by veteran stars DeWanna Bonner and triple-double queen Alyssa Thomas, the Sun boast a formidable lineup, and with Brionna Jones back from injury, they look stronger than ever.
Indiana Fever
The Fever are betting big on their rookie stars, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, to lead them back to playoff contention. Clark’s arrival injects a new level of excitement and potential into the team, and into the league in general.
The Fever aim to make significant strides and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference with the emergence of that young, elite talent. Maybe they won’t be a championship team this year, but the future is bright in Indiana.
New York Liberty
The Liberty are loaded with talent, including reigning MVP Jonquel Jones.
Breanna Stewart quickly made her mark by setting franchise scoring records early on, but her efficiency dipped later in the season. Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu shifted to a role off-ball, emerging as a deadly three-point threat for her team.
After falling just short in the WNBA Finals last season, the Liberty are hungry for redemption and their first championship.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics are looking to bounce back from a challenging season and reclaim their position as contenders in the East.
With Elena Delle Donne sitting out the season and Natasha Cloud moving to the Phoenix Mercury, the Mystics are undergoing a period of transition. Rookie Aaliyah Edwards will be tasked with filling the void left by Delle Donne and providing a much-needed presence in the paint.
Chicago Sky
The Sky are undergoing a rebuilding phase, with new leadership and a revamped roster. Despite the challenges, rookie Kamilla Cardoso and veteran Angel Reese are poised to lead the charge and bring the Sky back to prominence. Playoffs may be a stretch this season, as the Sky are focused on building a future-focused foundation.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream are another team facing an uphill battle this season, with new additions Tina Charles and Aerial Powers tasked with reviving the team’s playoff hopes.
Charles is a recent addition to the Dream, known for their solid two-point shooting but lacking a dynamic scoring presence. Her prowess in the post adds a valuable dimension to Atlanta’s half-court offense, especially during slower-paced games.
Western Conference
Seattle Storm
The Storm boast an elite trio in Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. With Loyd leading the charge as last season’s league-leading scorer, and Ogwumike returning to the WNBA after a brief hiatus, the Storm are poised to make another title run. Diggins-Smith’s return from maternity leave adds even more firepower to their lineup, creating a dynamic trio that opponents will struggle to contain. Can their chemistry translate into another championship?
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces are gunning for a historic three-peat, led by the formidable duo of A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray. With two championships already under their belt, the pressure is on for Wilson to reclaim the MVP title from Breanna Stewart and cement her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Phoenix Mercury
As Diana Taurasi approaches the twilight of her career, the Mercury are eager to give the legend a fitting send-off. With new recruits Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud joining the team, the Mercury have bolstered their roster. Can Taurasi add one more championship to her illustrious career before hanging up her jersey?
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and make a return to the playoffs. With Napheesa Collier up front and Alanna Smith providing a defensive spark, the Lynx are determined to improve their defense and make a push for postseason success.
Courtney Williams’ impact on the Lynx was evident from Game 1 of the preseason. While known for her skills in the pick-and-roll, her adeptness at screening was particularly noteworthy. Given the Lynx’s tendency to run offense through their forwards, Williams’ screening abilities will be crucial.
Dallas Wings
Without Satou Sabally, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, the Wings will rely heavily on Arike Ogunbowale to carry the team. With her scoring prowess and leadership, Ogunbowale will be instrumental in keeping the Wings competitive this season.
The addition of Jacy Sheldon as the 5th overall pick brings some freshness to the guard lineup. Early signs indicate her compatibility with franchise star Arike Ogunbowale, which is good news for Wings fans.
Los Angeles Sparks
With Nneka Ogwumike’s departure, the Sparks are entering a new era with rookies Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink at the helm. While their lack of experience may be a concern, the Sparks are counting on their potential to carry them through the season. Veteran Dearica Hamby should provide guidance and leadership to this rebuilding club.
2024 WNBA Futures
The Aces (+100) and Liberty (+225) reign supreme in the 2024 championship futures odds, a testament to their previous showdown in the Finals. However, with betting opportunities aplenty at +1000 and beyond, the stage is set for a hopefully surprising season. Can the Storm or Sun surge into real contention? Will Caitlin Clark be ready to give her club a real chance this season?
Bet on the 2024 WNBA Championship Winner
