WNBA set for big season and after that, the real drama starts

Never has the WNBA been more popular.But with that increased attention comes scrutiny, and as the WNBA opens its 29th season Friday, the league is nearing an exciting yet pivotal inflection point.A lot has changed since the Liberty were crowned champions last October.The league expanded to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries.Diana Taurasi and Elena Delle Donne retired.The coaching carousel included the hiring of eight first-time WNBA head coaches.Rosters were overhauled.Some of the biggest names in the game — including Brittney Griner, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Plum — moved to new teams.The WNBA welcomed an exciting rookie class, headlined by UConn star Paige Bueckers.The offseason stories will continue to shape the narratives around this WNBA season.With Kahleah Copper, Sabally and Thomas as a big three, how good will the Mercury be?Will Seattle’s new additions, including No.

2 pick Dominique Malonga, push the Storm into title contention?What will the Dream look like with Griner and Brionna Jones sharing the floor while most of the league makes the shift to the modern four- or five-out offenses?How scared should the league be of the Fever, featuring a beefed-up Caitlin Clark and her revamped ensemble?But these storylines are only part of the full picture.If you thought this past free agency cycle was wild, just wait for what 2026 has in store.Not only will the WNBA be adding two more franchises — in Toronto and Portland — into the mix, but all but two veterans are going to be free agents at the end of this season.“That just creates an interesting prism through which we are all going to be viewing this season,” ESPN play-by-play commentator Ryan Ruocco said.“There’s going to be just an intrigue and a tension there throughout the season that’s going to then end up leading into what will be the most consequential and exciting offseason that we’ve ever had in the history of this league.”Mercury general manage...