The WNBA is stepping into an exciting new chapter as its 30th season tips off this Friday, and there's plenty of buzz in the air. For the first time, the league is expanding to 15 teams—including one based in a brand-new country—while a landmark collective bargaining agreement and fresh broadcast partnerships with NBC and USA Sports are putting the spotlight on women's basketball brighter than ever. With extra roster spots opening up, a wave of international talent has arrived, adding even more depth to an already competitive field.

But amid all this change, one thing remains rock solid: the Las Vegas Aces. As the defending champions and winners of three of the last four WNBA titles, they kick off the season as the clear favorites to keep their dynasty rolling. Our first preseason power rankings start right there at the top.

Las Vegas returns all five starters, plus key rotation players like Jewell Loyd, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Dana Evans. Even with Evans sidelined early due to injury, the Aces have reloaded by adding Chennedy Carter and Stephanie Talbot. They've also filled the gap left by Kiah Stokes with veteran big Brianna Turner, who brings defensive versatility. The result? A deeper, more balanced roster than we've seen in recent years—and they still have the best player in the world, A'ja Wilson, along with elite coach Becky Hammon. Simply put, every road to the 2026 title goes through Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, the New York Liberty are turning heads with an outstanding top four: Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and newly acquired Satou Sabally. Their length is downright intimidating, especially with Leonie Fiebich and Han Xu in the mix—and that's not even counting former All-Star Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. General manager Jonathan Kolb has built a proven, stacked roster ready to handle the grind of a 44-game regular season. Whatever questions might linger about first-year playoff coaching, they don't dim the Liberty's preseason shine.

And don't sleep on the Atlanta Dream. They were a regular-season force in 2026, boasting the league's second-best net rating at plus-9.3. With another year of experience in second-year head coach Karl Smesko's system, they're poised to improve even further. Adding Angel Reese to the mix—along with rookies Isabel Borlase and Madina Okot—only elevates their talent level. Atlanta is building something special, and they're ready to make some noise.