WNBA Sees Record Year, New Challenges Ahead

The WNBA is poised for a promising offseason following a record-breaking 2024 season that featured heightened viewership, attendance, and the first championship for the New York Liberty. Right after the finals, the players' union opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement, seeking a larger revenue share and improved salaries, amidst a lucrative new media rights deal set to begin in 2026. While the current agreement remains in effect for the upcoming season, both sides hope to negotiate a new deal swiftly. The league will expand its regular season to 44 games and conduct an expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries this December, with additional teams in Toronto and Portland by 2026. Noteworthy upcoming events include the draft lottery, where Paige Bueckers could be the top pick, potentially following in the footsteps of retiring star Diana Taurasi. The season's excitement was fueled by standout rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who set multiple records, further boosting the league's profile.