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The regular season in the world's premier women's basketball league has passed its halfway mark and is approaching the All-Star Game. Here's a roundup of the biggest storylines from the WNBA in the latest 1xBet review. How the league's newcomers...
The regular season in the world’s premier women’s basketball league has passed its halfway mark and is approaching the All-Star Game. Here’s a roundup of the biggest storylines from the WNBA in the latest 1xBet review.
How the league’s newcomers are doing
The WNBA expanded by two franchises in 2026: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Both teams are still finding their footing, heading into the break with records of 10-16 and 11-15, respectively. However, it’s too early to judge the long-term success of these expansion projects. Just look at the Golden State Valkyries, who joined the league a year earlier and now sit third in the standings with a 19-8 record.
Injury crisis becomes the season’s X-factor
The 2026 campaign is going to be the most injury-plagued in WNBA history. More than 170 cases have already been recorded across the league in the first half of the season, with players combining to miss 644 games. The reason seems clear: league expansion has resulted in a longer schedule and a heavier workload.
Season’s breakthrough: Dallas Wings
Just a year ago, the Dallas Wings finished last in the WNBA, ending the season in 13th place. Selecting Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft suggested brighter days were ahead, but few expected the Texas franchise to be sitting fourth at the halfway point with a 17-9 record. Their dramatic improvement isn’t only down to Fudd and point guard Paige Bueckers. The arrival of new head coach Jose Fernandez has also played a key role in the team’s turnaround.
Season’s disappointment: Phoenix Mercury
Last year’s runners-up certainly didn’t expect to begin the season with a 9-18 record. Even more concerning, the team has endured losing streaks of four, five, and six consecutive games already this year. The departure of Satou Sabally, who joined the New York Liberty in free agency, has had a bigger impact than expected. Phoenix has yet to replace last season’s leading scorer. There’s still time to turn things around, but not nearly as much as the Merc fans would like.
Leading MVP candidates
The frontrunner is A’ja Wilson. The Las Vegas Aces superstar has been dominant on both ends of the floor, averaging 25.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Already a four-time MVP, Wilson is well-positioned to claim another award if Las Vegas remains among the league’s top teams.
Her biggest challenger is Paige Bueckers. While the arrival of Azzi Fudd has certainly helped Dallas, Bueckers has also improved across all major statistical categories, including points, assists, and rebounds.
Rookie of the season
Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx has been the standout rookie so far. Although Azzi Fudd was selected with the No. 1 overall pick, Miles has played a crucial role in helping Minnesota rise to the top of the league standings. Averaging 19.6 points, six assists, and 4.6 rebounds, she boasts impressive stats, dedication, and all-around impact.
What to expect from the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
The 22nd WNBA All-Star Game will be held on July 25, 2026, at United Center in Chicago and will captivate fans with its scale. As the WNBA marks its 30th anniversary, Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary team general managers.
During the All-Star Draft, Weatherspoon selected Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson with her first two picks, while Cooper chose Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart.
Fans will be treated to a spectacular halftime performance headlined by Grammy Award-winning global superstar Tyla.
There’s every reason to expect an unforgettable weekend that will not only celebrate the basketball but also provide players with a much-needed break before the decisive stage of the race for the playoff spots.
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