The 2024 WNBA regular season has come to a close, with the playoffs in full swing. As teams battle it out on the court, attention is also turning towards the upcoming offseason. With key events like the draft lottery, WNBA draft, and expansion draft on the horizon, teams are already strategizing for the 2025 season.
**Los Angeles Sparks**
The Los Angeles Sparks had a challenging season, finishing at the bottom of the league with a record of 8-32. Injuries plagued the team, including a season-ending ACL tear for Cameron Brink, the No. 2 draft pick in April. Despite the struggles, the Sparks are looking to the future and building around their young stars like Brink and Rickea Jackson. Dearica Hamby also had a standout season, showcasing her talent and versatility on the court.
The Sparks have already made moves to secure their core players, with contract extensions for Hamby, Azura Stevens, Stephanie Talbot, and Lexie Brown. While these players are locked in for the next few seasons, others like Layshia Clarendon, Rae Burrell, Julie Allemand, and Zia Cooke are on unprotected deals. Crystal Dangerfield and Odyssey Sims are on hardship contracts, while Kia Nurse, Aari McDonald, and Li Yueru are set to enter free agency.
One of the biggest priorities for the Sparks in the offseason will be acquiring a lead guard and establishing consistent offensive firepower in the backcourt. With the upcoming draft lottery offering a chance to land top talent like Paige Bueckers, the Sparks have a potential game-changer in their sights. A young core featuring Bueckers, Brink, and Jackson could signal a bright future for the Sparks and their fans.
**Seattle Storm**
The Seattle Storm finished the 2024 season with a record of 25-15, securing the fifth seed in the playoffs. Despite a strong regular season, the Storm fell short in the postseason, getting swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the first round. Offensively, the team struggled at times, ranking seventh in offensive rating during the regular season and facing challenges in scoring down the stretch.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Storm have key free agents to address, including Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Mercedes Russell, Sami Whitcomb, Joyner Holmes, and Victoria Vivians. With a mix of unrestricted and restricted free agents, the Storm will need to make strategic decisions to bolster their roster for the 2025 season.
One of the top priorities for the Storm will be upgrading their bench to provide depth and support for their core players. With a focus on improving outside shooting and overall team performance, Seattle aims to make a stronger push for a championship in the upcoming season. The team’s ability to re-sign key players like Ogwumike and Williams will be crucial in shaping their offseason strategy and future success.
**Atlanta Dream**
The Atlanta Dream had a rollercoaster season in 2024, finishing with a record of 15-25 and securing the eighth seed in the playoffs. The team faced challenges early on, enduring an eight-game losing streak before the Olympic break. However, a strong performance post-break led to a playoff berth for the second consecutive year, showcasing the team’s resilience and potential.
As the Dream head into the offseason, they have key free agents to consider, including Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Aerial Powers, Tina Charles, Lorela Cubaj, and Maya Caldwell. With a mix of unrestricted and reserved free agents, the Dream will need to make strategic decisions to strengthen their roster and address areas of improvement for the 2025 season.
One of the primary priorities for the Dream will be adding a power player who can score efficiently, enhancing their offensive capabilities and overall team performance. Whether Tina Charles returns or not, the Dream will need to focus on improving their offensive output and finding ways to maximize their current talent. With a core group of players under contract for 2025, including Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Allisha Gray, the Dream have a solid foundation to build upon for the upcoming season.
