Over the last three years, the WNBA has been largely dominated by two teams: the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, both of which are favorites to win the championship.

With a roster filled with talented players and proven winners, the Aces and Liberty are formidable contenders. The Aces are the reigning champions, having defeated the Liberty in last year’s finals. Meanwhile, the Liberty have had an outstanding season, achieving the best record in the league.

The two teams are set to compete again, this time with a spot in the 2024 WNBA Finals at stake. The victor will likely be considered a favorite in the final round, though winning the title is never a guarantee. Other teams are eager to challenge these powerhouses, looking to keep them from future titles.

So, which team could potentially knock off the giants of the WNBA?

Minnesota Lynx

As one of the semifinalists, Minnesota presents a strong chance to clinch the championship, having already defeated both New York and Las Vegas this season. The Lynx managed a 2-1 record against the Liberty, which included a victory in the Commissioner’s Cup, and a 3-1 record against the Aces.

Though A’ja Wilson took home the MVP award, Napheesa Collier, who finished second in voting, has showcased her star talent on both offense and defense. In the playoffs, Collier has been exceptional, and there appears to be no stopping her at this moment. Kayla McBride continues to improve, and adding Alanna Smith has bolstered their defense, making it one of the top in the league and effective from three-point range. Minnesota possesses the best three-point shooting percentage in the WNBA, while their opponents struggle with the lowest three-point shooting efficiency.

Since their last finals appearance in 2017, the Lynx have been striving for a return. Head coach Cheryl Reeve proves why she’s among the brightest minds in basketball, positioning her team to possibly become her fifth championship-winning squad.

Connecticut Sun

Any offense facing Connecticut will have a tough task ahead. Before Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut became a forgettable one, the Sun successfully shut down nearly every opponent. Only two teams managed to score at least 90 points against them, and each time, Connecticut still emerged victorious.

Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington, and Brionna Jones form a resilient unit that has built a strong rapport over the years, but the addition of Marina Mabrey has been a game-changer. The former Chicago Sky player adds a notable three-point shooting presence, ranking in the top 20 for shooting percentage; she achieved an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc during the regular season after joining Connecticut mid-season.

Although the Sun started strong, posting a 13-1 record, they have somewhat cooled off. They’ve faced disappointing finishes in recent years, including two finals losses in 2019 and 2022. Now, with a well-rounded roster, Connecticut is poised for a serious shot at their first-ever franchise title.

Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm is leading the charge among teams not advancing in the 2024 playoffs.

This year, Seattle made significant strides, improving from 11 wins and ninth place to 25 wins, securing the fifth seed. The off-season signings of Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike have lessened the burden on Jewell Loyd. They beat the teams they were expected to defeat, yet faced challenges with 10 of their 15 losses against higher-ranked opponents, indicating there is room for improvement.

However, the return of 2024 Paris Olympic star Gabby Williams has been a notable boost. Moving forward, retaining both Ogwumike and Williams will be essential to maintain their competitive edge. If Seattle can build upon its 2024 progress and keep its core intact for an entire season, the team could elevate its status among serious contenders.

Indiana Fever

It’s essential to mention Caitlin Clark here.

This rookie sensation led Indiana to its first playoff appearance in 2016, and as they found their rhythm, the Fever finished the season with a solid 17-10 record after a rocky 3-10 start. While their offense is among the best in the league, improvements in defense are necessary, as they allowed 87.7 points per game, the second worst in the league. Despite Clark’s incredible performance, she needs to work on reducing her average of 5.6 turnovers per game, the highest in the league.

Besides Clark, Indiana is developing some exciting prospects—if they can maintain their key players. Aliyah Boston truly shined as a formidable force in the post position during the latter part of the season after a challenging beginning. The real focus, however, will be on whether the Fever can re-sign Kelsey Mitchell. She had an outstanding season with the team that selected her in 2018, and if she re-signs, the backcourt could form one of the strongest pairings in the WNBA. Should Mitchell return to Indiana, anticipate even more excitement surrounding Clark and her teammates.

Los Angeles Sparks

This scenario remains highly unpredictable, but could the Sparks genuinely transform from the worst to the best?

In 2024, Los Angeles faced a difficult season, placing at the bottom in most statistical areas, compounded by the fact that first-round pick Cameron Brink only participated in 15 games due to a season-ending injury. This forecast relies on numerous “what ifs.” Currently, the Sparks have the highest chances of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, likely favoring Paige Bueckers. While she may face a learning curve, her addition could significantly enhance the team, much like Clark did in Indiana. The Sparks also boast a remarkable player in Dearica Hamby, known as one of the top scorers in the league.

If Hamby receives some assistance from Bueckers, and with Brink’s return, the Sparks should definitely rise from the bottom ranks of the WNBA. Is there a chance for a surprising playoff run? It’s possible—though still uncertain.