ClutchPoints’ Week 3 WNBA power rankings

The first few weeks of the 2026 WNBA season have already delivered plenty of surprises. Unexpected teams are proving themselves to be much more competitive than anticipated while several preseason contenders are still searching for consistency, and a handful of squads have emerged from the pack as legitimate championship threats.

With Commissioner’s Cup play beginning this week and the standings starting to take shape, every game is carrying increased importance. While some teams have established themselves near the top, the middle of the league remains incredibly tight, meaning a strong week could dramatically alter this week’s power rankings.

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— WNBA (@WNBA) June 1, 2026

1. Minnesota Lynx (+3)

The Lynx sit atop the league for a reason. Even after significant offseason turnover, they have quickly reestablished their identity: Disciplined defense, smart shot selection, and an ability to close games. Their depth has exceeded expectations, and the supporting cast has kept the team rolling while key stars like rookie Olivia Miles continue settling into the season. Minnesota has been the most consistent team in the league and owns the best record entering Commissioner’s Cup play.

2. Atlanta Dream (-1)

Atlanta has looked every bit like a contender. The Dream have athleticism at every position and have successfully blended new pieces like Angel Reese into a cohesive unit. Their defense has generated transition opportunities, and they have been one of the toughest teams to guard in the half court. The ceiling remains championship-level if they continue to improve offensively.

3. Dallas Wings (+2)

The Wings have become one of the WNBA’s most intriguing stories. The Paige Bueckers-led backcourt has produced explosive stretches, and Dallas has shown the ability to beat quality opponents. Rookie additions, especially No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd, have accelerated the team’s development, while veteran leadership has prevented the team from falling into any slumps so far. The Wings’ offense can overwhelm opponents when it finds rhythm, lifting them up in these rankings.

4. Las Vegas Aces (-2)

The defending champions have not been dominant every night, but the foundation remains intact. The Aces still possess elite star power and championship experience, and they rarely look rattled in close games. Their recent performances have been a reminder that this team can quickly regain top form. Nobody wants to see Las Vegas in a meaningful game.

5. Golden State Valkyries (-2)

The Valkyries have already exceeded nearly every preseason projection. Their defense has been among the W’s best, and they have consistently competed against established contenders. The Valkyries may eventually cool off, but their early success looks increasingly sustainable.

6. Portland Fire (+4)

Speaking of expansion teams, the Fire are quickly becoming another success story. Portland has benefited from veteran experience and surprisingly solid chemistry. Unlike many new franchises, the Fire have avoided long losing streaks and already look comfortable in close games. They’ve faced some inconsistencies, but their record is no fluke, and they appear capable of remaining in the playoff race throughout the summer.

7. New York Liberty (+1)

The Liberty have not looked like the dominant superteam they’re supposed to be yet, but their talent level remains undeniable. A few uneven performances have kept them from climbing any higher, though. The encouraging sign is that New York can still win some games despite not consistently playing its best basketball. If the chemistry fully clicks, they could make a rapid jump into the top tier.

8. Toronto Tempo (+3)

Toronto is quietly becoming one of the league’s pleasant surprises. The Tempo have displayed resilience and have been navigating the growing pains typically associated with first-year franchises well. Their perimeter shooting has kept them competitive nearly every night, meaning a playoff berth suddenly looks realistic.

9. Indiana Fever (-3)

The Fever remain difficult to accurately rank. Their best shooting stretches have looked spectacular, but inconsistency, especially on defense, has prevented a breakthrough. There is still tremendous offensive talent on the roster, though, keeping expectations high. With Commissioner’s Cup play beginning and the schedule becoming more demanding, June will reveal whether Indiana still belongs among the elite contenders.

10. Los Angeles Sparks (-1)

Los Angeles has shown measurable improvement compared to its recent seasons. Defensive effort has been better, and the roster feels deeper than it has in years. The challenge is turning competitive performances into victories against top-tier opponents. The Sparks are trending upward but still searching for a signature win.

11. Washington Mystics (+1)

The Mystics continue to play hard and usually avoid beating themselves, which is impressive for a team so young. While they may lack the experience of some teams above them, Washington has developed a reputation for making opponents uncomfortable. The Mystics are still finding their footing, but they’re not fully out of postseason consideration yet.

12. Chicago Sky (-5)

Chicago is definitely a work in progress. There have been flashes of high-level basketball, but consistency has been elusive since losing Rickea Jackson. The Sky often look capable of upsetting stronger teams, but they struggle to maintain momentum over multiple games. Their playoff hopes remain alive for now, but improvement is needed on both ends of the floor.

13. Seattle Storm (=)

Seattle’s record is disappointing, with or without factoring in preseason expectations. Injuries, lineup instability, and uneven offensive execution have all contributed to a difficult start. The encouraging news is that the Storm still possess a talented enough roster to reverse course. Of all the teams near the bottom of these rankings, the Storm may have the highest upside.

14. Phoenix Mercury (=)

Phoenix has been one of the season’s biggest disappointments. The Mercury entered the year with legitimate playoff aspirations after making last year’s WNBA Finals, but they have struggled to find any type of rhythm on either side of the ball. There is still enough veteran talent to make a push, but the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.

15. Connecticut Sun (=)

The Sun still occupy the bottom spot by a significant margin. Rebuilding years are rarely easy, and Connecticut has experienced plenty of growing pains. The positive takeaway is that young players are receiving meaningful minutes and developmental opportunities. The wins may be scarce now, but the Sun’s focus is clearly on long-term progress rather than short-term results.

The WNBA feels more unpredictable than it has in years. Minnesota has earned the top spot for now, but Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Golden State all have realistic championship aspirations, while New York remains a sleeping giant capable of climbing quickly. Meanwhile, expansion franchises Portland and Toronto have injected new energy into the league and are proving they can be competitive immediately.

With the Commissioner’s Cup getting underway and the summer schedule beginning to intensify, the gap between contenders and pretenders should become clearer over the next few weeks. For now, the race for playoff positioning remains wide open, and no team outside the bottom tier can afford to feel comfortable. June figures to be one of the most important months of the WNBA season, and the rankings could look very different by the time July arrives.

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