The Veteran Core Remains Dominant

With the WNBA set to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the league is entering a landmark year characterized by rising salaries, high-profile roster moves, and a wave of emerging young stars. However, according to an panel of experts, the veterans are not ready to relinquish their positions at the top of the hierarchy just yet. Out of the 10 players selected for the preseason All-WNBA teams, seven have been in the league for at least eight seasons, including long-standing stars like 14-year veteran Nneka Ogwumike and 12-year standout Alyssa Thomas.


All-WNBA Preseason First Team

  • A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Coming off another MVP-caliber campaign, Wilson remains the league’s standard-bearer. She led the WNBA in total points and points per game in 2025, while continuing to serve as a formidable defensive anchor. With elite footwork and interior efficiency, she is arguably in the prime of her career.
  • Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): Despite a minor statistical dip last year, Stewart’s recent championship successes in Europe and exhibition play signal her return to elite form. Entering her 10th season, she remains one of the most versatile and impactful players on both ends of the floor.
  • Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings): Following a stellar rookie year, expectations are high for Bueckers. As a dual-threat guard who excels in scoring, playmaking, and defense, she is expected to take a significant leap in efficiency during her second professional season.
  • Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury): Coming off a career-best season in terms of shooting percentage and assist totals, Thomas is a engine for the Mercury. Her ability to facilitate the offense makes her a staple of the first-team projection.
  • Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces): After a dominant 2025 postseason, Young is being hailed as one of the premier two-way guards in the sport. She is currently chasing a fourth league title in five years with the Aces.

All-WNBA Preseason Second Team

  • Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever): Known for her elite vision and ability to stretch defenses, Clark remains a pivotal offensive force. While injury interruptions hindered her 2025 campaign, her playmaking gravity remains unparalleled.
  • Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream): Gray has evolved into the archetype of a modern "3-and-D" wing. Her high-efficiency scoring and defensive versatility make her a cornerstone for the Dream’s tactical approach.
  • Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever): Analysts are betting on Boston’s continued development. Her post-scoring and rim protection, paired with her chemistry alongside Clark, position her for a breakthrough season.
  • Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks): As the Sparks’ primary offensive option, Plum enters the season with a roster built to complement her scoring and playmaking skills. She remains a top contender for guard honors league-wide.
  • Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks): A model of consistency, Ogwumike has secured second-team honors for four consecutive years. Her durability and recent expansion into 3-point shooting demonstrate her ability to evolve as she enters her 36th year.

Honorable mentions: Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries), and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever).