What might we be writing about this time next year?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at some predictions for the 2026 WNBA season, leaning more bold and daring as the season begins.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with a spicy prediction for one of the first four teams taking the court on the league\u2019s opening night.<\/p>\n
New York falls short of Finals\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
New York possesses all the pieces on paper. An MVP-caliber core three of Jonquel Jones<\/a>, Breanna Stewart<\/a> and Sabrina Ionescu<\/a> that lifted the Liberty\u2019s offense to top-three in each of their three seasons and third in defensive rating their first two. The free agency signing of Satou Sabally<\/a>, the \u201cunicorn\u201d forward yet to reach her full potential. A packed roster that includes Leonie Fiebich<\/a>, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Marine Johannes.<\/p>\n Things written on paper don’t always translate to banners. Chris DeMarco won four NBA championships in a variety of positions with the Golden State Warriors, but it\u2019s still his first head coaching job \u2014 plus, under the brightest lights in New York. Teams built around bunches of All-Stars don\u2019t always come through. And the rest of the field is stout with contenders. As last year showed, one injury or bad stretch could diminish championship prospects.\u00a0And there\u2019s already some concern \u2014 Ionescu is out at least two weeks<\/a> after rolling her ankle in the preseason.<\/p>\n