The WNBA is in an unusual place.
Searching For The WNBA’s Most Enjoyable Team
Ever since the Indiana Fever drafted Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, bringing her made-for-TV rivalry with former LSU center Angel Reese coming along with her, the league has experienced exponential growth. However, the adage that all publicity is good publicity really isn’t true. The animosity spewed by Clark and Reese’s fan bases has tainted the image of the W, the vitriol trickling into the media and locker rooms. Two ladies that should be celebrated have been pitted against each other in what’s a nasty, racially-charged arena.
So, instead of becoming the WNBA’s favorite team, the Fever are developing a reputation similar to that of the NBA’s Utah Jazz. They’re an instantly recognizable franchise whose best player is a rarefied point guard. Yet, their fan base has put a dark cloud over the organization. Reese would likely hate to admit it but the Chicago Sky’s fan base is similar to the Fever’s. To make it worse, her squad doesn’t have the consistent on-court success that would influence people to talk about the game more than the drama.
The Fever and Sky aren’t the only franchises that are their own worst enemy though.
Gambling With The Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are led by charismatic three-time WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson, which helps make them a magnetic force. Yet, the discourse surrounding their dynastic divas has been problematic. Part of it actually ties back into Clark, as the Iowa native’s rapid rise to the forefront of fan’s fascination and the racially-motivated remarks from certain groups ended up putting her and Wilson on opposite sides.
It turns out MVP A’ja Wilson is the biggest hypocrite in the league and ground zero for the pettiness, racism and bigotry in the WNBA.@_ajawilson22’s friend@asEYEsaid —also known as child abusing teacher (link below) Micheal Malique Mcmanus—tears down WNBA players and holds… pic.twitter.com/MFXR5cpfV6
— who really cares? (@opt1m1st1ccyn1c) September 28, 2024
Another issue has been Wilson’s continued association with the controversial Michael McManus and dismissive attitudes about his allegations of bigotry and assaulting a minor. Then there’s Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who has been characterized as cold and domineering. This was chiefly inspired by her attitude towards Dearica Hamby after the now Los Angeles Sparks forward became pregnant in 2022.
With the Aces selling out all of their 2025 season tickets, it’s not that they’re unpopular. However, supporting them is a gamble. They’re the most dominant WNBA team of the decade but they can put their fans in an uncomfortable position, especially those that consider themselves socially conscious.
The Goldilocks Principle
Between the Fever, Sky, and Aces it’s almost hard to believe there’s an organization out there with a gregarious leader, a competitive team, and that exists outside of the W’s toxic bubble.
The Sparks have an enduring popularity but they haven’t reached the playoffs since 2020. 2025 No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers is undaunted as she does her best to lift the Dallas Wings but they have the worst record in the WNBA. On the other side of the aisle, Napheesa Collier has the Minnesota Lynx sitting atop the WNBA standings. Nevertheless, none of the Lynx players are necessarily bewitching.
Could Caitlin Clark’s biggest obstacle be the old guard of the WNBA?@cbrennansports explains in her new book On Her Game
‘Taurasi went after her (Caitlin Clark) in unflattering and completely incorrect terms. Breanna Stewart had to kick her in the shins in comments at the… pic.twitter.com/vncbqnRP1m
— Maggie Gray (@MaggieGray) July 8, 2025
At the top of the Eastern Conference standings, the Atlanta Dream are far from only being worth a watch on the court. With players like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Brittney Griner, they also beguile fans with their personalities. Then again, part-owner Renee Montgomery has made racially-motivated remarks that position the Dream too close to the W’s noxious airspace. The New York Liberty generated animosity from the influential Clark’s fan base in another way, with Breanna Stewart believed to have disrespected her since draft day.
That leaves one option.
The Eye Of The Seattle Storm
So far as the Goldilocks principle is concerned, the Seattle Storm are just right.
Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) goes up for a basket against Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Seattle Storm, 95-75.
There are better teams. There are teams with better stars. But there isn’t a better team to root for.
Leadership
At present, they’re led by two future Hall of Fame inductees in Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins. Yet, to be one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, Ogwumike is incredibly humble. Then there’s Diggins. A demon debutante, she blends beauty and ability in a way that few have. On top of that, she’s fiery in-between the lines and charming outside of them.
Competitiveness
At 21-19, the Storm aren’t ripping through their opponents. However, they are fourth in the Western Conference standings and seventh in the overall standings. With that in mind, they’ve only missed the playoffs once in the past 10 years. Buoyed by their star power and defense, they could even have a home-court advantage this year, which would also be a nice gift for their loyal fan base.
Agreeableness
The Storm don’t shy away from important conversations. In fact, Ogwumike is president of the WNBA Players’ Association and is very vocal about making a positive impact on women’s basketball. Diggins has held similar discussions and addressed the W’s role in making public stances against systemic racism. All-Star forward Gabby Williams has no issue calling out higher-ups about the league’s pay structure. Yet, they’ve managed to exist outside of the miasma.