News Summary
The 2025 WNBA MVP race is heating up with Napheesa Collier leading the charge, averaging 23.6 points per game and guiding the Minnesota Lynx to an impressive record. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are also strong contenders, making this year’s competition fierce. Recent player polls reveal insights into the evolving dynamics of the league, as emerging talents and veteran players compete for the prestigious title. The introduction of the Golden State Valkyries adds another layer of intrigue to the season.
Minneapolis, MN – The 2025 WNBA MVP race is currently being led by third-year player Napheesa Collier, who has distinguished herself as a top contender amid heightened competition. Collier is averaging an impressive 23.6 points per game while guiding the Minnesota Lynx to a remarkable 18-4 record, placing her at the forefront of the league’s MVP discussions.
The MVP race also sees notable competition from reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, who, despite facing a relative down year, is second in scoring. Wilson previously set the all-time scoring record in 2024 and continues to demonstrate her formidable skills on the court. Also among the favorites is Breanna Stewart, who has consistently been a strong performer in the league.
A recent player poll conducted by The Athletic involved nearly 40 WNBA players, gathering insights on various league topics, including MVP favorites. All 13 WNBA teams participated in the poll, excluding the 30 rookies, allowing a focus on the perspectives of veteran players. To encourage honest feedback, players were guaranteed anonymity and had the option to skip any questions. The results of this poll reflect a collective view of the league’s current landscape while maintaining transparency regarding total responses.
Napheesa Collier, a standout from UConn, has made a name for herself due to her exceptional footwork and consistent improvement throughout her career. In the 2024 postseason, she notably led in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals, showcasing her all-around impact on the game. Players and analysts alike believe Collier is “the award to lose” in this year’s MVP race, affirming her position as a formidable candidate.
On the other hand, A’ja Wilson has been recognized for her incredible gameplay. She has garnered praise for her ability to achieve high performance consistently, with her remarkable achievements often treated as commonplace. Although Wilson is pursuing a fourth MVP title, questions regarding her team’s overall performance and consistency could affect her bid.
Alyssa Thomas emerges as another player to watch, recognized not only for her defensive prowess but also for her offensive skills, currently averaging 9.5 assists per game. Thomas has solidified her reputation as one of the league’s top playmakers and has recently achieved a career-high of 29 points in a significant victory over the Lynx. Furthermore, she is one of the select players to have recorded a triple-double this season, further solidifying her candidacy as a potential MVP threat.
The 2025 WNBA season has also seen a surge of talent emerging from the last two draft classes. New faces in the league, including exciting players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, have turned heads and contributed to the evolving dynamics within the league. Although Clark remains a strong competitor, her candidacy for the MVP award is somewhat complicated by ongoing injury issues. Historically, no player has won the MVP award in their second season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her situation.
This season also marks the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, a new expansion team that has made its presence felt in the league. Their debut is particularly notable as it marks the first time an expansion team has appeared in ESPN’s top 25 player rankings, signifying a shift in player dynamics and competitive landscape.
Currently, the MVP favorites based on odds indicate Napheesa Collier as the frontrunner at -525, followed by Caitlin Clark at +200 and Breanna Stewart at +4000. Voters in the MVP race are considering not only individual stats but also how each player’s performance contributes to the success of their respective teams.
As the season progresses, the MVP race continues to heat up with compelling performances and evolving narratives among the league’s standout players.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: WNBA Midseason Player Rankings
- USA Today: WNBA MVP Odds 2025
- BetMGM: WNBA MVP Odds Prediction
- Fox Sports: WNBA MVP Odds 2025
- New York Times: WNBA MVP Odds Caitlin Clark
- Wikipedia: WNBA
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