The WNBA is poised for its first season of growth since the emergence of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. With her influence, the league has experienced record attendance and viewership, prompting an expansion. The Golden State Valkyries are set to debut in 2025, along with two additional teams joining next year. However, it’s not just the new teams that are shaking things up in the WNBA.
With significant financial incentives now on the table, teams are adopting an unprecedented “win-now” mentality. This shift was evident when a record seven out of 12 franchises fired their coaches after the 2024 season, underscoring the urgency for success.
In pursuit of victory, recent transactions have sent shockwaves through the league. “Blockbuster WNBA deal: The Seattle Storm are trading six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces in a multi-team move that sends three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday.
Blockbuster WNBA deal: The Seattle Storm are trading six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces in a multi-team move that sends three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks, sources tell me, @ramonashelburne, @alexaphilippou, @kendra__andrews. pic.twitter.com/OlRb37RKIA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2025
With the Las Vegas Aces parting ways with the undersized Kelsey Plum and acquiring Jewell Loyd to bolster a roster that already boasts A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, Clark now faces a monumental challenge in securing her first WNBA title against a superteam reminiscent of the Kevin Durant-led Warriors. Fans took to social media to express their reactions to the trade, with one stating, “Sparks got Kelsey Plum before Pelinka traded for a center,” while another commented, “So you’re telling me the cost of a 6x All-Star who can lead the league in scoring any given year is moving up 7 spots in the draft??? That’s it???” A fan also lamented, “ACES LEGEND KELSEY PLUM NOOOOOOOO.”
As the league evolves, it will be fascinating to see how the Indiana Fever responds to these developments.
