The WNBA has entered a new era, the superteam era. With reigning champs Las Vegas adding Candace Parker it’s clear they were not ready to settle for just one title. Unfortunately they are not alone in trying to win it all by any means. On the other coast, the New York Liberty added former MVPs and former champions to try and claim the franchise’s first title. In the draft we saw teams starting to form young cores that will be able to compete for the next decade.
The biggest storyline, however, is the safe return of Mercury center Brittney Griner from Russian custody. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing her smiling and back around her teammates and family.
Brittney Griner’s Return
Definitely the biggest storyline of the new season is Brittney Griner‘s return to the court for the Phoenix Mercury. After spending almost a full year in Russian prison Griner was freed in a prisoner swap with the help of the Biden administration and will play for Phoenix. She described the transition back to normal life as “a little overwhelming” which is to be expected, but it’s just great to see her back on the court smiling,
She intends to continue to use her platform to raise awareness of other Americans detained overseas. The team had an emotional year last season even beyond Griner being imprisoned over seas. Star player Skylar Diggins-Smith  stepped away from the team before the season even ended and announced her pregnancy. She will start the season on maternity leave away from the team. Diggins-Smith helped bring the issue of maternity leave and support for mothers to the forefront when negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement after feeling like she had no support from the Dallas Wings during her first pregnancy.
The Mercury open the season against the LA Sparks.
The Superteam in Brooklyn
The New York Liberty are in win now mode and with the moves they made this offseason, they just might. The Liberty grabbed just about every top free agent this offseason including Courtney Vandersloot, former league MVP Jonquel Jones, and two-time Finals MVP Breanna Stewart. They will join former number one pick Sabrina Ionesco who comes into this season fully healthy.
The Liberty have not been in the WNBA Finals since 2002 and are still looking for the first championship. This roster gives them their best opportunity to make that a reality.
Indiana’s Young Core
After picking up Aliyah Boston with the number one pick in the draft, the Fever have a lot of young talent that should be very fun to watch. Â The center will be paired up with last year’s number two over all pick NaLyssa Smith. That is one of the best front courts in the league and will have the league on notice if players try to drive to the basket. Boston all joins her former South Carolina teammate Destanni Henderson.
The Fever ended last season on a terrible losing streak so any area of progress is instantly a success.
