2025 WNBA Preview: Eastern Conference

With the 2025 WNBA season set to tip off in May, here's a quick preview of each Eastern Conference team, including their current championship odds as provided by Draft Kings.

The reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, enter the 2025 season as the favorites to repeat, with odds set at +220. Their core roster remains largely intact, including stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Breanna Stewart's recent re-signing was obviously a major piece of the puzzle. The Liberty's wealth of talent, depth and experience position them as strong contenders for back-to-back titles.​

New York's offseason moves have been relatively quiet, focusing on maintaining team chemistry and building upon its successful 2024 campaign. With a balanced roster and a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Liberty aim to dominate the Eastern Conference once again. Their strategic approach and proven track record make them a formidable force in the upcoming season.​

The Connecticut Sun face a transitional period in 2025, reflected in their championship odds of +20000. The departure of longtime star Alyssa Thomas to the Phoenix Mercury marks a significant shift for the team. In response, the Sun have brought in new talent, including sharpshooters Madison Hayes and Morgan Maly, to bolster their offensive capabilities .​

Despite these changes, the Sun retain a competitive roster with experienced players ready to step up. The integration of new talent will be crucial in determining their success this season. If the team can quickly establish cohesion and adapt to their new dynamics, they have the potential to surprise or at least exceed low expectations in the Eastern Conference.​

The Indiana Fever are on an upward trajectory, with championship odds at +400. Led by rising star Caitlin Clark, the team made significant strides last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2016. With a young and talented roster, including Aliyah Boston - the number one pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, the Fever are poised to build upon their recent success.​

The team's focus will be on developing their young core and enhancing team chemistry. If Clark and Boston continue to evolve and lead effectively, Indiana could emerge as a formidable force in the league. Their youthful energy and potential make them an exciting team to watch in the 2025 campaign.​

The Atlanta Dream have made a significant offseason move by signing two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner, boosting their championship odds to +5000. Griner's addition brings veteran experience and defensive prowess to a team that already features talents like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.​

The Dream aim to improve upon their previous season's performance, where they secured a playoff spot as the No. 8 seed. With Griner anchoring the defense and providing leadership, Atlanta has the potential to climb the standings in the Eastern Conference. Their success will depend on how quickly the team can integrate Griner and develop on-court chemistry.​

The Chicago Sky are in a rebuilding phase, reflected in their championship odds of +8000. The team is focusing on developing a new core, highlighted by the drafting of Hailey Van Lith, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso. These young players bring energy and potential to a franchise looking to return to its former glory.​

Under new head coach Tyler Marsh, the Sky aim to foster growth and establish a strong foundation for the future. While immediate success may be challenging, the development of their young talent will be crucial for long-term competitiveness. Patience and strategic planning will be key as Chicago navigates this transitional period.​

The Washington Mystics face a challenging season ahead, with championship odds set at +10000. The team is dealing with roster uncertainties and the need to develop young talent. Their performance will heavily depend on the progression of emerging players and the ability to establish a cohesive unit.​

The Mystics' focus will be on rebuilding and laying the groundwork for future success. While immediate playoff contention may be a stretch, the development of their roster and strategic acquisitions could set the stage for a more competitive team in the coming years. Monitoring the growth of their young players will be essential in assessing the team's direction.​