News Summary
The 2025 WNBA MVP race is heating up with Napheesa Collier emerging as a top contender. Averaging 23.6 points per game, Collier has led the Minnesota Lynx to an impressive 18-4 record. While reigning MVP A’ja Wilson faces challenges, young talents like Caitlin Clark are also in the mix. As the league progresses, Collier’s consistent performance and growing skills position her at the forefront of the MVP conversation, with analysts suggesting she is ‘the award to lose’.
MINNEAPOLIS — The 2025 WNBA MVP race is heating up, with Napheesa Collier currently emerging as a leading contender. The Minnesota Lynx forward is making headlines by averaging 23.6 points per game, placing her at the top of the league’s scoring chart while helping her team achieve an impressive 18-4 record. This remarkable performance has positioned Collier as a first-time favorite to claim the prestigious MVP award, with many insiders suggesting she is “the award to lose” this season.
A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP and last season’s all-time scoring record holder, sits in second place in scoring but has faced challenges this season, impacting her team’s overall consistency. Despite this, she continues to be recognized for her exceptional gameplay, with analysts noting that her remarkable achievements are often deemed “normal” due to her high standards. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas has distinguished herself not only as a proficient player, averaging 9.5 assists per game, but also as a fierce competitor known for her ability to deliver spectacular performances, including becoming one of the few players to record a triple-double this season.
The competitiveness of the current season is reflected in a players’ poll conducted by The Athletic, which surveyed nearly 40 WNBA players from all 13 teams except for rookies. This poll aimed to gauge perspectives on various league topics, including MVP favorites. Players participated anonymously to encourage honest feedback, and the poll results provided insight into the players’ sentiments regarding their peers and league dynamics.
Emerging Stars and Competition
The landscape of the WNBA has also been impacted by an influx of young talent from recent draft classes. Players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers have showcased record-breaking performances, adding complexity to the MVP race. Clark is notably competing this season despite facing injury issues, making her candidacy a notable storyline as historically no player has won the MVP award in their second season. Currently, her odds are listed at +200, reflecting her potential despite the challenges.
The recent introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team, has also turned heads, as they have made an appearance on ESPN’s top 25 player rankings. This expansion highlights the growing popularity of the league and the increasing level of talent available to standard teams.
Current MVP Favorites
Based on the odds, the current MVP frontrunners include Napheesa Collier at -525, Caitlin Clark at +200, and Breanna Stewart at +4000. As the season progresses, the contributions of these players and their impact on team success will be crucial for the voting process. Observers note that voters often consider not only statistics but how players contribute to their team’s winning potential, further complicating the award’s distribution.
As for Collier, the context of her journey through the WNBA illustrates her steady year-on-year improvement. A graduate of UConn, she has honed her skills significantly, leading the 2024 postseason in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. Her efficiency and contributions to the Lynx solidify her status as a core playmaker and a key figure in the league’s evolving dynamics.
Conclusion
The race for the 2025 WNBA MVP award is characterized by fierce competition among several talented players, with Collier currently capturing the spotlight. As the league progresses and new performances emerge, the NBA community will keenly observe how this year’s MVP race unfolds, with many believing the title could come down to Collier and other established stars like Wilson and the emerging talent of Clark.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
