The WNBA takes a break for its all-star weekend and a quick breather before the sprint to the playoffs.
Here are some second-half storylines that ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Tempo fans should pay attention to before the team joins the league in 2026.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, sweet home
The Minnesota Lynx, who lost the Commissioner’s Cup final to the Indiana Fever, are hoping to ride an unbeaten home record to a championship. With presumptive MVP Napheesa Collier leading the league in scoring (23.9) and in the top 10 in rebounding (7.7) and blocked shots (1.6), the Lynx are a perfect 12-0 at home this season.
Caitlin Clark’s health
There is no debating how important Caitlin Clark is to the league because of the interest she creates among a growing audience. But she’s even more important to the Indiana Fever. Clark has been fighting injuries all year, missing 13 of Indiana’s 23 games so far. She’ll sit out all-star weekend with a groin injury. With the Fever clinging to a playoff spot, her health is paramount.
- Doug Feinberg The Associated Press
The new CBA
As the end of the season comes, so does the need for a new collective bargaining agreement that will include the particulars of the coming expansion draft rules covering the Tempo and Portland Fire. The players’ association this week sounded alarms about the process and where it is. Until it’s finalized, there will be questions about the economics — and the stocking of franchises — for the coming expansion teams.
The PWHL’s ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Sceptres play sold out games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Next year the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, will too.
The PWHL’s ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Sceptres play sold out games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Next year the ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, will too.
Setting the standard
The expansion Golden State Valkyries are right in the thick of the playoff race — 10-12 and a game out of the final post-season slot — and that’s going to establish a standard the Tempo and Fire will want to chase when they debut next season. The Valkyries are the first expansion team since 2008 and are setting the bar for others to meet.
Can officiating improve?
Before ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ plays its first game next spring, the hope is that the WNBA will address what is an increasing concern with the quality of refereeing. The complaints have been constant and leaguewide about overly physical play and missed calls, with both leading to confrontations. It’s an issue everyone connected with every team wants solved.
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