WNBA team power rankings: Who the experts say are the strongest teams in women's hoops

Experts: 4 of 5

Other possibilities: Indiana Fever

Key expert quote: From Just Women's Sports' Rachel Galligan: "The Fever's off-season demolition included naming interim general manager Linn Dunn, cutting ties with Jantel Lavender and Julie Allemand, and adding first-round picks NaLyssa Smith, Emily Engstler, Lexie Hull and Destanni Henderson in the draft. While the franchise has made significant strides toward snapping their five-year playoff drought, they still have a lot of work to do, most notably molding the current roster and attracting top free-agent talent down the road.

It will take at least a few more years for Indiana to return to championship contention. Beyond veterans Kelsey Mitchell and Bria Hartley, the young players will need time to develop."

Experts: 4 of 5

Other possibilities: Atlanta Dream

Key expert quote: From the WNBA's Brian Martin: "A lot has changed in Atlanta over the past 15 months — there is new ownership, there is a new general manager in Dan Padover (two-time WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year), there is a new head coach in Tanisha Wright, there's a new No. 1 overall pick in Rhyne Howard, and hopefully for the Dream, there is a new path toward success. The Dream have gone just 23-65 (.261) over the past three seasons but have the tools they need for a strong rebuild. In addition to Howard, the Dream added forward Naz Hillmon in the draft, added Erica Wheeler and Kia Vaughn via trades, and Nia Coffey via free agency. The Dream also re-signed Tiffany Hayes and Monique Billings and will get new mom Cheyenne Parker back after she missed the second half of last season due to pregnancy."

Experts: 3 of 5

Other possibilities: New York Liberty

Key expert quote: From Swish Appeal's Zack Ward: "Dallas has all the pieces it needs to get back to the playoffs. It's just going to have to step up and win some competitive games. We know Arike Ogunbowale is phenomenal and Satou Sabally has only scratched the surface of her potential. Marina Mabrey should have joined them in the All-Star Game last year, and the passion she brings to the court is contagious. The talent continues with Gold Medal Lish (Allisha Gray) and Athletes Unlimited standout Isabelle Harrison. The addition of Teaira McCowan confirms that the Wings have gotten better, not worse."

Experts: 2 of 5

Other possibilities: Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings

Key expert quote: From the WNBA's Brian Martin: "As New York looks to take its next step, [it] added some championship experience on the court with the addition of Stefanie Dolson, fresh off the 2021 title with Chicago, and on the sidelines with the hiring of Sandy Brondello, who led the Mercury to the 2014 title and made the playoffs in all eight of her seasons in Phoenix. Brondello inherits a Liberty roster with a mix of young talent in Sabrina Ionescu and reigning Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere, as well as veterans like Betnijah Laney, Natasha Howard, and Sami Whitcomb. The Liberty also welcomed back Asia Durr – the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft – after [they] missed the past two seasons due to the long-haul effects of COVID-19."

Experts: 4 of 5

Other possibilities: New York Liberty

Key expert quote: From CBS Sports' Jack Maloney: "Missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade was clearly a source of motivation for the Sparks, who went out and made the type of high-profile additions you would expect of a team from Los Angeles. They signed Liz Cambage, traded for Chennedy Carter and also added Katie Lou Samuelson and Jordin Canada. The high-upside off-season was well worth the risk for the Sparks, who are now much more talented than they were last season. But how much success they'll have in a top-heavy league remains to be seen."

Experts: 3 of 5

Other possibilities: Minnesota Lynx

Key expert quote: From Just Women's Sports' Rachel Galligan: "A healthy Elena Delle Donne and Alysha Clark immediately change the trajectory of the Mystics in 2022. With Natasha Cloud running the show, Ariel Atkins on the wing and Myisha Hines-Allen returning in free agency on a three-year deal, the Mystics have the veteran players with championship experience to compete for their second trophy in four seasons."

Experts: 2 of 5

Other possibilities: Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury

Key expert quote: From ESPN's Mechelle Voepel: "Center Sylvia Fowles will be going out on top; she has said this is her last season, but she is still one of the best players in the league. Can the Lynx send the future Hall of Famer out with a championship? We will see if forward Napheesa Collier returns after pregnancy leave, because that will boost the Lynx. But in her absence, they still have standouts such as guard Kayla McBride back, and they added guard/forward Angel McCoughtry in free agency."

Experts: 3 of 5

Other possibilities: Las Vegas Aces

Key expert quote: From the WNBA's Brian Martin: "The Mercury made it back to the Finals in 2021, but fell in four games to the Sky, which began an off-season of major changes in the Valley. The Mercury parted ways with longtime head coach Sandy Brondello — who now coaches the Liberty — and hired Vanessa Nygaard to lead the squad. Speaking of the squad, in addition to [Diana] Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith returning, the Mercury added 2021 scoring champion and former MVP Tina Charles along with 2021 champion Diamond DeShields.

We can discuss roster moves and team expectations on the court, but the off-the-court battle surrounding Brittney Griner's detainment overseas and hope for her safe return home remain at the forefront not only for the Mercury, but the WNBA as a whole, entering the 2022 season."

Experts: 3 of 5

Other possibilities: Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury

Key expert quote: From CBS Sports' Jack Maloney: "Last season was all too familiar for the Aces, as they cruised through the regular season only to fall short in the playoffs. This time, it led to massive changes. Becky Hammon took over for Bill Laimbeer as head coach, and Liz Cambage left in free agency. Major overhauls such as this always create some question marks, but Hammon implementing a more modern style around former MVP A'ja Wilson — re-signed this off-season — and a dynamic backcourt led by Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum is a future to believe in."

Experts: 4 of 5

Other possibilities: Connecticut Sun

Key expert quote: From ESPN's Mechelle Voepel: "Since 2018, it has come down to this: When the Storm have had forward Breanna Stewart for the playoffs, they have won the title. When they haven't had her, they have fallen short. That has meant championships in 2018 and 2020. She didn't play at all in 2019 (Achilles injury), and missed the end of the regular season and the playoffs last year with a left foot injury. If Stewart is healthy throughout 2022, she can lead the Storm to title contention with her familiar sidekicks, guards Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd."

Experts: 3 of 5

Other possibilities: Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm

Key expert quote: From Swish Appeal's Cat Ariail: "This season, Connecticut begins the season with no personnel concerns. Not only will [Alyssa] Thomas be active to start the season but Courtney Williams, after a two-year detour in Atlanta, is back, equipping the Sun with an elite core of six former All-Stars: [Jonquel] Jones, Thomas, Williams, DeWanna Bonner, Jasmine Thomas, and 2021 Most Improved Player Brionna Jones. Add in 2021 Coach of the Year Curt Miller, one of the WNBA's savviest tacticians, and there is no reason to believe that the Sun will not again earn the best record in the league. Possibly, ranking them at No. 2 is, once again, a sign of disrespeCT."

Experts: 4 of 5

Other possibilities: Connecticut Sun

Key expert quote: From Just Women's Sports' Rachel Galligan: "The reigning WNBA champions sit atop our power rankings after retaining much of their veteran core from the 2021 season and adding All-Star-level talent to the roster. Alongside former MVP Candace Parker, Chicago re-signed Finals MVP Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley in free agency. When you swap out the losses of Diamond DeShields and Stefanie Dolson with 2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman and Julie Allemand, Chicago has a chance to be even better this season."