The WNBA’s 2025-2026 season tipped off with just six of the league’s 15 teams in action, yet early performances have already defined clear winners and losers from the opening weekend.
Winners: Standout Performances from Citron and Chen
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics – The second-year guard continued her rapid ascent, leading the Mystics to a 68-65 victory over the Toronto Tempo on May 9, 2026. Citron delivered a dominant 26-point performance on 9-of-12 field goals and 3-of-6 three-pointers, while also contributing 2 steals and 2 blocks. Her all-around impact reinforced her status as one of the WNBA’s most dynamic two-way guards.
"Her normal is a lot of other people’s great." — Sydney Johnson, Washington Mystics head coach
Citron’s performance drew immediate praise from analysts and fans alike.
Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries – After being waived midway through her rookie season in 2025, Chen returned stronger, earning a spot on the opening-night roster. In the Valkyries’ 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm, she scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, dished 2 assists, and committed zero turnovers off the bench.
"She’s been working. That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas. Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did." — Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries head coach
Losers: The 2026 Rookie Class Struggles
Despite high expectations, the 2026 WNBA draft class has underwhelmed in its debut. Through the first weekend, only one rookie has reached double digits in scoring: Flau’jae Johnson of the Seattle Storm, who posted 12 points on 25% shooting in a loss to the Valkyries. Top overall pick Azzi Fudd managed just 3 points on 1-of-2 shooting in 18 minutes for the Dallas Wings, while Awa Fam (No. 2 pick) remains overseas and Lauren Betts (No. 4 pick) has yet to debut due to injury.
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