WNBA Week 1 Winners and Losers: Sky Shine, Sparks Struggle in Early Action

The WNBA’s opening week has already reshaped expectations, with only two teams—the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream—remaining undefeated, while the Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun have failed to secure a win. Here’s a breakdown of the early winners and losers from the first seven days of action.

Winners: Chicago Sky Dominate with Bold Roster Moves

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Chicago Sky underwent a major roster overhaul, adding Rickea Jackson, Skylar Diggins, Jacy Sheldon, and Natasha Cloud, trading Angel Reese, and drafting Gabriela Jaquez. The gamble has paid off in Week 1.

The revamped lineup has delivered immediate results:

• Rickea Jackson is averaging 18.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists through two games, showcasing her versatility.
• Skylar Diggins is running the offense efficiently, posting 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.
• Kamilla Cardoso has been dominant in the paint, averaging 15 points and 10.5 rebounds.
• Jacy Sheldon and Gabriela Jaquez have seamlessly integrated as key complementary pieces.

A 2-0 start signals strong momentum for a team that finished near the bottom of the league last season.

Rickea Jackson tonight 🔥
18 points • 5 rebounds • 5 assists • 2 blocks

Losers: Los Angeles Sparks Struggle Despite Star Power

The Los Angeles Sparks entered the season with a roster packed with All-Stars—Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, and Dearica Hamby—plus strong supporting talent like Ariel Atkins, Rae Burrell, and Cameron Brink. Yet, chemistry has been missing.

Los Angeles opened the season with a blowout loss to the Las Vegas Aces and followed it with a 9-point defeat to the Indiana Fever, raising concerns about their playoff chances after missing the postseason in 2025.

Winners: Portland Fire Impress as Expansion Team

The Portland Fire, a first-year franchise, have exceeded expectations with a 1-1 record, including a thrilling victory over the New York Liberty secured on a Sarah Ashlee Barker buzzer-beater.

The Fire’s early success can be attributed to:

• Clutch performances from Carla Leite in high-pressure moments.
• Bridget Carleton living up to her superstar potential.
• A well-coached team under head coach Alex Samara, who has established a cohesive system.

Their competitiveness as an expansion squad signals a promising future in the league.

Losers: Connecticut Sun Start Season with Three Straight Losses

The Connecticut Sun have stumbled out of the gate, dropping their first three games of the season. While their 0-3 record isn’t catastrophic—given the absence of point guard Leila Lacan and a rebuilding phase—the early struggles highlight the challenges of starting a new era.

As the WNBA season progresses, these early trends could shift, but for now, the Sky, Fire, Sparks, and Sun are defining the narrative of the league’s opening week.