The WNBA trade deadline is just a week and a half away, with teams having until 3 pm on August 7th to finalize all deals before the regular season is about 70% complete. As Cole Huff mentioned last week, it’s expected that the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics will be sellers in the next 10 days. Dallas remains the second-worst team in the league, and the Mystics are reportedly considering trading second-year player Aaliyah Edwards.
As for potential buyers, the New York Liberty have already made moves by securing Belgian superstar and 2019 WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesman, who is set to join in August. However, they face challenges after losing Carly Samuelson before the July 4th games. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, currently fifth in the standings but ninth offensively, need to improve their scoring if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Injuries have become a significant issue this season. Last week, Golden State’s Kayla Thornton had her season ended by knee surgery, Angel McCoughtry missed two games with back issues, and Brenna Stewart left a game due to calf tightness. Kate Rinkler remains sidelined with a groin injury, and MVP Napheesa Collier has been managing shoulder pain throughout the season.
What’s causing this spike in injuries? Beyond inconsistent refereeing and the increased scrutiny of the league, the main factor appears to be the growing number of games and tighter scheduling. Since 2021, the regular-season games have risen by 37.5%, expanding from 36 games in 2022 to 40 games this year and next, and 44 planned for 2025. Despite more games, the season’s overall length hasn’t extended, resulting in less time between games.
For example, six teams—the Dreams, Aces, Liberty, Mystics, Sun, and Wings—have all played back-to-back games in the past week. Research highlighted by ESPN analyst and former player Rebecca Roby shows a steep decline in average rest days between games since 2021. With ongoing collective bargaining agreement talks, both the league and players must address the need for longer breaks to protect player health. Commissioner Kathy Engelbert is preparing for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, which will require an extended calendar, potentially pushing the season into November. Mercury forward Satou Sabally emphasized the importance of player safety, advocating for a balance allowing top performance while meeting business goals.
Currently, the 44-game season is compressed into 119 days, contributing to a rise in injuries just as fans are eager to see their favorite stars on the court rather than sidelined.
Next week’s games carry playoff implications, featuring matchups between teams close in the standings. The highlight is the rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, though both teams are battling injuries. Other key games include the Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks, Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm—all crucial contests in the race to the playoffs.
Fan Take: This news highlights the incredible challenges WNBA players face with a grueling schedule that threatens their health and performance. It’s essential for the league to prioritize player welfare now, as this will not only sustain athlete longevity but also enhance the quality and excitement of the sport for fans everywhere.
