Liberty Top ESPN's 2026 WNBA Rankings as 2-0 Valkyries Jump to No. 2

5 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 12

Golden State opened at No. 2 in ESPN's first 2026 WNBA Power Rankings after a 2-0 weekend, climbing eight spots from preseason projections despite scrutiny over recent roster moves.
Two wins drove that rise: the Valkyries beat Seattle 91-80 and Phoenix 95-79, with Janelle Salaun scoring 20 and 21 points and Veronica Burton posting 29 points, 18 assists and one turnover combined.
New York claimed No. 1 at 2-0 after routing Connecticut 106-75 and edging Washington 98-93 in overtime, powered by Breanna Stewart's 54 points, 19 rebounds, six assists and five blocks.
Dallas debuted at No. 3 after a 107-104 win at Indiana, while Phoenix landed fourth after crushing defending champion Las Vegas 99-66 before losing to Golden State.
ESPN said the weekly rankings are meant to track current form rather than standings, signaling likely volatility early in a season that already includes three expansion teams.

Was the Valkyries' controversial draft trade a savvy cap move or a cover for failing to land a bigger star?

Can the Valkyries' 'continuity' strategy satisfy their owner's aggressive five-year championship timeline?