The WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 race is heating up! See who’s leading, who’s surprising, and why it’s more than just Caitlin Clark.
The race for WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and talked-about storylines in women’s basketball 2025. While most headlines scream Caitlin Clark, she’s not the only rookie making waves this season. From Angel Reese’s rebounding dominance to Cameron Brink’s defensive presence, the rookie class is loaded with talent.
Whether you’re catching every Fever game or just tuning into the highlights, the Rookie of the Year conversation is hard to ignore—and it’s only getting more intense.
Why 2025’s Rookie Class Is Special
This year’s WNBA rookie class is arguably the most hyped in league history, thanks in large part to:
- Historic college viewership numbers from Iowa vs LSU
- Massive NIL followings and endorsement deals
- Increased national TV coverage for WNBA games
With five rookies averaging double figures and at least three in contention for Rookie of the Year honors, 2025 is redefining what a first-year player can do in the pros.
Top Contenders for WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025
Here are the rookies turning heads halfway through the season:
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 20.6 | 4.8 | 7.1 | 43.2% |
| Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | 14.2 | 10.7 | 1.5 | 47.5% |
| Cameron Brink | Los Angeles Sparks | 9.8 | 6.2 | 2.2 | 48.1% |
| Rickea Jackson | Los Angeles Sparks | 11.7 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 45.0% |
| Kamilla Cardoso | Chicago Sky | 8.5 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 49.8% |
Caitlin Clark: The Favorite but Not a Lock
Clark is undoubtedly the face of the rookie class—and maybe even the league. She’s brought in millions of new fans, sold out arenas, and sparked record WNBA viewership. Her vision, range, and leadership are beyond her years.
But she’s not without criticism:
- Turnover issues, especially under defensive pressure.
- Some analysts believe the Fever’s team struggles may hurt her ROY chances.
- Fan and media attention has led to ongoing debates about fairness and favoritism.
Still, with stats like 20.6 PPG and 7.1 assists, she’s hard to beat.
Angel Reese: The Rebounding Queen Taking Over Chicago
Reese is putting up double-doubles almost every night, making her a serious threat in this race. She recently broke the record for consecutive double-doubles by a rookie, surpassing legends like Tamika Catchings.
Why Reese Deserves More Attention:
- Leads all rookies in rebounding.
- Top 5 in the league for offensive boards.
- Brings defensive toughness the Sky desperately need.
She’s also a media powerhouse, frequently trending for both her play and personality.
Cameron Brink: The Silent Defensive Anchor
While not the flashiest name on social media, Cameron Brink has quietly become one of the league’s best rim protectors. The Sparks are relying heavily on her shot-blocking, and she’s responded by averaging 2.7 blocks per game, leading all rookies.
Brink’s ROY Case:
- Anchors the Sparks’ paint defense.
- Efficient shooting and low turnover rate.
- Doesn’t get the same media buzz but earns respect from coaches and players alike.
She’s the classic case of a player whose impact goes beyond the box score.
The Role of Team Success in the ROY Race
Historically, Rookie of the Year has often gone to standout players on underperforming teams. But with Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever both fighting for playoff spots, team success may tip the scale this year.
Historical Note:
- 2022: Rhyne Howard (non-playoff team)
- 2023: Aliyah Boston (non-playoff team)
- 2025: Could be the first time in 5 years a rookie on a playoff-bound team wins
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
No surprise—social media is divided:
“Caitlin Clark is the clear Rookie of the Year. Look at those assists!”
“Angel Reese plays both ends. Clark just gets the ESPN love.”
“Can we get co-ROY this year? Because both deserve it.”
TikTok edits, X threads, and Reddit debates are nonstop. The #WNBA and #ROY2025 hashtags have gained millions of views over the past month.
Endorsements: How Off-Court Impact Plays a Role
Though ROY voting is performance-based, it’s hard to ignore how these rookies are shaping the business side of the WNBA.
Notable Endorsement Deals:
- Caitlin Clark – Nike, Gatorade, State Farm
- Angel Reese – Reebok, Beats by Dre, Amazon Fashion
- Cameron Brink – New Balance and Lululemon partnerships
Their success off the court elevates the league and creates more incentive for future expansion and investment.
What to Watch in the Second Half of the Season
With the season heading into the final stretch, here’s what could decide the ROY award:
- Clark improving her turnover-to-assist ratio
- Reese leading Chicago to a playoff berth
- Brink climbing the Defensive Player of the Year conversation
Expect this race to go down to the final week.
Final Thoughts: Rookie of the Year in 2025 Is a Legacy Award
The WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 will be more than just a trophy—it will be a statement about where the league is headed. Clark may be the media darling, but Reese and Brink are building powerful narratives of their own. With so much on the line, every game, rebound, assist, and clutch moment counts.
💬 Who’s YOUR pick for WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025?
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External Link: WNBA Official Site
FAQs
1. Who is leading the WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 race right now?
Caitlin Clark is the frontrunner, but Angel Reese is close behind due to her rebounding dominance.
2. Has any rookie ever won both ROY and MVP in the same season?
No, but Clark has been mentioned in early MVP discussions because of her impact.
3. Can team success influence the Rookie of the Year decision?
Yes. If Clark or Reese lead their teams to the playoffs, that could give them the edge.
4. Are fan votes part of the ROY selection?
No, it’s decided by a panel of media members, but fan narratives often influence the perception.
5. When is the WNBA Rookie of the Year announced?
The award is typically announced after the conclusion of the regular season in September.
