Check out the most improved WNBA players 2025! These 6 breakout stars made huge leaps in performance and are reshaping the league’s future.
Every WNBA season has a few surprises, but 2025 brought career breakouts that flipped scripts, saved seasons, and reshaped franchises. The Most Improved WNBA Players 2025 aren’t just better than last year—they’re now centerpieces.
Let’s dive into the six biggest leaps of the season and what it means for the future of the league.
What “Most Improved” Really Means in the WNBA
It’s Not Just Stats—It’s About Role, Impact, and Growth
Sure, stats matter—but it’s also about how a player gets them. Are they getting starter minutes? Are they closing out games? Did they go from forgotten to franchise cornerstone?
How the League Recognizes Development Year Over Year
The Most Improved Player Award is voted on by media and considers season-over-season improvement in all aspects—scoring, leadership, efficiency, and defensive impact.
Most Improved WNBA Players 2025 – Top 6 Breakout Performers
1. Shakira Austin – From Role Player to All-Star for the Mystics
After injuries slowed her down in 2024, Shakira returned with purpose. She’s averaging 16.2 PPG and 9.5 RPG, anchoring the paint and leading a depleted Mystics squad. Her footwork, touch, and rebounding instincts have taken a massive leap.
2. NaLyssa Smith – Taking Over as Indiana’s Frontcourt Force
While Caitlin Clark grabs headlines, NaLyssa Smith is thriving. She’s gone from solid to spectacular, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds per game, shooting nearly 50% from the field. Her chemistry with Clark and Boston has unlocked Indiana’s offense.
3. Lexie Brown – Spark Plug Guard with Career-Best Numbers
Once a rotation guard, Lexie Brown is now starting and producing at both ends. With the Sparks, she’s putting up career highs in points, assists, and steals, and has become a reliable three-point threat.
4. Satou Sabally – Healthy, Hungry, and Dominant in Dallas
Last year, health held her back. This year? She’s healthy and playing at an All-WNBA level. Sabally’s stat line is stuffed nightly—scoring, rebounding, defending. She’s the best version of herself, and it’s scary.
5. Dana Evans – Emerging Floor General for the Chicago Sky
After years of coming off the bench, Evans has found her groove. She’s leading the Sky in assists, creating plays late in games, and becoming a vocal leader. The growth in confidence is visible in every possession.
6. Awak Kuier – EuroLeague Confidence Boosting Her WNBA Game
After a strong season overseas, Kuier returned to Dallas more polished, confident, and effective. Her block rate, mobility, and decision-making have improved dramatically—earning her consistent minutes and praise from coaches.
Honorable Mentions
- Jordan Horston (Seattle Storm) – Increased minutes and defensive energy.
- Myisha Hines-Allen (Washington Mystics) – Rebounding and mid-range shooting are back.
- DiJonai Carrington (Connecticut Sun) – Instant energy off the bench and improved shot selection.
Most Improved Player Award 2025: Leading Candidates
Who the Stats Say Should Win
- Shakira Austin: Points +6.8, FG% up 7%, defensive rating improved by 10 points.
- NaLyssa Smith: Career highs across the board and key to Indiana’s playoff push.
What the Eye Test Tells Us
Satou Sabally looks like the most complete player of the group. Her impact on both ends is undeniable—and it’s not just numbers, it’s presence.
Why 2025 Was the Year of the Breakout
Expanded Roles Due to Trades, Injuries, and Coaching Changes
Vacated minutes meant opportunity. And this year, several players seized those chances with confidence and consistency.
Development Systems Are Finally Paying Off
Franchises like Indiana, Dallas, and Chicago have invested heavily in player development—and 2025 proves it’s working.
How These Improvements Changed Their Teams’ Trajectories
- Washington went from basement to competitive because of Austin’s rise.
- Indiana became more than just “the Clark show” thanks to Smith.
- Chicago’s offense flows smoother now that Dana Evans is in charge.
These aren’t just improved players—they’re improved teams because of it.
What to Watch in 2026: Who’s Next to Break Out?
Keep an eye on:
- Charisma Osborne (Connecticut)
- Zia Cooke (Los Angeles)
- Dorka Juhász (Minnesota)
The 2025 class raised the standard—and the next wave is coming.
Final Thoughts on the Most Improved WNBA Players of 2025
The most improved WNBA players 2025 are more than award candidates—they’re the rising stars driving the next chapter of the league. They’ve put in the work, expanded their games, and changed their reputations.
Don’t be surprised if a few of these names are All-Stars or max contract players by this time next year.
FAQs About Most Improved WNBA Players 2025
What is the criteria for the Most Improved Player award?
It’s based on year-over-year growth in performance, minutes, efficiency, and team impact.
Can a second-year player win Most Improved?
Yes, as long as the leap is significant—especially in role and production.
How is the award different from Rookie of the Year?
ROTY is for first-year players only; MIP focuses on returning players who took a leap.
Who won Most Improved Player in 2024?
Satou Sabally won in 2024 after a major scoring and rebounding jump.
Where can I follow player stats live?
Track real-time stats at WNBA.com/stats and breaking updates on USA Sports Pulse.
