The WNBA MVP race 2025 is heating up. See who’s leading, who’s rising fast, and how rookies like Caitlin Clark are shaking up the conversation.
The WNBA MVP race 2025 is one of the most competitive in recent memory—and it’s not just the usual suspects. With new stars like Caitlin Clark entering the mix and veterans continuing to dominate, this year’s Most Valuable Player award is shaping up to be a showdown of eras.
As viewership numbers climb and fan engagement soars, the MVP race is more than a stat sheet. It’s a cultural moment for women’s basketball 2025—and everyone has an opinion. Let’s break down the front-runners, the dark horses, and the narratives driving one of the league’s biggest honors.
Why the 2025 MVP Race Feels Different
In past seasons, MVP discussions often boiled down to one or two dominant names. Not this year.
What’s New:
- Rookies like Caitlin Clark are putting up historic numbers.
- Mid-season injuries have opened the door for new contenders.
- TV ratings and fan votes are more influential than ever.
The league is thriving on unpredictability—and that includes the MVP race.
Top Contenders for WNBA MVP 2025
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | 24.7 | 9.3 | 2.0 | 17–6 |
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | 22.1 | 8.7 | 3.4 | 16–7 |
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 21.5 | 5.2 | 7.3 | 13–10 |
| Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut Sun | 14.9 | 10.1 | 8.2 | 15–8 |
| Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | 15.1 | 11.2 | 1.6 | 12–11 |
A’ja Wilson: The MVP Favorite (Again)
A’ja Wilson is no stranger to MVP talks—and 2025 is no exception. The Las Vegas Aces forward continues to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Why She’s the Favorite:
- Consistent scoring and rebounding.
- Anchors the league’s top-ranked defense.
- Leading a team with championship pedigree.
Her performance is efficient, steady, and undeniably elite. If voters go with the “best player on the best team,” Wilson wins—again.
Caitlin Clark: The Rookie Disruptor in the MVP Conversation
No rookie has made this kind of impact since Candace Parker in 2008. Caitlin Clark is not just putting up wild numbers—she’s changing the game.
Clark’s 2025 Highlights:
- Leads the league in assists per game (7.3).
- Third in scoring among all players.
- Has helped transform Indiana into a playoff contender.
Add her massive endorsement portfolio (Nike, Gatorade, State Farm) and record-breaking viewership numbers, and it’s clear: MVP or not, she’s already the face of the league.
Breanna Stewart: Quiet Dominance in New York
While Clark grabs headlines, Stewart continues to silently destroy opponents. She does everything—score, rebound, defend—and makes it look easy.
Why she’s a contender:
- Her versatility is unmatched.
- A consistent leader for a stacked Liberty squad.
- She’s top 5 in PER, efficiency rating, and total win shares.
If New York finishes strong, she could reclaim the crown she last won in 2023.
Alyssa Thomas: The Triple-Double Machine
Alyssa Thomas may not be flashy, but her impact is enormous. She’s already recorded six triple-doubles this season alone.
Why She Deserves Consideration:
- Leads the league in rebounding and assists combined.
- A walking stat sheet for the Connecticut Sun.
- Huge locker room and defensive presence.
Thomas is the definition of a “do-everything” MVP, and if voters value well-rounded production, she’s in the mix.
Angel Reese: Can a Rookie Win MVP and ROY?
Reese has not only filled the stat sheet but also lifted the Sky into playoff position. With 15 straight double-doubles, she’s rewriting the rookie record book.
MVP might be a stretch this year, but if her trajectory continues, she’ll be in serious talks in 2026 and beyond.
What Fans and Analysts Are Saying
Social media is on fire with MVP debates.
“It’s Caitlin Clark. No other rookie has done this.”
“A’ja’s been the best player in the league for three years. Give her the respect.”
“What about Alyssa Thomas?? Most underrated player in WNBA history.”
Hashtags like #WNBA_MVP, #Clark4MVP, and #WilsonDynasty are trending weekly on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
TV Ratings: MVPs Draw Viewers
Caitlin Clark-led games are averaging 2.1 million viewers, while Liberty and Aces matchups regularly top 1.5M. It’s clear: MVP-level talent equals more eyeballs.
These numbers are influencing everything from sponsorship deals to primetime scheduling—and that could factor into voting.
Past MVP Winners and Voting Trends
Understanding voter behavior helps predict outcomes:
- Voters often reward team success + individual dominance.
- Rookies rarely win, but historic years like Clark’s could flip the script.
- Narrative plays a bigger role than most admit.
| Year | MVP Winner | Team Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Breanna Stewart | 32–8 | Led Liberty to top seed |
| 2022 | A’ja Wilson | 26–10 | Defensive Player of the Year too |
| 2021 | Jonquel Jones | 26–6 | Dominated statistically |
Endorsements and MVP Buzz: The Business Side
MVP buzz fuels off-court success. In 2025, top MVP candidates are also top earners:
- Clark: $5M+ in endorsement deals
- Wilson: Long-time Nike athlete and Gatorade partner
- Stewart: Puma’s WNBA face and Liberty merch driver
These deals not only reflect popularity—but help fund league growth.
Final Thoughts: The MVP Race is the WNBA’s Best Storyline
The WNBA MVP race 2025 isn’t just about trophies. It’s about the league’s future. It’s about legacies, new faces, and shifting narratives. Whether it’s a seasoned champion like A’ja Wilson or a breakout rookie like Caitlin Clark, the outcome will send a strong message about what fans—and the league—value most.
🗳️ Who’s your pick for MVP in 2025? Wilson? Clark? Stewart?
Drop your vote in the comments, share with your WNBA crew, and subscribe for more hot takes, player stats, and behind-the-scenes drama from the world of women’s basketball.
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External Link: WNBA Official Site
FAQs
1. Can a rookie win WNBA MVP?
It’s rare but possible. Caitlin Clark’s 2025 season is strong enough to earn serious consideration.
2. Who is the current MVP favorite?
A’ja Wilson leads most predictions due to her scoring, defense, and team success.
3. How is MVP decided in the WNBA?
A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes at the end of the regular season.
4. Has anyone ever won MVP and Rookie of the Year?
Yes, Candace Parker achieved that feat in 2008.
5. When is the 2025 WNBA MVP announced?
Usually right after the regular season, ahead of the playoffs in September.
