The WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 race is heating up. Clark, Reese, and Cardoso are battling it out—see who’s leading and what stats really matter.
With just weeks left in the regular season, the battle for WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 is one of the most exciting storylines in women’s basketball right now. From viral highlights to double-doubles and sold-out arenas, this year’s rookie class isn’t just good—they’re transforming the league.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso have all made compelling cases, but only one can take home the trophy. And if you think this is a runaway, think again—this race is close, and fans across the country are making their voices heard.
Let’s break down the latest numbers, drama, and momentum shifts in the most-watched ROY race in recent WNBA history.
Why the 2025 Rookie Class Is So Special
We haven’t seen a rookie group shake up the WNBA like this in over a decade.
What makes this class unique:
- Massive fan bases from college (Clark at Iowa, Reese at LSU, Cardoso at South Carolina)
- High-level production immediately out of the gate
- Social media virality with every big play
- Increased WNBA viewership and ticket sales across all markets
According to Nielsen, WNBA games featuring at least one of these rookies have averaged 1.7 million viewers, nearly doubling the 2024 numbers.
Rookie of the Year Candidates: 2025 Mid-Season Snapshot
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 21.6 | 4.2 | 6.7 | 0.4 | 42.9% | Indiana Fever |
| Angel Reese | 17.8 | 10.3 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 47.6% | Chicago Sky |
| Kamilla Cardoso | 13.5 | 9.6 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 53.4% | Chicago Sky |
All three are excelling in different ways—which makes this award a real toss-up.
Caitlin Clark: The Face of a New Era
Let’s be honest—Caitlin Clark has been the most talked-about athlete in the league this season.
Why she’s the favorite for many:
- Leads all rookies in points and assists
- Has three 30+ point games
- Helped the Indiana Fever sell out every home game
She’s also top 10 in league-wide jersey sales and drives record-breaking ticket demand, as noted in Forbes.
But critics argue that her turnovers and shooting efficiency (just under 43%) could open the door for others.
Angel Reese: Double-Double Machine
Angel Reese isn’t just backing up the hype—she’s breaking records.
Highlights:
- Leads all WNBA players (not just rookies) in double-doubles
- Is averaging more rebounds than most veteran bigs
- Continues to grow her scoring output each month
She’s become a walking 17-10 stat line and has had multiple viral moments with high-profile matchups, especially her July 14 game vs. Caitlin Clark, where she dropped 23 points and 15 boards.
Her game, combined with her massive endorsement deals (Reebok, Amazon, Beats), makes her one of the most marketable players in the league.
Kamilla Cardoso: Underrated Defensive Force
If we’re talking defense, Kamilla Cardoso deserves a seat at the table—and possibly the trophy.
What sets her apart:
- Averages 2.2 blocks per game, 2nd in the WNBA
- Has a field goal percentage over 53%
- Brings global attention from Brazil, increasing international viewership
In the July 19 game vs. Las Vegas, Cardoso recorded 16 rebounds and 5 blocks, holding A’ja Wilson to a season-low 12 points. Her presence in the paint has transformed the Sky’s defensive identity.
Cardoso may not be leading in scoring, but her efficiency and two-way dominance make her a legitimate contender.
Social Media Buzz: Fans Are Divided
The race for Rookie of the Year isn’t just happening on the court—it’s raging on social media.
- #ClarkForROY and #ReeseROY have both trended multiple times this season
- TikTok creators debate the race daily, with highlight clips getting millions of views
- Reddit threads and YouTube analysis channels are constantly updating power rankings
Fan sentiment is split, but one thing’s clear—engagement has never been higher.
What Coaches and Analysts Are Saying
Dawn Staley, who coached Cardoso in college, told ESPN:
“Kamilla isn’t flashy, but she’s the most complete rookie on the defensive end. And defense wins games.”
Meanwhile, Rebecca Lobo recently called Reese the “most physically dominant rookie since Tina Charles.”
Even opposing players are weighing in, with Breanna Stewart saying of Clark:
“She already sees the floor like a veteran. I’d be shocked if she doesn’t win [ROY].”
Rookie Endorsement Deals: Off-Court Influence
Off the hardwood, the ROY candidates are bringing in serious brand partnerships:
- Caitlin Clark: Nike, Gatorade, State Farm
- Angel Reese: Reebok, Amazon, Beats
- Kamilla Cardoso: Puma, Brazilian beverage brand Guaraná Antarctica
Their visibility is helping grow the league, drawing in younger fans and proving that WNBA players are marketable superstars.
What Will Decide the 2025 Rookie of the Year?
Expect these factors to tip the scale:
- Consistency through the final month
- Team success (if the Sky or Fever make a playoff push)
- National TV performance (Clark and Reese each have two primetime games remaining)
- Voter fatigue or media narrative shifts
At this point, it’s too close to call.
Final Thoughts: WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 Is a Win for Everyone
No matter who wins WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025, the biggest winner might be the league itself. These three rookies—Clark, Reese, and Cardoso—have boosted viewership, ticket sales, merchandise, and fan engagement across the board.
They’ve made the WNBA must-watch. And that’s the kind of impact no trophy can fully capture.
What Do You Think?
Who deserves Rookie of the Year in 2025—Clark, Reese, or Cardoso?
Got a dark horse candidate? We want to hear your take!
Drop a comment below, share this with your WNBA group chat, and subscribe for weekly recaps, player rankings, and exclusive insights.
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FAQs
1. Who is leading the WNBA Rookie of the Year race in 2025?
It’s a tight race between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso—all putting up impressive stats.
2. Has a rookie ever won Defensive Player of the Year?
It’s rare, but Kamilla Cardoso could be in contention due to her elite shot-blocking.
3. Does team success impact ROY voting?
Yes, but it’s not the only factor. Individual performance and media narrative also weigh heavily.
4. Are fans allowed to vote for Rookie of the Year?
No, it’s decided by a panel of media members, but fan sentiment can influence perception.
5. Where can I watch upcoming rookie matchups?
Check ABC, ESPN, and Prime Video. Most games featuring Clark and Reese are nationally televised.
