The WNBA Rookie of the Year race 2025 is heating up—Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso are all in the mix. Who’s your pick?
The WNBA Rookie of the Year race 2025 might be the most competitive in league history. With a star-studded rookie class that includes Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso, fans are witnessing one of the most electrifying seasons of women’s basketball in recent memory. From record-breaking viewership to viral highlight reels, these rookies aren’t just fitting in—they’re taking over.
This race isn’t just about points and rebounds. It’s about impact, endorsements, TV ratings, and the future of the WNBA. So, let’s break down who’s leading the charge and what could tip the scales as we approach the playoffs.
Why This Year’s Rookie Class Is So Special
The 2025 WNBA draft class came in with huge expectations—and somehow, it’s overdelivered.
What makes this group stand out:
- Massive college followings (Clark, Reese, and Cardoso were household names before they ever played a pro game)
- High-level production from Day 1
- Social media dominance
- Fresh rivalries and storylines that fuel fan engagement
From a league growth perspective, this rookie class couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025: Top 3 Candidates
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | Double-Doubles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 20.2 | 3.4 | 7.6 | 41.9% | 2 |
| Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | 15.3 | 11.2 | 1.5 | 47.6% | 13 |
| Kamilla Cardoso | Chicago Sky | 12.1 | 9.3 | 1.1 | 53.4% | 8 |
Caitlin Clark: The Ratings Magnet
Clark’s impact can’t be overstated. She’s leading all rookies in scoring and assists, and her presence has transformed Indiana from a bottom-tier team to a playoff contender.
She’s also:
- The top-selling jersey in the league
- Boosted Fever game viewership by 150%
- Starred in national ads for Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm
- Already voted an All-Star starter
But critics point to her turnover rate and streaky shooting as potential concerns. Still, her influence on the league is unmatched.
Angel Reese: The Hustle Queen
Don’t let Clark’s spotlight distract you—Angel Reese is putting up historic rebounding numbers for a rookie. Her 13 double-doubles lead all first-year players.
What sets her apart:
- Elite rebounding and physicality
- Strong on-court presence and leadership
- Growing fanbase on TikTok and Instagram
- Consistent performance even against top teams
And let’s not forget, Reese vs Clark is still the most-watched matchup of the season, drawing 2.4M viewers on ABC.
Kamilla Cardoso: Underrated but Dominant
Overshadowed by her flashier teammates, Kamilla Cardoso is quietly having a sensational rookie season. She’s a force in the paint and shooting over 53% from the field.
Why she matters in this race:
- Strong defensive presence
- Top-tier shot-blocker
- High-efficiency scoring
- Playing valuable minutes in crunch time
Cardoso may not win, but her impact on the Sky’s playoff chances is very real.
What the Experts Are Saying
“This is the tightest Rookie of the Year race I’ve seen in 15 years.” — Rebecca Lobo, ESPN
“Clark might be the face, but Reese is the engine. It’ll come down to the final week.” — Andraya Carter, SEC Network
The analysts agree—this one’s going to the wire.
Social Media Is Eating This Race Alive
Fan debates are relentless across TikTok, Reddit, and Twitter (X).
Hot takes flying around:
- “Clark gets the views, but Reese is more consistent.”
- “Kamilla is the most efficient player—just watch the tape.”
- “Clark deserves it for carrying Indiana alone.”
And with every game, those opinions shift. The hashtag #WNBAROY2025 has already passed 112 million views on TikTok.
Endorsements and Brand Buzz
This rookie class is cashing in.
- Caitlin Clark: Nike, Gatorade, State Farm
- Angel Reese: Reebok, Beats by Dre, Amazon Fashion
- Kamilla Cardoso: Puma, Brazilian beauty brand “O Boticário”
In today’s WNBA, endorsement power matters—and could sway media votes too.
Fan Voting & Media Influence in Award Races
While WNBA Rookie of the Year is determined by media members, public sentiment definitely plays a role.
And right now, it’s looking like:
- Clark leads in name recognition and media coverage
- Reese dominates highlight reels and fan loyalty
- Cardoso is gaining late momentum as a team anchor
If Clark has a few more high-profile performances, she could seal the deal. But one big playoff push from Reese or Cardoso? Things could flip fast.
Upcoming Games That Could Decide the Race
- July 25 – Fever vs Liberty (Clark vs Stewart)
- July 29 – Sky vs Aces (Reese vs Wilson)
- August 5 – Sky vs Fever (ROTY showdown!)
These games will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with millions expected to tune in.
Conclusion: Who Will Win WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025?
It’s still anyone’s game. The WNBA Rookie of the Year race in 2025 is not just a stat battle—it’s a cultural moment. Clark has the numbers, Reese has the grit, and Cardoso is rising fast. One thing’s for sure: the future of women’s basketball is in very good hands.
So, who’s your pick for ROTY? Drop your vote in the comments, share with your WNBA crew, and don’t forget to follow for weekly playoff coverage and award predictions!
FAQs
1. Who is leading the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year race?
Caitlin Clark leads statistically, but Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are strong contenders.
2. What is Caitlin Clark’s average points per game?
She’s averaging 20.2 points per game as of late July 2025.
3. How many double-doubles does Angel Reese have?
Reese currently has 13 double-doubles, the most of any rookie this season.
4. When is the WNBA Rookie of the Year announced?
The award is usually announced shortly after the regular season ends in September.
5. Where can I watch upcoming rookie matchups?
Games are aired on ESPN, ABC, and WNBA League Pass.
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